Position Type: Contracted ServicesDate Posted: 3/26/2024Location: Nitro High Closing Date: Open Until FilledPOSITION: Contracted Braille Aide IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: Principal FLSA STATUS: Non-exempt EVALUATION: Performance in this position will be evaluated annually by the building principal/immediate supervisor and in accordance with WV State Code §18A-2-12, WV State Board Policy 5314, and KCS's Guide to Performance Evaluation for Service Personnel. JOB SUMMARY: Braille specialist means personnel employed to provide braille assistance to blind and visually impaired students in their educational program in schools. Works closely with the teacher of the visually impaired to prepare materials in appropriate accessible format based on student's individual needs for viewing (braille, enlarged print, auditory). PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES: Additional duties may be assigned.
- Physically monitor and/or assist students in moving from location to location as needed by the student and under the direction or with instruction of the teacher of the visually impaired, physical therapist, occupational therapist, and/or orientation and mobility instructor.
- Monitor and/or assist in student activities during classroom instruction to enhance student attention and completion of task(s) assigned by the teacher including braille reading and writing and use of specialized equipment for viewing.
- Monitor and/or assist student during independent work to enhance student attention and completion of task(s) and to reinforce target skills including braille reading and writing and use of specialized equipment for viewing.
- Prepare materials in braille, tactile media, large print and/or auditory media as needed by the student under the direction of the teacher of the visually impaired and other appropriate professional staff.
- Maintains regular attendance.
- Maintains a neat and orderly work area.
- Complies with KCS Policies.
- Receives permission from building principal/supervisor to work in excess of 40 hours per week.
- Works cooperatively with school personnel and students to provide coordinated interpreting services to students.
- Work under the direction and supervision of the teacher/professional to whom assigned.
- To assist students and perform other related duties as indicated by teachers and administrators.
- Receives close supervision and verbal instruction.
- To provide an appropriate role model for students.
- To maintain positive work habits, to perform duties efficiently and productively and to maintain and upgrade skills.
- To fulfill duties as described in IEP.
- To act as liaison between educators.
- To assist teachers and bus drivers in monitoring student's activities
- To perform basic clerical assistance.
- Attends meeting/training as requested by supervisor.
- Will be trained in Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation and Non Violent Crises Prevention Intervention.
- Attends in-services and workshops as directed.
- Follows all safety rules and regulations and uses prescribed personal protective equipment.
- Maintains confidentiality.
- Continuously improves processes.
QUALIFICATIONS: High School diploma or equivalent, pursuant to WV Code §18A-2-5; Criminal background check conducted pursuant to WV Code §18-5-15c; Meet the definition of Qualifications in WV Code §18A-4-8b; demonstrated competency, pursuant to WV Code §18A-4-8e (state-approved competency test) as required. Successful applicant must demonstrate an understanding of and basic competency in braille reading and writing and knowledge of blindness and visual impairments via written and performance test prior to employment in the Braille Specialist position. Familiarity with the Unified English Braille Code and rules of braille transcribing and with the Nemeth Code of Braille mathematics and Scientific Notation and knowledge of blindness and visual impairments and their effect on the individual's development and classroom performance required. Successful candidate must complete an in-service training program determined by the state board to be the equivalent of three hours of college credit (e.g. Introduction to Exceptional Children) Completion of fifteen (15) hours of state board approved college credit in a braille specialist training program, with at least a 2.0 grade average and possession of certification from The Library of Congress for Unified English Braille Transcribing, preferred. Be familiar with transcription of specialized materials and operation of specialized equipment
- Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from administrators, staff and the general public.
- Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide consistent with the duties of this position.
- Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions practical situations consistent with the duties of the position.
- Written and oral skills consistent with the duties of this position.
- Ability to interface effectively with other departments, school personnel, other staff and business contacts from outside KCS.
- Ability to work with children and with groups of students to support academics and behavior management.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, parent and staff members.
- Ability to work under minimal or no supervision.
- Ability to understand and follow both written and oral directions.
- Complete necessary training and in-service as required by KCS.
- Ability to solve practical problems in situations where only limited standardization exists consistent with the duties of this position.
- Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, or scheduled form.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stoop, reach, stand, walk, lift, push, pull, grasp, talk, hear, see and use repetitive motions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may frequently lift and/or move at least 50 of materials, children, etc. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision such as to read handwritten or typed material. WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is moderate to loud (60-90 dB). The information contained in the job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and is not an exhaustive list of duties performed by this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned by the Superintendent or his/her designee. REVISED OCTOBER 2011; MARCH 2017