JOB DESCRIPTION

The Arlington Public Schools are committed to creating an inclusive and safe learning and working environment that reflects a diversity of perspectives, values, and experiences. We welcome staff who are aware of the role that bias and prejudice play in society, are creative and willing to try new approaches, and are reflective about their daily practice. We are looking for candidates who welcome a challenge, are eager to collaborate and contribute to the success of students, are ready to engage in two-way partnership with families, and who will contribute their diverse talents to the organization as a whole.

Position: Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments/Orientation Mobility Specialist (Long Term Substitute)

Job Goals:

Promote teaching and learning for all children with sensory vision impairments.  The Teacher of Students with Visual Impairment (TVI), and Orientation Mobility Specialist (O&M) provides direct service and consultation to students as per the students IEP/504. This position works with students at various schools (district wide) and in the community and collaborates with classroom teachers in the planning and executing vision supports. The TVI/OM specialist keeps ongoing assessments of each child’s remedial, behavioral, and adaptive progress with documentation and tests and writes IEP/504 plans for individual children.

TVI Position:
• Screens referrals for functional vision performance.
• Administers functional vision assessments, learning media assessments, and technology assessments.
• Provides direct instructional services as outlined on the IEP/504 that may include instruction in Assistive technology tools.
• Services may be provided in-person on the Agency campus, at student’s school, in-home, and/or virtually, depending on student needs and contract guidelines.
• Participates in multidisciplinary team assessments of a child, the child’s family, and in the development of integrated goals and outcomes for the IEP.
• Educates parents/guardians and others regarding the provision of services.
• Instructs students for the purpose of developing abilities in identified areas of need and in alignment with Massachusetts Content Standards.
• Completes timely, neat, accurate documentation of screenings, assessments, individualized plans, attendance, daily activity logs for parents/guardians, home visits, inventories, and other documentation as may be deemed necessary for providing quality services.
• Develops, plans, and implements daily lesson plans and activities as necessary.
• Maintains regular communication with parents/guardians.
• Writes up progress reports for IEP.

O&M Position:
• Provides orientation and mobility training to students.
• Develops activities that facilitate unrestricted, independent movement and play.
• Adapts O&M strategies to meet the needs of infants and young children.
• Teaches specific strategies related to safe travel and systematic exploration.
• Participates as an active member of the provider team.
• Works with teachers on implementation of orientation and mobility principles and objectives into the curriculum.
• Presents in-service training workshops to staff and parents/guardians.
• Participates in team assessments, addressing areas of body image, travel skills and protective techniques. Works with teachers and specialists on functional vision, daily living skills and concept development.
• Provides O&M services to students in their residential schools.
• Provides O&M assessments and directs services to students in school districts which contract with BB.

General Duties
• Makes decisions and solves problems including policies and lesson plans.
• Obtains information through research or question interview.
• Communicates with supervisors, and peers individually or in meetings.
• Establishes and maintains interpersonal relationships with team-members, families, community organizations, supervisors, and leadership.
• Develops objectives, strategies, policies, procedures, methods, and standards within your job scope.
• Communicates with persons outside the Agency including like-organizations, peers, and networks.
• Develops and builds strong team relationships.

Education:
• Certification in TVI and Orientation & Mobility Specialist
• Masters degree in Special Education
 

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:   Long Term Substitute (April-June 2025)

REPORTS TO:     Director of Special Education, Special Education Coordinator, Building Principals

SALARY:            Per Diem - 

 
Arlington values diversity. The Arlington Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, age, ancestry, or disability.