Braille Instructor SDBF0006

Title: Braille Instructor SDBF0006

State Role Title: Trainer and Instructor II

Hiring Range: $53,133 - $93,872

Pay Band: 4

Agency: VA School for the Deaf & Blind

Location: VA School for Deaf & Blind

Agency Website: www.vsdb.k12.va.us

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

About Us
The Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind (VSDB) is located in the historic, vibrant city of Staunton, Virginia. VSDB provides superior education for students who are deaf/hard of hearing, blind/vision impaired, deafblind, and deaf or blind with other disabilities.

VSDB offers PreK-12 education with both residential and day student options.

VSDB believes that disabilities are challenges not barriers and supports each student in their goal to be independent and to reach their highest academic potential! VSDB prepares students for life!

About this position

The Braille Instructor at the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind (VSDB), provides direct, specialized instruction in Braille literacy and related skills to students who are blind, visually impaired, or deafblind. This position serves as an IEP case manager for assigned students. The Braille Instructor assesses individual student needs, develops and implements individualized instruction, monitors student progress, and collaborates with classroom teachers, families, and related service providers to support students' development of functional and academic Braille skills.

The Braille Instructor at VSDB serves as a resource to instructional staff regarding Braille literacy, accessible instruction, and the use of Braille-related technology. The position supports students in developing the skills necessary to access the general curriculum, communicate effectively, and increase independence across educational and daily living environments.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in special education, visual impairments, education, or a related field.

Valid Virginia teaching license with an endorsement appropriate for teaching students with visual impairments, or eligibility for such licensure.

Advanced knowledge and proficiency in Braille reading and writing.

Knowledge of Unified English Braille (UEB) and applicable Braille formatting standards.

Knowledge of Braille literacy development and effective instructional practices for students who are blind or visually impaired.

Ability to assess Braille literacy skills and use assessment data to develop individualized instruction.

Ability to provide effective direct instruction to students with a wide range of ages, abilities, and learning needs.

Knowledge of assistive technology used by students who are blind or visually impaired.
Ability to teach students to use Braille technology independently.

Strong communication, collaboration, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to collect, analyze, and communicate student progress data.

Ability to develop effective instructional strategies and methods and the ability to differentiate instruction to meet diverse student needs.

Ability to establish positive relationships with students and promote student independence and self-advocacy.

Ability to design a schedule that meets service minute requirements for caseload responsibilities.

Minimum proficiency level of Novice in American Sign Language as measured by the Sign Language Proficiency Interview or agreement to acquire this level within three years of hire.

Additional Considerations

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience providing direct Braille instruction to students in an educational setting.

Knowledge and demonstrated proficiency in Nemeth Code.

Knowledge and experience developing and following student Individualized Education Plans.

Experience with Braille technology, including electronic Braille displays, notetakers, translation software, and embossers.

Experience working with students who have multiple disabilities or additional learning needs.

Experience incorporating Expanded Core Curriculum skills into instruction.

Experience with assessment and progress monitoring of Braille literacy.

Experience providing direct Braille instruction to students in an educational setting.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

If selected as a finalist with VSDB, candidates can expect the following:

Background Investigation Requirements: All applicants are subject to a background investigation. Investigations may include fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI); the Department of Social Service’s Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry check; verification of education (relevant to employment); and other checks based on the position.

Application Requirements: Application and/or résumé for this position are only accepted electronically through the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Electronic Recruitment System. All applications should be submitted by 11:55pm on the closing date for the position. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications and/or résumés will not be accepted. The decision to interview an applicant is based solely on the information received for this position from the electronic application and/or résumé.

Layoff Preferences: Applicants who possess an Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Form) or a Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Form) as issued under the Department of Human Resources Management (DHRM) Policy 1.30 Layoff (Commonwealth of VA employees only) MUST attach these forms when submitting their state application and/or résumé.

VSDB is an EEO employer and is committed to supporting workforce diversity, equitable opportunities and inclusivity. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.

VSDB values our Veterans and encourages all to apply and receive preference in the hiring process. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other nation service alumni are also encouraged to apply.

Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer

Contact Information

Name: Jody Beelendorf

Phone: 540-332-9069

Email: jody.beelendorf@vsdbs.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.