It is the policy of Norfolk Public Schools to not discriminate on the basis of sex, disability, race, color, religion,

veteran status, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition,

or other protected status in its educational programs, admission policies, employment policies or other administered programs. Persons requiring accommodations to apply and/or be considered for positions are asked to make their request to the Superintendent.

JOB TITLE: Special Education: Vision Program Paraprofessional

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma
• Special knowledge/skills [Braille/Sign Language] (or willingness to complete online programs)
• Good communication skills to present information accurately and clearly
• Typing/keyboarding skills
• Knowledge of technology specific to programming (or willingness to learn and attend workshops)
• Experience in special education or visually impaired programs preferred, but not required

REPORTS TO: Building Principal and Vision Teacher

RECEIVES GUIDANCE FROM: Building Principal and Vision Teacher

JOB GOAL: Assist the teacher in providing and reinforcing education and instruction to students with vision needs

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Nine month, full time position during the school year or as established by the Board of Education

EVALUATION: Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of administrative guidelines and evaluated by building principal and/or vision teacher

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Participates in planning and implementing curriculum for students
• Helps students with makeup work.
• Teach and practice with Braille
• Enlarge materials to meet student needs      
• Utilize learning tools and materials specific to student needs
• Adapt materials to meet the needs of vision students in all environments
• Fax information, requests, and orders as requested
• Use technology programs on various equipment (iPad, Apple, PC, Chromebook),
• Effectively use and maintain vision equipment and supplies
• Transport machines (some heavy lifting up to 35 lbs may be required) to meet individual student needs
• Work with students under the direction of the teacher
• Maintain confidentiality of student information
• Create an environment conducive to learning and appropriate to student needs
• Participate in individual/group activities under staff direction
• Promote educational goals by working with others
• Use effective written and oral communication skills
• Maintain emotional control under stress
• Assist with record keeping and documentation
• Help in the organization and preparation of instructional materials
• Assist in managing the behavior of students in crisis when requested by staff
• Direct questions/concerns to the VI teacher as needed
• Inform the VI teacher (in a written format) of questions and concerns as they arise (written format)
• Keep instructional staff informed of any student special needs/concerns (directed by TVI)  
• Uphold school rules and regulations and the philosophy of VI programming
• (all children can learn, materials reflect student needs, strive for independence)
• Demonstrate interest and initiative in professional improvement to meet student needs, as well as assisting others by providing technical assistance or information as requested
• Work cooperatively with classroom teachers as assigned (inform TVI of concerns)
• Maintain in oneself and students a positive attitude, good work habits, and respect for others
• Participates in all school-related activities and meetings that are expected of other paraprofessionals