Job Information
YAI Teacher - Visually Impaired in Manhattan, New York
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Key/Essential Functions & Responsibilities
Provides vision services in 1:1 sessions and/or groups, push-in and/or pull-out based on students’ needs.
Collects data through interviews with family members, observations in other therapy sessions and/or by conducting annual Functional Vision Learning Media Assessments (FVLMA) to identify adaptations or accommodations for students’ visual needs.
Creates goals for each assigned student and monitors and documents progress, maintaining student records and preparing FVLMA reports, Individualized Education Programs (IEP’s) and quarterly progress reports.
Participates in IEP meetings and team meetings, parent-teacher and CSE meetings; participates in legal hearings when necessary and appropriate.
Carefully plans lessons and creates and organizes materials in advance while regularly assessing students’ needs, adjusting lessons, goals, and/or benchmarks accordingly.
Collaborates with teachers, related service providers and coordinates with iHOPE Assistive Technology Team within the school setting to ensure that a comprehensive educational plan is in place to meet the student’s individual educational needs.
Demonstrates flexibility in scheduling, working with other service providers and adapting lesson plans and materials, as needed including the creation of book boxes, adapted books, brailled materials, and tangible symbols.
Communicates and collaborates with parents and outside professionals as needed, specifically as they impact the student’s educational plan.
Provides vision education consultation services to all staff members, as needed.
Participates in professional development opportunities within iHOPE and beyond.
Adheres to department and school policies and procedures.
Performs all other duties, as assigned.
Experienced TVIs may be selected for assignment as Senior Teacher of the Visually impaired and may perform the following duties in addition to the above:
Manages or provides assistance to other TVIs on more complex cases by coordinating meetings, identifying resources and/or coordinating with other iHOPE staff, family and/or providers to support students’ needs including coordination for assistive technology with AT department and related service providers.
Collaborates with outside organizations within the field of Vision Education regarding new programs, technologies, educational materials or student registrations for services including APH, NYSCB, NYDBC.
Assists with oversight of day-to-day department operations in the absence of the Director, attending meetings, answering inquiries and ensuring compliance with department policies and procedures.
Serves as a role model for and provides ongoing mentorship, support and encouragement to colleagues in the Department and assists in providing supervision to Vision Specialists, graduate students, and/or interns; assists newly hired staff in using systems, share drives and assigning training schedules.
Organizes professional development opportunities, coordinating sessions for vision staff and assists in organizing and planning departmental special events.
Meets regularly with Director to assist with departmental initiatives including new programs, trainings and/or staffing, providing honest feedback and proactively making recommendations and presenting ideas to increase the success of the department as a whole, including improvements to vision-related services.
Minimum Qualification Requirements including education, experience, licensure/certification, etc. and essential physical capabilities (e.g. lifting, assisting lifting, standing, etc.)
Master’s Degree; and
Current certification and registration as a Teacher of the Blind and Visually Impaired, issued by the New York State Education Department.
Well organized with superior attention to detail and able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
Able to work with a great degree of independence and focus
Proficient in Microsoft Office Programs, including experience using PowerPoint for the creation of adapted books
Participates in professional development and CTLE in order to maintain state licensure
Demonstrates advanced knowledge, competence and skills in assessment, creating individualized lesson plans and goal setting
Demonstrates advanced knowledge of Cortical Vision Impairment including CVI Range Assessment, Complexity Framework and CVI/AAC Matrix
In addition to above, for assignment to Senior TVI, must also meet the following additional requirements:
At least two (2) years of experience in the field of Visual Impairment and Severe and Multiple Disabilities, including experience with Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) or CVI Range Endorsement
Excellent writing and communication skills, including ability to peer review appropriate documentation (IEPs, FVLMAs and Progress Reports), create and facilitate trainings
Preferred Qualification Requirements (desired requirements beyond MQRs above)
One (1) or more years of direct experience preferred in the field of Visual Impairment and Severe and Multiple Disabilities
Previous experience with CVI or CVI Range Endorsement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or status as a Vietnam or disabled veteran. YAI is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Our Roots:
YAI was launched in February of 1957 out of a small school in Brooklyn, New York. Initially staffed by Co-Founders Bert MacLeech and Pearl Maze MacLeech alone, their pilot program served just seven people. According to Bert, from its very beginning YAI has been dedicated to providing innovative services for the I/DD (intellectual and/or developmental disabilities) community. MacLeech envisioned a, “total life adjustment approach, emphasizing personal growth, social responsibility, employment goals, and the development of independence for the individual.” At a time when institutional living was the norm for people with I/DD, this vision was nothing short of revolutionary.
YAI Today:
Today, YAI has a team of over 4,000 employees and supports over 20,000 people in the I/DD community. This extraordinary growth shows the ongoing need for these important services, and YAI’s success in offering them. YAI supports people with autism, Down syndrome, and Cerebral Palsy, among others. Operating throughout Downstate New York and Northern New Jersey, YAI now offers more than 300 programs for people of all ages.
Better Together:
At YAI, we are driven by our mission of living, loving, working, and learning. This applies not only to the people we support, but to our staff as well. Commitment and passion for the work continue to unite employees and drive the organization forward. Empowering the people we support to reach their goals remains at the heart of our organization.
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