Vision Program Assistant

Under the supervision of the teacher of the visually impaired, the vision assistant will enhance the effectiveness of learning opportunities for visually impaired students by providing direct instruction to students to increase their visual efficiency skills, modifying materials, and assisting students in the operation and maintenance of specialized equipment. The person in this position will provide Braille material and instruction in the Braille code in accordance with WAC 181-82-130.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. This list is meant to be representative, not exhaustive. Some incumbents may not perform all the duties listed while in other cases related duties may also be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Experience
Associate's degree or minimum of two years of college
One year experience working with visually-impaired children and/or supporting teacher(s) of visually impaired

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Existing certification as a Braillist

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
Successful completion of a Unified English Braille (UEB) certification exam within one year of employment, as required by WAC 181-82-130
Successful completion of the Unified English Braille (UEB) recertification exam every five years as required by WAC 181-82-130.
Criminal background clearance
Work scheduled hours on a consistent basis
Valid Washington state driver's license
History of consistent attendance and positive evaluations

KNOWLEDGE OF:
Microsoft Windows and/or other computer operating systems
Microsoft Office
Familiarity with general software programs

ABILITY TO:
Learn and demonstrate an understanding of literary and Nemeth Braille for reading, math, writing, and translation purposes in accordance with WAC 181-82-130.
Collaborate effectively with classroom teachers, related service providers, students, parents, and building staff members
Meet the needs of students, staff, and parents
Respond to needs for materials modifications
Follow written and verbal instructions with minimum supervision
Speak, read, and follow written communications in English
Demonstrate the desire, skill, and patience to work with students with special emotional, academic, and social needs
Demonstrate willingness to continue professional growth
Interact positively with a wide range of temperaments and personalities
Communicate effectively verbally and in writing
Demonstrate proficiency using an e-mail system
Demonstrate basic knowledge modern technology and willingness and ability to increase knowledge to proficiency
Demonstrate exemplary customer service and have the ability to effectively interact with administrators, office, support and teaching staff, applicants and other community members
Remain flexible
Cope with frequent interruptions and to shift priorities to meet required deadlines
Attend to detail and follow tasks through to completion
Exercise initiative, make independent decisions, multi-task and follow through on assignments
Demonstrate work as a team member and resolve conflicts
Resolve routine problems and make decisions within established parameters
Cope with and assist angry or distraught staff, applicants, and other community members
Maintain a high level of confidentiality
Maintain effective working relationships with individuals and groups in a multicultural and diverse community
Practice ethical and professional standards of conduct including the requirements of confidentiality
Abide by Federal Way Public Schools' Policies and Procedures
Perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES RELATED TO CULTURAL COMPETENCE AND EQUITY:
Knowledge/awareness of own cultural identity and how this influences behavior, and desire to learn about the cultural identity of others.
Ability to establish and nurture an environment that promotes cultural competence and equitable treatment of staff, students, and patrons of the District.
Ability to understand and hold self and others accountable for promoting the Federal Way Public Schools' commitment to "Each Scholar: A Voice. A Dream. A Bright Future."
Ability to recognize that each person is a unique individual even as we celebrate their group cultural heritage.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here 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 will regularly stand and walk, bend neck and back, use hands for repetitive grasping and pushing/pulling. The employee may occasionally be required to squat, kneel, and use hands for fine manipulation. The employee will constantly be required to sit for extended periods of time and use a computer screen and keyboard, and occasionally be required to climb stairs/ladder, lift and reach overhead, and lift/carry. The employee must constantly lift/carry up to 5 pounds and must frequently lift /carry up to 10 pounds. The employee will occasionally lift/carry a maximum of 20 lbs. The employee is occasionally required to push/pull a maximum weight of 100 pounds.

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.

This position regularly works in indoor conditions and regularly works near video display. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The position constantly deals with interruptions and frequently deals with angry and distraught employees and community members. This position requires driving to student placements to provide services and to deliver materials and equipment.

WORK SCHEDULE
This position is for 180 days per year during the school year. Hours and days will vary slightly from school to school.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP
This position reports to, and is evaluated by the certificated teacher of the visually impaired

REPRESENTATION
Professional-Technical Employees Association

LEVEL OF COMPENSATION
Level C on the Prof-Tech salary schedule

Disclaimer
The preceding list is not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary. The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the scope of responsibility and the level of knowledge and skills typically required, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements, skills or duties so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside their normal responsibilities from time to time as needed.

All employment open positions are made available on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender, age, disability or veteran status.

CLASSIFICATION HISTORY
Update 9/1/01
Updated to new format and to reflect change in WAC 06/2017

Job descriptions are written as a representative list of the ADA essential duties performed by the entire classification. They cannot include, and are not intended to include, every possible activity and task performed by every specific employee.

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