Outreach Director / Statewide Vision Consultant
The Washington State School for the Blind (WSSB) is seeking an interim Outreach Director / Statewide Vision Consultant to plan, organize, and direct the outreach services component. The primary responsibility includes directing and controlling all of the off-campus services provided as an extension of the school to learners and teachers throughout the entire state.
Position Overview : This position is responsible for planning, decision making regarding service needs for blind and low vision learners, strategic staffing, organizational structure, and quality delivery of services to blind and low vision off-campus learners. This position is also responsible for consultation and evaluative services, organizing statewide professional training and development for educators and families, aligning resources with needs and serving in the role of educational consultant to the community of blind and low vision learners, their families, teachers, and districts. The major outcome of the position is to ensure that all blind and low vision learners have access to educational opportunities within their local districts. This exempt position reports directly to the School Superintendent.
The major responsibilities of this position include but are not limited to the following :
- Provide management, organization, guidance and leadership for the Outreach Department.
- Serves as the Statewide Vision Consultant in conjunction with Washington Sensory Disability Services.
- Serves as Washington State's Ex-Officio Trustee for the American Printing House for the Blind (APH) for the Washington state Board of Education with the execution of statewide oversight. Works with the Ogden Resource Center to ensure the completion of the statewide student registration process, managing and allocating of federal quota funds, providing required reports and attending the annual APH meeting.
- Serves on the statewide review team for high stakes testing materials with a national testing company and OSPI, to ensure that questions are not visually biased for learners with blindness and visual impairment.
- Serves on the statewide committee as part of WSDS to provide input and direction for future services and program development.
- Participates in all hiring, training, supervising, and evaluating of staff. Facilitates staff development in alignment with program goals and objectives to attend workshops, in-services, meetings, and events in the field of blindness, and access technology.
- Develop and implement policies and procedures as they relate to principles and practices of education of blind and low vision learners, itinerant, and consultative services.
- Assure compliance with applicable laws.
- Assure appropriate and optimum use of the program's personnel and financial resources.
- Develops and / or disseminates informational training, list serves, accessible instructional media, current best practices, new products, and upcoming classes.
- Coordinate with local school districts and agencies regarding the need for blind and low vision learner's services.
- Provide training and alignment with the TPEP evaluation protocol for Washington State regarding the special skills for Teachers of Blind and Low Vision Learners.
- Conduct meetings and informational sessions for requesting public, agencies, districts, and customers to communicate program plans, policies, and general information.
Required Qualifications / Competencies :
Master's Degree as required by OSPI (must submit official transcripts showing degrees earned)Completion of a state-approved Certification for Education Administration (or near completion of administration program) OR 3 years of full-time, out of state administrator experience AND a copy of an out of state administrator certificateMust have 3 years previous successful school-based instructional experience in an educational settingHold or have previously held a regular teacher, educational staff associate, or Initial / Continuing CTE CertificateExcellent verbal and written communication skillsExcellent leadership and management skills and abilitiesExcellent organizational skillsUnderstanding of all applicable regulations, laws, and procedures in special educationStrong knowledge of all accessible instructional media, especially for the blind and low vision individualsExtensive knowledge about current philosophies and theories in education and special educationKnowledge and training in working with a wide range of students and individuals who are blind / low vision.Ability to work in partnership with numerous agencies and organizations to streamline and improve statewide services for students who are blind / low vision.Knowledge of and experience with IDEA, part C, regulations, and services.Knowledge and skill in a range of assessments and practices appropriate for students with vision lossA background check is requiredThe ability to learn and grow and the ability to take action to meet the needs of othersDesired Qualifications :
Completed Education Administration CertifiedCertification in Danielson Training