Braillist

Overview

POSITION PURPOSE:

Transcribes materials into braille and tutors students in the use of braille in reading, writing, and arithmetic. Modifies materials, including large print, digital, and auditory formats. Checks and corrects student's work completed in braille. Prepares printed copies of student work for general education teachers and parents. When requested, attend IEP (Individualized Educational Plan) meetings and other meetings in which educational programs for students with visual impairments are planned and materials are reviewed. May push into classroom for student support. May attend related service lessons. Works under a Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments and collaborates with school staff.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSAs)

• Considerable knowledge of correct English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation;

• Considerable knowledge of Microsoft Office, specifically Word, Excel, and Power Point; Google Apps; (or willing to learn)

• Working knowledge of general classroom activities and routines;

• Effective time management skills;

• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both in oral and written form using a variety of communication techniques and tools to ensure the appropriate flow of information, collaborative efforts, and feedback;

• Ability to constantly monitor the safety and well-being of students;

• Ability to recognize variations in student backgrounds, abilities, and learning styles;

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with teachers, administrators, support staff, and other stakeholders.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or GED;

• Braille transcription experience or willing to commit to completion of literary braille transcription training modules within six (6) months of hire, and completion of math braille transcription training modules within twelve (12) months of hire.

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

• Must hold and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator's license according to the State of North Carolina requirements.

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POSITION DESCRIPTION

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associates degree from a regionally accredited school;

• Certification/completion of a braille transcribing program (e.g. Hadley, UEB online (Unified English Braille);

• Certification of proficiency in Braille transcribing by the Library of Congress.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Performs transcription of braille formats and codes.
2. Prepares instructional materials including textbooks, tests, daily assignments (on the Promethean), units, maps, and diagrams for students with visual impairments.
3. Confers directly with Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments regarding specific problems, formats, and special needs in the transcription of materials.
4. Collaborates with staff on revisions within braille codes and formats.
5. Keeps updated on new transcribing rules and materials; as new materials become available, evaluates, and advises staff on them.
   1. 6. Responsibilities may include, under the direction of the TSVI (Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments), the following activities:

1. 1. Braille, adapt, and modify materials, worksheets, and test as assigned by the TSVI and regular education teacher (this applies to modifying visual materials for students with low vision needs)
   2. Assist and consult daily with TSVI and regular education teacher.
   3. Communicate daily with regular education classroom teachers to get student assignments that need to be modified and placed in agenda for student
   4. Keep documentation and records about daily activities in all classes for TSVI, as requested.
   5. Assist with instruction in the VI (Visually Impaired) Resource Room, such as tutoring students in braille, organizational skills, and in academic areas, etc., as needed
   6. Assist student with visual impairments in the regular education classroom with accessing materials, presentations, etc., and informing the student of what is happening in the classroom
   7. Follow up with students on tasks as needed. For example: extra practice in a particular O&M skill, OT skill, low vision aid, etc., as directed by TSVI, O&M Specialist, or OTOT, or O&M Specialist.
   8. Attend team meetings, as needed.
   9. Attend IEP meetings for assigned students when requested
   10. Assist getting students on/off transportation in the morning and afternoon, as needed.
   11. Assist students to and from classes as directed by the TSVI and/or O&M specialist (students may need assistance at the beginning of each term or track-in)
   12. Assist/accompany students on field trips to provide auditory information and to ensure student safe travel
   13. Assist TSVI with school-related and clerical responsibilities
   14. Participate in on-going training for specialized software, modified tools, braille codes, etc.
   15. Perform other duties as assigned by the local school administration (which should not take precedence over serving students in the visual impairment program)
   16. Represent the VI program to other school personnel, parents, and students in a professional, respectful, and friendly manner.
   17. Respect the confidentiality of student information at all times and be especially vigilant when talking to parents.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

In this position, employees in this position are required to work in indoor and outdoor environments. This role may use standard office equipment such as computers, scanners, and copiers. The position, at times, must be able to come into direct contact with school system staff students, external agencies, vendors, and the community. Work is considered light physical work, requiring the exertion of up to ten pounds of force. The work frequently requires activities involving driving automotive equipment as regular travel is required among WCPSS schools and central services locations.

EFFECTIVE DATE: 3/2024

DISCLAIMER: The above statements are intended to describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this position. They are not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required by the employees assigned to this position. This description may be revised by HR and approved at any time.