Teacher of the Visually Impaired

Teacher of the Visually Impaired

Vision Forward, a cutting-edge non-profit organization, currently has a career opportunity for a part-time / PRN Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI) to work primarily with the birth to six population.  The ideal candidate is dedicated to assisting families of children with visual impairments to achieve their goals and has the willingness to grow and develop professionally.

Vision Forward is recognized as the premier agency serving people of all ages with vision loss in Wisconsin.   We empower, educate and enhance the lives of individuals impacted by vision loss through all of life’s transitions.  Our vision is that all individuals with vison loss have reached their full potential to lead active and independent lives.

Responsibilities to fulfilling the Vision Forward mission:

• Promote the dignity of all people living with vision loss.
• Provide exceptional customer service.
• Maintain a positive, cohesive, transparent and family-friendly environment.

Core functions:

• Comfortable working with children ages birth to 21. Has knowledge of how specific ocular conditions and/or a cortical visual impairment can impact vision, development and independent functioning.
• Conducts comprehensive evaluations for children with ocular and/or cortical visual impairments in a child’s home/natural environment, school or at Vision Forward. Evaluations will assess the child’s current level of functional vision and the impact of his/her vision on development of skills in other domains. Evaluations for Cortical Visual Impairment will also include The CVI Range Assessment with an explanation of how the 10 characteristics of CVI affect the child’s visual functioning.
• Develops either an Individualized Family Service Plan or an Individualized Education Plan for each child in conjunction with the parents and child’s team that includes measurable goals. Monitors and documents child’s progress regarding established vision goals and overall developmental objectives.
• Identifies and establishes a plan for each child’s emerging literacy needs, including pre-braille, braille, or large print and/or the use of adaptive equipment.
• Conducts individualized vision education/braille sessions in the child’s home, school or Vision Forward Association in accordance with center policy and performance standards.
• Works collaboratively with professionals from other agencies, classroom teachers and physical, occupational, speech and music therapists, to meet each child’s individual needs.
• Acts as a resource to parents and other team members regarding each child’s visual function and appropriate interventions and adaptations.
• Supports the use of techniques that enable children to move about the environment independently in consultation with the Orientation and Mobility Instructor.
• Identifies appropriate toys, supplies, equipment and other materials that can be used with the child to ensure the child’s vision needs are met and to aid families in providing appropriate activities and/or materials for their child.
• Completes timely documentation for each child at the point of service that reflects the child’s progress towards his/her individual goals and objectives in the electronic medical records system.

Pay and benefits:

• $35-$38 per hour, based on experience
• 20 hours per/week – Monday-Friday
• Holidays (off, but not paid) – New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, Memorial and Labor Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day and the Friday after, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
• Dental and vision
• 401K
• Company provided cell phone and laptop
• Strong, experienced, supportive team

The perfect candidate will possess the following skills and qualifications:

• Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Education, from a four-year college or university, with specialization as a Teacher of the Visually Impaired. Specialization in Orientation and Mobility is a plus.
• Maintains a current DPI license and certification.
• A valid Wisconsin Driver’s License, proof of insurance and use of a personal automobile is required.
• Ability to effectively communicate with children, parents, professionals and other employees of Vision Forward. Desire to develop relationships with outside partners and referral sources.
• Experience and comfort serving children and families with diverse backgrounds.
• Good computer skills and competent in Microsoft Office, Word, Outlook and Excel. Ability to use an electronic medical record system.
• Clear understanding of HIPAA, FERPA and privacy regulations.
• Desire to complete continuing education to build skill set.