JOB
To establish a list of eligible candidates that will be used to fill current and future vacancies (full time and part time, permanent and substitute) for the duration of the list, up to one year. APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR THIS RECRUITMENT PROCESS: Completed applications must be submitted to the Classified Personnel Department no later than 11:59 p.m. a week prior to the test date. Late applications will not be accepted. Tentative test date: To be determined.TESTING PROCESS: A) Multiple Choice Test = 40% weighting on final scoreTentatively scheduled for: To Be DeterminedCandidates will be tested on English - Language Arts, Math, and Ability to Assist in Instruction. B) Structured Interview = 60% weighting on final scoreTentatively scheduled for the week of Week of: To Be DeterminedApplicants must meet the minimum qualifications stated in the job posting by the application deadline in order to move forward in the testing process. Those candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to the multiple choice test. Those with the highest scores on the multiple choice test will be invited to the structured interview. The testing process is subject to change as needs dictate. All communication regarding this process will be delivered via email.The information included in the Work Experience section of the application will determine whether applicants meet minimum qualifications. Please make sure you include ALL current and previous employment in the Work Experience section of the application and complete ALL fields.Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.SummaryAssists a teacher, specialist or therapist in providing instructional and behavior support to individual or small groups of visually impaired special education students. Facilitates access to curricula via alternative formats including Braille, large type, tactile representation and aural media. Monitors and reports student progress regarding behavior and academic performance. Fosters independence of visually impaired students by assisting in developing various self-help skills, including hygiene, eating, social, community and leisure/recreational skills. Distinguishing Career FeaturesThe Paraeducator, Visually Impaired is a specialized position in a career path for instructional support to teachers, specialist and therapists. This position provides continuous support to students who are blind or visually impaired; and assists in reading Braille and developing abilities to enable students to function effectively in an educational environment. Advancement potential exists to Braille Transcriber which requires compliance with the qualifications of the position including certification by the Library of Congress in Literary Braille.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Provides specialized assistance to visually impaired students to ensure academic success. Assists teachers with presentation of materials and instructional exercises that are printed in Braille, large print, and raised line drawings. Reinforces learning experiences for students by describing and interpreting media such as pictures, charts and graphs; presents materials at an appropriate pace and in a well-modulated voice.Adapts classroom activities, assignments and/or materials for the purpose of providing an opportunity for special education students with a vision disability to participate in classroom activities. Assists individual students with reading tests, marking answers and reading classroom materials.Assists instructing students in Braille alphabet and numbers. Reviews student preparation for current assignments.Provides instructional support utilizing and assisting students in the use of specialized computers, software and other Braille devices. Proofreads and helps students correct work assignments. Assists in the monitoring and proper functioning of equipment designed to assist or accommodate students' vision.Works closely with teachers, specialists and the Braille Transcriber to ensure that materials are transcribed appropriately to meet the needs of the students in the classroom.Reinforces orientation and mobility skills, along with safe and appropriate use of mobility devices. Assists students in arrival and departure from school. Assists with or shadows students with mobility, monitoring their safety during classroom activities, snack and/or lunch periods, in the library, on field trips and/or during play or physical exercise.Supports social interactions by helping student practice appropriate social skills such as facing the person student is talking to, using appropriate body language, joining a group or asking for assistance when needed. Encourages student interaction with peers and promote independence.Receives, records, distributes and maintains inventories of specialized books, materials, and equipment needed by students who are visually impaired.Organizes materials and supplies to facilitate use by students, assists students requiring help, offers positive feedback and alternatives, and cleans up work areas following projects. Assists with preparation of instructional and testing materials. Suggests and may prepare materials that offer alternative approaches to facilitate student learning.Assists in maintaining order among students in the classroom and school grounds. Assures safety of students following health and safety rules. Assists and supervises individual and groups of students in moving from place-to-place in an orderly manner, (i.e. school bus to classroom, classroom to restroom, lunch room, on playgrounds, on field trips and co-curricular activities). Paraeducators assigned to a bus run assist and supervise students while riding the bus to and from school.Exercises constant supervision of students; observes, monitors, and controls behavior of students within approved procedures. Uses appropriate discipline in accordance with grade level, student's ability to understand discipline and approved procedures. Develops and uses incentives as positive reinforcement. Reports student behavior progress and performance to teachers; documents student progress, as needed.Confers, as needed, with teachers concerning student needs. Alerts teacher to any special problems or information concerning students. Assists teachers and resource staff to develop and evaluate individual and group educational goals and objectives. Provides instructions, information and assistance to substitute teachers; participates