Braillist Paraprofessional (Instructional)

Position Type:
Student Support Services/Visually Impaired
Date Posted:
11/28/2023
Location:
Soap Lake Elementary School
(High-Needs School)
District employees receive first consideration for open positions for a five-day period. If not filled by a district employee, outside candidates will then receive consideration.
Qualification: Unified English Braille Certification Preferred
Step 1: $31.66 hourly, Step 3: $34.94 hourly - Depends on school district experience with certificaton
Step 1: $27.46 hourly, Step 3: $29.28 hourly - Depends on school district experience without certification
Title: Braillist Paraprofessional (Instructional)
190 Days (includes holidays) 7.5 hours per day
Position Purpose
This position is responsible for transcribing educational materials for students who are blind and visually impaired into alternative formats. In addition, this position provides support to the district's Program for Students with Visual Impairment, including students who are visually impaired and teachers certified to work with students with impairments (TVI)
Essential Job Functions

• Transcribe print materials
• Produce adaptive instructional materials for students with visual impairments in accordance to the TVI's specifications. Embosses, re-edits, and binds materials using various methods.
• Creates tactile graphics of maps, charts, pictures, routes, and other tactile displays using various tools, materials, and machines.
• Demonstrates knowledge and skills of human guide and instructional technology tools used by students with visual impairments, including low vision devices, abacus, screen readers, etc.
• Manages and maintains all braille, large print, and instructional material for students with visual impairments.
• Implements lessons and activities with students with visual impairments in classrooms, one-on-one, and/or small groups under the direction and supervision of a TVI.
• Performs other related duties as assigned, requested, or needed
• Assists teacher with parent contact as requested to foster effective and participatory parent involvement in student education.
• Assists students with special needs in all aspects of classroom instruction to maximize inclusion, learning, achievement if IEP objectives, etc.
• Participates in IEP process and serves as resource for the student personnel evaluation team as needed.
• Assist students with physical or mental disabilities with activities of daily living for the purpose of maximizing their ability to participate in school or learning activities.
• Follows all applicable safety rules, procedures and regulations governing the proper manner of assistance for all students, including those with disabilities or other special needs.

Preferred & Mandatory Requirements:

• General knowledge of how to work with a student with a visual impairment
• Nemeth Braille Code
• Science Braille Code
• Tactile Graphics
• Braille Embosser
• Braille Translation Software
• Word Processing/Six Key Entry
• General Office Equipment (fax, copier, scanner, etc)

Additional Duties:
- Assist guidance, pupil services staff or building administration, as needed.
- Perform any other related duties as assigned.
Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.
Travel Requirements
- Travel between schools, or between schools and central offices, may be required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Ability to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form.
- Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide, and perform arithmetic operations as needed to assist students.
- Ability to understand, apply and use personal computers and software applications (e.g., Word, Excel).
- Ability to work with a diverse group of individuals.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality of information regarding students, employees and others.
- Ability to establish a supportive and compassionate relationship with students with special needs.
- Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with students, staff and others contacted in the course of work.
- Ability to report work orally or in writing to supervisor as required.
- Effective writing and verbal communication skills.
Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards
- Works in standard office and school building environments.
- Ability to work outdoors during outdoor student activities.
Qualifications Profile
- Be at least eighteen years of age and hold a high school diploma or its equivalent plus at least one of:

1. Have received a qualifying score on the Education Testing Service (ETS) paraeducator assessment
2. Hold an associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university
3. Have earned 72 quarter credits or 48 semester credits at the 100 level or higher at an accredited college or university
4. Have completed an apprenticeship as a paraeducator, in a program registered with the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council*

- Prior experience working with special needs children desirable.
?- Unified English Braille Certification Preferred
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
SEBB Insurance Program Benefits for eligible positions include:

• Fully and self-insured medical plans with prescription drug benefits
• Health savings accounts (HSA) for high deductible medical plan
• Dental Plans
• Vision Plans
• Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance - Employer Paid and Supplemental Options
• Long Term Disability (LTD) Insurance - Employer Paid and Supplemental Options
• Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA) Option
• Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP) Option

Other Benefits:

• Participation in Department of Retirement Systems (DRS)
• Optional participation in 403(b)
• Two personal leave days per school year
• Up to 12 sick leave days per year