POSITION SUMMARY:
The Vision Instructional Specialist is responsible for the development, coordination and implementation of all county-wide Vision Services and Programs. The responsibilities of this position include collaboration with school and administrative personnel for program planning and design, budget development, recruitment and retention of staff, staffing assignments, observations and professional development. The Instructional Specialist will ensure the Vision program is in compliance with federal, state and local mandates. In addition, the Instructional Specialist will maintain high standards for students, staff and parent satisfaction within Prince George's County Public Schools.
DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
Works with the Supervisor on all facets of program planning and development and all associated budgets for the Vision Program;
Develops caseload and school assignments, and ensures placement of staff at schools, community settings and homes where there is a student identified with a visual impairment;
Supervises and monitors county-wide services of the itinerant Teachers of the Visually Impaired and Orientation and Mobility Instructors in the Vision Program;
Plans and organizes professional development to ensure Teachers of the Visually Impaired and Orientation and Mobility Instructors have the knowledge, skills and expertise to meet the diverse needs of students with disabilities;
Evaluates and ensures adequate resources, equipment, modified textbooks, assistive technology, supplies, and materials are available to staff and students to deliver services listed on the Individualized Education Program (IEP) and the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP);
Assures that brailled Textbooks materials and instruction are provided to students who have this learning media as a part of their IEP or IFSP.
Monitors all documentation for Vision services including student folders, eye medical information, staff service calendars and logs, as well as pertinent information in student records, IEPs and IFSPs;
Reviews and provides input in selecting classroom curriculum materials and textbooks to assure access to the curriculum:
Conducts staff observations and makes recommendations;
Manages the ongoing development and maintenance of best practices relative to Vision service delivery;
Ensures federal, state and local policies and procedures are adhered to by staff;
Submits all required reports to federal state and local agencies such as the American Printing House for the Blind Quota, and the Maryland Deaf Blind Census.
Collaborates with Human Resources on staff recruitment, retention and orientation;
Collaborates with offices such as Human Resources, Payroll, Accounts Payable and Teacher Certification, to maintain accurate processing of data;
Collaborates with the Instructional Supervisors of Curriculum areas such as Reading, Math, Science and Physical education;
Attends scheduled Special Education Leadership and Support Programs Services meetings, and all other meetings related to Programs and Related Services;
Knowledge of and participation in initiatives in the field of Vision occurring throughout the country;
Participates in the Vision State Steering Committee, as a representative of Prince Georges County Public Schools.
Collaborates with agencies and eye medical doctors servicing the Blind and Visually Impaired such as the Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind, Low Vision Centers and Specialists, and the Prevention of Blindness.
Participates in observations and meetings as the Local School System (LSS) for the students from Prince George's County Schools who attend the residential placement at the Maryland School for the Blind.
Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Keeps abreast of latest research, best practices, developments and techniques in the delivery of instruction to students with visual impairment;
Knowledge of Teacher of the Visually Impaired and Orientation and Mobility Instructional techniques, management skills and strategies for modifying curriculum;
Knowledge of Prince George's County Public Schools (PGCPS) organization and student birth through 21 curriculums, programs of studies, federal and state laws related to instruction, and the Maryland Common Core Curriculum;
Thorough knowledge of State and County tests and the unbiased modifications needed for administration to student with visual impairment.
Thorough knowledge of, and experience with the production of Literary and Nemeth Braille.
Expertise working with computers and disability specific software and assistive technology devices;
Expertise and competency in curriculum and grant writing, determining program evaluation criteria and implementing ongoing program evaluation;
Experience in leadership roles and activities in the field of Vision at the county, state, and country levels.
Demonstrate leadership, public speaking and administrative competency;
Ability to analyze student performance and participation data;
Knowledge of current trends in the field of Vision;
Demonstrate competence in developing and leading staff development sessions for school personnel, administrators, community leaders, agencies, and parents;
Knowledge of national and state standards for Teachers of the Visually Impaired and Orientation and Mobility Instructors;
Extensive expertise in the design, implementation, and evaluation of professional development programs and initiatives;
Understanding and expertise in implementing accommodations and modifications;
Effective planning and organization skills, as well as the ability to multi-task and meet deadlines;
Effective communication (oral and written) as well as human relations skills;
Expertise working with public and private agencies at the county, state, and/or federal level.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
Master's Degree from an accredited college or university in the field of Vision study; Five (5) years of successful teaching experience as a Teacher of the Visually Impaired
CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
Administration I Certificate; Advanced Professional Certificate; Maryland Certification in Visual Impairment; and State Certification in Elementary Education or Special Education.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
No direct supervisory responsibilities.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands 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 stand, talk, hear, walk, sit, and use fingers, tools or controls. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision such as to read handwritten or typed material, the ability to adjust focus, and depth perception. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally push or lift up to 25 lbs.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
None.