in meetings and in-service training programs as assigned.Assists and guides students by providing appropriate role modeling, emotional support, patience, and a friendly and engaging attitude. Must observe confidentiality. Must be discrete in responding to student behaviors and educational needs whenever possible.Assists in maintaining a neat and orderly learning environment that supports learning. Performs a variety of classroom related clerical services such as maintaining charts and records, scoring and recording tests, preparing and storing instructional materials and equipment, copying instructional materials, operating office machines, including computer, copier and other audio-visual equipment. Assembles bulletin boards and other displays; arranges classroom for planned activities.Administers first aid in the absence of a teacher or school nurse.May assists students with personal hygiene and in developing self-help grooming skills as appropriate, such as dressing and undressing, eating, washing, oral care and toileting; assists in changing diapers as needed.May lift, move and adjust students, especially non-ambulatory students. Paraeducators assigned to a bus run assist in loading students on and unloading students off buses, and securing wheelchairs, car seats and students into position on the bus. Places students in standers, on wedges and in wheelchairs; positions students in splints, body jackets, braces, sideliners and adapted p.e. equipment as appropriate; assists in student positioning as necessary.Performs other duties as assigned that support the overall objective of the position.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Knowledge and SkillsThe position requires: Basic Braille terminology and usage. Knowledge of adaptive technology and access devices for visually impaired students. Basic knowledge of the principles and practices of age appropriate child development and guidance applicable for an educational setting, including those relating to blind and visually impaired students. Some knowledge of basic conditions of the eye that affect visually impaired students is desirable. Knowledge of the basic subjects taught in the District schools, including mathematics and English usage, with sufficient competency to assist students with individual or group studies. Knowledge of safe practices in classroom and playground activities. Basic knowledge of teaching and instruction methods that enhance remedial learning. Sufficient human relation skills to work productively and cooperatively with teachers, colleagues, students, and parents in formal and informal settings.AbilitiesRequires the ability to: Understand the special needs of blind and visually impaired students. Demonstrate competency in Braille. Prepare aural media; comprehend and present materials at an appropriate pace and in a well modulated voice. Learn to operate a variety of specialized equipment used to adapt materials for visually impaired students. Learn and provide for the special needs, issues and requirements of disabled students. Assist teaching staff with implementation of instructional goals and activities in a classroom, small group or individual learning environment. Interact with teachers, specialists and colleagues in order to carry out assigned duties. Assist students in developing various self-help skills, including hygiene, eating, social, community and leisure/recreational skills. Assist in maintaining order among students in their assigned learning environment. Relate positively to students in a teaching/learning environment in a way that builds confidence, recognizes and works on learning disabilities and barriers. Exercise patience when conveying information, and demonstrate sensitivity to the special needs of students. Understand the principles of positive reinforcement as they apply to the management of students. Maintain confidentiality of student and school information. Learn principles and techniques of discipline and behavior modification. Learn district regulations, policies and objectives applicable to assigned programs. Learn how to properly use and position specialized equipment and apparatus used for severely, physically, emotionally and multi-handicapped students. Operate instructional and office equipment.Physical AbilitiesRequires the ability to perform in an indoor and/or outdoor learning environment engaged in work of primarily a sedentary to a moderately active nature. Requires near visual acuity to read and write printed materials and computer screens. Requires hearing and speech ability for ordinary and telephonic conversation, to speak to groups, and to hear sound prompts from equipment. Requires ambulatory ability to: move about office, classroom/laboratory, school grounds or other learning environment, to tutor, assist with presentations, and reach work materials. Requires sufficient manual and finger dexterity to demonstrate teaching aids, to point out important words/figures to students, and to operate personal computers. Requires the ability to lift, carry, push, and move supplies, equipment, wheelchairs, etc., of light to medium weight on a regular basis, and heavy weight with assistance or labor saving equipment.Working ConditionsWork is performed indoors and outdoors with some exposure to health and safety considerations from physical labor and exposure to body fluids.Individuals protected by the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) may request accommodation if needed. In order for appropriate arrangements to be made for testing, your request must be received at the time your application is submitted. If special arrangements are not requested at the time the application is submitted, it is understood that no special accommodations are required. Documentation on the need for accommodation must accompany your request. Equal Employment Opportunity StatementThe Simi Valley Unified School District is committed to providing equal opportunity for all applicants for employment. The application, examination, and selection process shall be free from unlawful discrimination, including discrimination against an individual or group based on race, color, ancestry, nationality, national origin, ethnic group identification, age, religion, marital, pregnancy, or parental status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, or genetic information; a perception of one or more of such characteristics; or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.
