OVERVIEW OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
The South San Francisco Unified School District (SSFUSD) community includes 15 schools supporting 8,000 students in Daly City, San Bruno, and South San Francisco.
Our mission is that in partnership with our community, SSFUSD will provide exceptional instruction, engaging experiences, and equitable and accessible opportunities and resources to further support our diverse student body so that students are equipped to learn, thrive, navigate their future with purpose, and impact their community.
In February 2024, the School Board for SSFUSD adopted our new Vision and Five-Year Strategic Plan . As a member of the cabinet, the Assistant Superintendent of Talent, will be responsible for leading initiatives to ensure the district delivers on its promises in the strategic plan.
POSITION SUMMARY
Under the direction of the Director of Special Education, or Special Education Administrator designee, the Teacher for the Visually Impaired provides specially designed instruction as outlined in IEP to students with visual impairments; assess, monitor and report on student progress; work collaboratively with parents, staff and agencies to address educational needs of students as related to the student’s functional vision.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
(Incumbents may perform any combination of the essential functions shown below. Duties may vary from site to site. This list is not exhaustive but accurately reflects the key job elements.)
- Provide individualized instruction and accommodations / modifications for the purpose of addressing students’ academic and social needs as determined by functional vision assessment results;
- Participate on the IEP team to design individual educational programs for special education students who are found eligible for specialized vision and / or orientation and mobility services;
- Conduct on-going reviews of the IEP and monitor progress of students;
- Assess students using formal and informal assessments for the purpose of identifying educational needs including curricular, social and equipment needs; monitor, evaluate and report on the progress of students;
- Confer with parents and professional staff for the purpose of addressing problems and / or concerns related to the education of students with vision impairments;
- Counsel students and their parents for the purpose of facilitating / supporting vocational planning, social adjustment, and agency / support service awareness;
- Establish and maintain a cooperative working relationship with community agencies for the purpose of facilitating the educational program for students;
- Serve as a resource to general and special education teachers, provide formal and informal training, guidance and assistance to educators, parents, service providers and agencies, as needed;
- Assist in the assessment of referred students;
- Implement extended core curriculum as it pertains to orientation and mobility, functional living skills, vocational skills, and recreational / leisure activities.
- Direct and train staff as related to students’ functional vision needs;
- Maintain materials required for students with visual impairments for the purpose of accessing current curriculum including ordering, inventorying, storing, and issuing books and materials;
- Provide Braille instruction and training in other special learning media for the purpose of assisting students in accessing classroom curriculum;
- Provide large print Braille, taped and recorded materials required by the classroom teacher for the purpose of assisting students in accessing classroom curriculum and to participate socially;
- Transcribe / enlarge classroom assignments into Braille / large print for the purpose of assisting students in accessing the curriculum;
- Maintain accurate records of pupil enrollment registers, service schedules, assessment data collection, and other required information;
- Establish and maintain a sanitary, safe, orderly, attractive and positive learning environment;
- Maintain strict student and parent confidentiality;
- Stay current with issues, laws and regulations regarding special education, educational trends, and other issues related to children with exceptional needs;
- Participate in professional development activities to stay current in all aspects of educating students with visual impairments;
- Perform other related duties, as assigned.
- Note : The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of duties, responsibilities, and activities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.
