POSITION OBJECTIVE:

The position of Braillist – Para Educator V is done for the purpose of supporting directly and indirectly the learning needs of visually impaired students.

COMMITMENT TO EQUITY:

The Bellevue School District is committed to a diverse workforce representative of our students, one that embraces and models cultural competency as an international community.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: (These duties are a representative sample; position assignments may vary.)

If the position works directly with students:
• Provides Braille services and support in alignment with student needs.
• Provides for the physical, health and safety needs of students.
• Provides social, emotional, behavioral and educational support for students with significant disabilities.
• Provides direct academic, functional, vocational and specifically designed instruction.
• Serves as advocate and support of students with disabilities in their least restrictive environment.
• Supports students with significant emotional regulation challenges.
• Encourages and fosters student independence in all settings.
• May Assist students pre-school to adulthood with activities of daily living.
• Responds to student medical needs within the scope of the position.
• Maintains records as required for the position.
• Maintains confidentiality as required for the position.
• For some position assignments, coaches students in job techniques and work ethics.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

If the position works indirectly with students:
• Provides Braille services and support in alignment with student needs.
• Performs Braille translation and transcription services as required for the position.
• Assists teachers with adapting and modifying materials required Braille to meet student needs.
• Maintains records as required for the position.
• Maintains confidentiality as required for the position.
• Utilizes computers and technology as needed to adapt and modify materials to meet the needs of students and teachers.
• Prepares instructional materials and other required documents in large type for partially sighted students.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:

• Reports directly to and is supervised by the designated Special Education Supervisor.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE (positions in this class typically require):

Required:
• High school degree or equivalent
• Associate’s degree (AA) or two years of college
• Experience working with special education students or students with cognitive or behavioral challenges
• Experience working with visually impaired students
• Successful completion of the national Literary Braille Competency Test

Preferred:
• Previous experience providing Braille services and support

Allowable Substitutions:
• Training and experience may be considered as substitutions for Associate’s degree or experience working with students

LICENSING REQUIREMENTS (positions in this class typically require):

• First AID/CPR certification required
• National Certification in Unified English Braille (NCUEB) preferred

KNOWLEDGE (position requirements at entry):

• Demonstrates required expertise with Braille
• Understands the basics of child development and the behavior of children
• Knowledgeable of reading, writing and arithmetic
• Understands safety procedures for students and staff
• Understands behavior modification programs, including restraint techniques
• Utilizes adaptive technology and equipment to meet student needs
• Demonstrates non-violent crisis intervention techniques, including de-escalation strategies
• Utilizes basic therapy techniques and procedures
• Knowledgeable of functional life skills/activities of daily living
• Work with students in a warm and confident manner
• Demonstrates the ability to work effectively as member of a team

SKILLS (position requirements at entry):

• Possesses ability to follow oral and written directions
• Demonstrates ability to model and monitor appropriate student behavior
• Maintains confidentiality and respect between students, parents and teachers
• Maintains positive relationships with students, staff, parents and the public
• Able to perform all physical activities and meet all physical requirements indicated above
• Demonstrates flexibility and the ability to work under pressure
• Demonstrates multicultural sensitivity with the ability to effectively and collaboratively work with diverse populations
• Ability to perform all duties in accordance with all applicable Board policies and district and legal requirements
• Ability to meet and maintain punctuality and attendance expectations

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Positions in this class typically require: stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, finger dexterity, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.

Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Incumbents may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, odors, chemicals, extreme temperatures, inadequate lighting, workspace restrictions, and intense noises.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

AISP pay range E ($ 25.06 – $ 26.11 per hour) 40 hours per week for a 180 - day annual assignment. This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement that requires a membership or representation fee as an ongoing condition of continued employment after an individual is hired. Benefits include retirement, medical, dental, vacation, holidays, and other benefits according to Board policy.

NOTE:

The above job description is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the business needs of the department.

Bellevue School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Title IX Coordinator: Jeff Lowell, 425-456-4010 or lowellj@bsd405.org; Section 504/ADA Coordinator: Heather Edlund, 425-456-4156 or edlundh@bsd405.org; Civil Rights/Nondiscrimination Compliance Coordinator Alexa Allman 425-456-4040 or allmana@bsd405.org. Address for all three: 12111 NE 1st St., Bellevue, WA 98005.