Paraprofessional - Braillist - ECPS

JOB DESCRIPTIONParaprofessional - BraillistREPORTS TO: Building PrincipalFLSA STATUS: ExemptSUPERVISES: N/APOSITION STATUS: Contracted / SalariedEVALUATION: Position evaluated by Building PrincipalWORK YEAR: 190 daysEVALUATION INSTRUMENT: LocalSALARY SCHEDULE: Pre-K Paraprofessional / Braillist Salary ScheduleWork Day: 8 hours daily/40 hours weeklyRETIREMENT: District Employee - TRSRETIREMENT: ESS Employee- N/ATERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:Salary and benefits shall be paid in accordance with the system's approved salary schedule.The length of the work year and the hours of employment shall be those established by the system.Employees must work 24 hours per week to be eligible for health insurance.Any non-Teacher Retirement System (TRS) eligible employee will have a FICA deduction.At least a three-year commitmentQUALIFICATIONS:Valid Paraprofessional Certificate issued by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission.Possess a valid Georgia driver's license and maintain insurability.Must be able to provide your own reliable transportation to work sites.Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board of Education may find appropriate and acceptable.Completion of a criminal background check and approval for work with the school districtKNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:Current knowledge of social work practices and trends related to the public school system. Skill in ability to administer and interpret various psychosocial assessments. Effective communication skills, written and oral. Effective interpersonal skills with a wide variety of personalities. Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality; Exhibit positive interpersonal skills; Meet the needs of stakeholders tactfully and courteously; Listens, understands, and follows directions; Use good judgment while recognizing the scope of authority. Able to work independently and collaboratively with a team.Exceptional understanding of policies, procedures, and services provided. Able to interpret written materials. Communicates clearly and professionally (face-to-face, phone, email, writing, etc.) Professional writing and proofreading skills. Proficient typing skills. Able to verify accuracy of data.Proficient filing, recordkeeping, and computer skills. Ability to schedule meetings and conferences.JOB GOAL:Provide accurate, timely braille transcription and tactile materials to support students and clients who are blind or visually impaired, ensuring accessibility and conformity with Braille Authority standards. Collaborate with teachers, therapists, and technicians to produce high-quality tactile graphics and adapt educational materials to promote independent learning and inclusion.PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:The VI Braillist Paraprofessional is responsible for transcribing educational materials into braille andother alternative formats for students who are blind or visually impaired. This position also providesdirect support to students with visual impairments in a variety of educational settings, working in closecollaboration with the Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments (TVI) and other members of theeducational team.Important Scope ClarificationThe VI Braillist Paraprofessional is not the general education teacher and is not expected to teach thestudent academic content. The paraeducator's role is to support access to materials and reinforceskills already taught by the TVI - not to deliver or replace content instruction.Braille Transcription & Material ProductionIs responsible for the transcription of student materials into braille, ensuring accuracy and adherence to UEB standards.Transcribes print materials, including textbooks, classroom handouts, and supplementary resources, into literary braille.Coordinates with classroom teachers in advance to ensure braille materials are prepared and available before each lesson.Ensures braille materials are available for the student in real time, so instruction is never delayed due to missing materials.Produces braille materials using specialized software, including Duxbury Braille Translation (DBT) software and Equation Editor in Microsoft Word for Nemeth math notation.Uses embossing equipment to produce, re-edit, and bind materials.Creates tactile graphics of maps, charts, diagrams, pictures, routes, and other visual content using appropriate tools and resources.Produces adaptive instructional materials in accordance with specifications provided by the TVI.Manages, organizes, and maintains an inventory of all braille, large-print, and instructional materials to ensure timely access for students.Ensures braille materials are accurate, properly formatted, and meet the student's IEP-identified learning media needs.Student Support & Instructional AssistanceProvides direct support to students with visual impairments in classroom, one-to-one, and small group settings under the direction of the TVI.Reinforces braille skills and concepts already taught by the TVI; does not introduce new braille instruction independently.Is not the general education teacher and is not responsible for delivering or supplementing academic content instruction.Supports students in the use of assistive technology and specialized tools, including refreshable braille displays, notetakers, and embossers.Assists students in maintaining safe and efficient independent travel throughout the school environment.Encourages and fosters student independence in all tasks rather than providing more support than necessary.Collects and records observational data on student performance and reports findings to the TVI for instructional decision-making.The paraprofessional will be expected to learn and grow as the student progresses through the different grades.Technology & ToolsIs proficient in Microsoft Word, including use of Equation Editor for Nemeth math notation, and is comfortable with a broad range of technology tools.Demonstrates proficiency with braille production software, including Duxbury Braille Translation (DBT), embossers, and tactile graphic tools required for the position.Maintains working knowledge of assistive technology used by students with visual impairments, including low-vision devices and screen access tools.Troubleshoots basic equipment and technology issues and communicates needs to the TVI or appropriate support staff.Engages in regular professional development and coaching to stay current with students' braille knowledge and keep skills updated across all braille codes.Continually pursues training in literary, math, and technical braille codes to ensure skills are maintained at or above the student's existing level.Professional ResponsibilitiesAttends meetings, professional development, and training as directed by the supervisor.Maintains confidentiality of student records and educational information in accordance with FERPA.Communicates regularly with the TVI and educational team regarding student progress, upcoming material needs, and any concerns.Performs other tasks consistent with goals and objectives that support the vision and mission of the Elbert County School System.Performs other duties as assigned.Regularly, predictably and reliably at work.Ability to be present at the physical work siteMeets the certification requirements of the school systemConstant or consistent ability to supervise and manage students.Important NoteThe VI Braillist Paraprofessional works under the direction of a certified Teacher of Students withVisual Impairments (TVI) at all times. Decisions regarding instructional programming, learning media,and braille code selection remain the responsibility of the TVI.Roles Shift Across Grade LevelsThe TVI leads braille instruction throughout K-12, but intensity decreases as students gainindependence. The VI Braillist Paraprofessional reinforces skills under TVI direction, ensures braillematerials are available in real time, and participates in regular professional learning to stay ahead of thestudent's braille knowledge. The VI Braillist Paraprofessional is not a substitute for the generaleducation teacher and is not responsible for delivering academic content. The general educationteacher is expected to supply materials at least 2 weeks in advance to allow adequate time for brailleproduction.K-12th Areas of FocusK-2 Foundation: focuses on safety, O& M reinforcement, Braille Foundations, equipment basics, building trust, and routine3-5 Building: Braille fluency support, scribe skills introduced, independence in familiar environments, and peer interaction support6-8 Shifting: reduced prompting, student begins directing her own support, expanded technology skills, and self-advocacy introduced9-10 Fading: Para becomes a facilitator, not a direct aide, student leads her own support, and collaborates with TVI11-12 On-Call: Para available only when the student requests. Practice self-directed reader/scribe use and preparation for post-secondary independence.PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently and/or up to 10 pounds of force as needed to move objects.All employees are required to submit to a criminal record check. The Elbert County School System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, or sexual orientation in any of its employment practices, educational programs, services or activities. The Elbert County School System is an Equal Opportunity Employer.