COMPETENCIES : Ability to :
Develop and implement individualized instructional programs.Use assistive technology and adaptive tools effectively.Transcribe materials into Braille and large print.Communicate effectively with students, families, staff, and service providers.Work collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams.Manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and adjust to changing priorities.Provide guidance and training to staff and families.Maintain a professional and positive demeanor under pressure.Instruct and assess students with visual impairments;Design individual educational programs for students with visual impairments;Use assistive technology with students with visual impairments;Provide Braille instruction and transcription;Identify appropriate instructional materials and equipment;Counsel, confer and collaborate with students, parents, professionals and agencies;Provide training, guidance and assistance to parents, professionals and agencies;Facilitate and participate in the IEP process;Train, evaluate and oversee the work of assigned personnel;Communicate effectively orally and in writing;Manage and prioritize multiple activities and be flexible given a variety of situations;Meet deadlines and complete assessments in a timely manner;Work effectively in a team environment with parents, staff, service providers and agencies.Knowledge of :
Instruction, assessment, accommodations and modifications for students with visual impairments;Visual impairments, including development progression of vision impairments, related educational needs, and available resources and how to obtain them;Braille code awareness, operation and use of current assistive technology required for students;IEP process;Transition planning for visually impaired students;Child growth, development and behavioral characteristics;Positive discipline and classroom management techniques;Applicable policies, guidelines, rules, regulations, laws and codes.Extended core curriculum as it pertains to orientation and mobility, functional living skills, vocational skills, and recreational / leisure activities.Skills :
Technical and Instructional Skills :
Expertise in Braille instruction and transcription.Strong knowledge of assistive technology (screen readers, magnifiers, refreshable Braille displays).Ability to assess functional vision and design individualized instructional programs.Competence in developing and implementing the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC).Skill in adapting and modifying instructional materials (Braille, large print, tactile maps).Communication and Collaboration :
Strong verbal and written communication skills with students, parents, and staff.Ability to work effectively on interdisciplinary teams and contribute to IEP development.Skill in training and guiding staff, service providers, and family members.Conflict resolution and problem-solving skills to address student and family concerns.Ability to provide clear, constructive feedback to students and staff.Behavioral and Social Skills :
Ability to build rapport and maintain trust with students and families.Understanding of child development and behavior management strategies.Sensitivity and patience when working with students with diverse needs.Ability to promote self-advocacy and independence in students.Organizational and Administrative Skills :
Strong time management and ability to manage multiple student caseloads.Record-keeping and data analysis for student progress monitoring.Ability to plan and coordinate travel instruction in community settings.Proficiency in scheduling and coordinating IEP meetings and evaluations.Knowledge of educational regulations and compliance requirements.Professional and Personal Attributes :
Flexibility and adaptability to adjust to changing student needs and environments.Commitment to staying current with best practices and educational trends.Professionalism and discretion in handling confidential student information.High level of emotional intelligence and resilience under pressure.Physical requirements :
Incorporated within one or more of the previously mentioned performance responsibilities, which are essential functions of this job description, are the following essential physical requirements :
Ability to work at a desk, conference table, or in meetings of various configurations.Ability to sit, stand, and traverse for extended periods of time.Ability to see for purposes of performing duties, responsibilities, and activities.Ability to understand speech at normal levels.Ability to read laws and codes, rules and policies, and a variety of other printed materials and digital screens, and prepare / process documents.Ability to operate standard office equipment, computer technology including keyboard, and other equipment necessary to complete required duties, responsibilities, and activities.Ability to listen and speak with others to clearly and understandably communicate and exchange information during conversation.Ability to walk, twist, stoop, crouch, kneel, bend / over, grasp, reach overhead, push, pull, move, lift and / or carry 0-50 pounds to waist height.EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, LICENSES, AND CERTIFICATIONS :
Experience :
One (1) year of successful experience in a California school district or County Schools Office.Experience teaching orientation, mobility, and vision-related skills.Education :
Master’s Degree in Special Education (preferred).Licenses and Certifications :
Valid California teaching credential authorizing specialized services for students with visual impairments.Valid California Clinical Rehabilitative Services Credential authorizing service for Orientation and Mobility (preferred).WORKING CONDITIONS
Environment :
Indoor and outdoor work environments.Travel between school sites and community locations.Physical Demands :
Ability to stoop, bend, sit, stand, stretch, grasp, pull, push, and walk.Manual dexterity sufficient to operate a computer and telephone.Vision sufficient to read materials and use adaptive technology.Hearing and speaking ability for effective communication.Physical strength to lift up to 25 pounds.Mental acuity to analyze data, evaluate situations, and make sound decisions.Hazards :
Driving a vehicle during adverse weather conditions. Frequent interruptions.Certifications :
Possess current Tuberculosis (TB) Screening / Certification.Cleared background check through the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY :
South San Francisco Unified School District programs, activities, and employment shall be free from unlawful discrimination, including discrimination against an individual or group based on race, color, ancestry, nationality, national origin, immigration status, ethnic group identification, ethnicity, age, religion, marital status, pregnancy, parental status, physical or mental disability, sex,sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, or genetic information; a perception of one or more of such characteristics; or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. (Board Policy 0410)
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