Position Type:
Administration (Educator/Operations) - WVDE/Program Support (WVDE)
Date Posted:
5/26/2026
Location:
WVSDB - Residential Program
Date Available:
07/01/2026
Closing Date:
06/09/2026
County:
West Virginia Schools for the Deaf & Blind
TITLE OF VACANCY: Program Specialist for Blind/Low Vision Student Support (260 days)
POSITION TYPE: Professional â WVDE Salary (At will)
ADMINISTRATIVE UNIT: West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind â Residential (0020)
LOCATION: WVSDB Campus
:
The program specialist for student support for residential participants provides general supervision and guidance to students enrolled in the program during afternoon and evening hours in the academic and residential setting on a regularly scheduled basis.
KEY RESPONSIBILTIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:
-
Coordination and development of educational and recreational activities in the residential programs
-
Development of an Independent Living Study Skills Program based on Sensory Loss
- Liaison between the instructional/related services and residential staff daily
- Attend all IEPs of full-time or partially enrolled residential students
- Develop and oversee the individual residents' residential educational plans that align with residents' IEP
- Development of positive relationships with individual residents with support from RCS staff to
-
Assist the residents to reach their fullest level of independence based on individual capacities
- Supports transitions of residential students with on campus changes and off campus work skill placements along with fostering transitions to real world life upon graduation from the K-12 programming
- Communicate with residents' families about daily living skills progress and report any deficits in a supportive manner weekly
- Monitor & oversight of an online documentation system that provides data representation of the individual resident's daily skills
- Administer the Independent Living Skills Assessment or Identified Daily Living Skills Assessment once a semester
- Develop an annual program of ECC Goals to be facilitated by the Daily Living Skills Assistants supported by the RCS staff
- Communicate and work with on campus and off campus partners to facilitate programs that promote independence
- Collaborate with Health Services staff on teaching residents how to learn daily living skills to support mental health and wellness needs
- Lead and facilitate summer and/or weekend programming that promote out of classroom skills development
- Meet potential families with Outreach Partners offer support through discussion of the independent daily living skills of the student
At all times, encourages participant independence, autonomy and self-advocacy
May be required to transport participants in a state vehicle, as assigned
Adheres to the Employee Code of Conduct as outlined in WVSDB personnel policies
Performs other duties deemed appropriate and assigned by the Superintendent and/or immediate supervisor.
QUALIFICATIONS:
-
Bachelor's degree in special education with Visually Impaired specialization preferred.
-
Minimum of ten years of residential care work experience
- Must have or acquire Braille II when working with the Blind or Low vision.
- Must have a valid driver's license
- Criminal background check conducted pursuant to WV Code §18-5-15c and/or §18A-3-10, as appropriate.
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:
-
Knowledge of and skill in the use of databases, internet, spreadsheet, word processing, and related applications for effective communication and reporting.
-
Has or will acquire knowledge of and skill in the use of technology and equipment to supplement instruction for students with hearing loss.
-
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
-
Ability to preserve confidential information.
-
Effectively writes professional correspondence.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to reach, stand, walk, lift, grasp, write, talk, hear, see, use technology such as computer and multimedia equipment, and use repetitive motions. The employee may frequently lift and/or move at least 50-100 pounds. He/she shall remain free of any alcohol or non-prescribed drugs while in the workplace. Alcohol and controlled substances which affect employee productivity, safety, or judgement will not be tolerated.
EXPECTATIONS:
-
The staff member must complete all required annual trainings.
-
The staff member works effectively as a member of the WVSDB team.
-
The staff member demonstrates self-control and exhibits an attitude of mutual respect and tolerance.
-
The staff member demonstrates ethical conduct and good work habits such as punctuality and attendance.
-
The staff member demonstrates self-direction and the ability to use software applications for work productivity and collaboration.
-
The staff member is self-motivated and demonstrates the ability to manage multiple tasks/assignments to accomplish high-quality work to meet demanding deadlines.
-
The staff member demonstrates excellent communication skills and excellent presentation skills using current technologies.
-
The staff member understands that work assignments may change or be added as priorities emerge.
EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP:
WVSDB staff are employed upon the recommendation of the school's superintendent to the West Virginia Board of Education and are state employees. No representative or employee of the state is authorized to enter into any employment contract or other agreement. Designated employees paid under WVDE guidelines are "at-will" and subject to termination by the State Superintendent of Schools at any time, with or without notice, cause or compensation. Specialists are paid under the WVDE compensation schedule and are deemed "at will" employees.
The employment relationship between the WVSDB/WVBE and the employee may be terminated by either party. Reasons for termination by the WVSDB/WVDE include, but are not limited to, immorality, incompetency, cruelty, insubordination, intemperance, willful neglect of duty, unsatisfactory performance, the conviction of a felony or a guilty plea or a plea of no contest to a felony charge, misuse of funds or property, violations of law or policies of the state board, lack of need, or a lack or loss of funding.
COMPENSATION/BENEFITS:
Based on WVDE Salary Schedule Specialist level, 260-day work calendar.
Full benefits package available, click on this link to review this information - WVSDB Benefits.
EVALUATION:
Performance evaluation in accordance with West Virginia Board of Education Policy 5310.