[rehab] Braille Communications Instructor at the Iowa Center for the Blind

[Shawn Mayo]

Braille Communication Instructor/ Senior Services Specialist for the Blind 1
Location: Polk County
Department: 131-Department for the Blind
Salary Minimum: $44,969
Salary Maximum: $68,949
Job Description:
Applicants must meet selective 926 Braille Certification

The Department for the Blind (IDB) is seeking applicants for the position of Braille Communication Instructor/ Sr Services Specialist for the Blind 1 in the adult comprehensive Adjustment- to - Blindness Training Center. This person provides small group instruction in the reading and writing of Braille using the Code Master teaching system. The slate and stylus, Perkins Brailler, electronic notetakers, Braille displays and embossing software will be taught. This person will work with students in making the transition to the Unified English Braille Code (UEBC). We are looking for someone who will participate fully in the center activities and challenge students to grow and reach their fullest potential. Our programs are based on a appositive attitude toward blindness and a belief in the normality and competency of blind people. We know that with proper training and opportunity, blind people can life full, happy, and successful lives.



Duties include but are not limited to the following:
Provide Individualized instruction to adults in all areas of Braille including, but not limited to: reading contracted Braille, writing with the slate and stylus, using the Perkins Brailler, using braille displays and notetakers, using embossers and software. Teach the Unified English Braille Code, computer Braille, music Braille, and the Nemeth code.
Provide instruction to several students in a small group format.
Provide instruction in the correct use of grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Demonstrate and promote a positive attitude toward blindness amongst center students.
Evaluate student progress, set goals and write progress reports within the case management system.
Participate fully in all center activities.

Essential Functions & Critical competencies:


Ability to read contracted Braille
Ability to write Braille with a Braille writer, slate and stylus.
Knowledge of assistive technologies to demonstrate and teach the use of in combination with Braille, including the use of electronic notetakers.
Knowledge of computer Braille, Music Braille, and the Nemeth code.
Ability to create assignments and develop Braille projects and curriculum.
Ability to learn the Code Master system of teaching Braille.
Ability to evaluate student progress and work with students to develop goals and objectives.
Ability to explain complex technical information in a clear and concise manner to students with varying levels of technical knowledge and a wide range of educational and cultural backgrounds.
Thorough knowledge of and ability to develop alternative techniques of blindness and to maintain knowledge of past and current related practices and techniques.
Excellent judgment.
Ability to handle stress.
Ability to handle multiple tasks at once.
Ability to identify and solve problems both independently and as part of a team.
Good oral and written communications skills.
Ability to use Microsoft Windows 7 and Office Suite
Ability to engage in limited travel.
Ability to demonstrate a positive attitude toward blindness.
Thorough knowledge and understanding of the agency's philosophy of blindness and the ability to implement this philosophy in work duties.

***It is the policy of the Department for the Blind to conduct background checks on all finalist candidates prior to any offer of employment***
Minimum Qualifications:  Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in human service-oriented sciences, education, marketing or business and experience equal to three years of full time professional work.
For Additional ways to qualify, please click on this link to see additional ways to qualify<https://das.iowa.gov/sites/default/files/hr/documents/class_and_pay/JobClassDescriptions/SeniorServicesSpecialistfortheBlind1-41151.pdf> and minimum qualifications.
Additional Qualifications: Applicants must meet selective 926 Braille Certification.
Post close date: 02-Mar-2015
To Apply: Please submit a resume and cover letter to :
                  Iowa Department for the Blind
                  Attention: Shawn Mayo - Orientation Center Director
                  524 4th Street
                  Des Moines, IA 50309
                  Email: shawn.mayo at blind.state.ia.us<mailto:shawn.mayo at blind.state.ia.us>






Shawn Mayo
Orientation Center, Program Administrator
Iowa Department for the Blind
524 4th St.
Des Moines, 50309
Office: 515-281-1313
Mobile: 515-802-8162
Shawn.mayo at blind.state.ia.us<mailto:Shawn.mayo at blind.state.ia.us>