Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments

EDUCATIONAL SERVICE UNIT 3

JOB DESCRIPTION

Educational Service Unit 3 (ESU 3) is seeking a dedicated and passionate Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments & Orientation/Mobility Specialist to join our Student Services team. This professional role supports children and youth ages Birth–21 across partnering school districts by providing high-quality instructional, consultative, and orientation & mobility services that promote independence, access, and success.

The ideal candidate is committed to collaborative teamwork, family-centered practices, and evidence-based instruction. This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by supporting students with visual impairments in school, home, and community settings.

Qualifications include:

• Degree in Visual Impairments and Special Education
• Nebraska Teaching Certificate
• Orientation & Mobility Certification (ACVREP or NOMC), or eligibility and willingness to obtain certification with ESU 3 support

If you are passionate about empowering students with visual impairments and value meaningful, community-based work, we encourage you to apply and join our mission-driven team.

Competitive benefits package includes employer paid health and dental and a $11,478.50 health insurance stipend in addition to the teacher salary.  Click HERE for the 25-26 Teacher Salary Schedule.

Job Title:  Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments & Orientation/Mobility Specialist    

Job Code:  7523

Number of Days Worked:  190 day contract

Department:  Student Services

FLSA Status:   Exempt – Professional

Immediate Supervisor: Executive Director of Student Services

Staff Supervised:  None

Essential Requirements:

1. Degree in Visual Impairments and Special Education 
2. Nebraska Teaching Certificate
3. Orientation & Mobility Certification: ACVREP or NOMC Certificate; Candidates who do not currently hold either certification must be eligible to obtain one and willing to work directly with ESU 3 to complete the certification process as soon as possible after hire.
4. No history of child abuse or negligence, and able to successfully pass required background checks.
5. Regular and dependable in person attendance is required and is considered a condition of employment. The assigned duties of this position may allow consideration of occasional/infrequent remote work with the approval of the supervisor. Remote work is subject to the remote work guidelines and conditions outlined in the job description. The supervisor may withdraw the remote work option at any time

Essential Responsibilities:   

1. Understand and comply with the ESU 3 Board of Education Personnel Policies and Employee Handbook.
2. Provides comprehensive services for children ages Birth-21 with visual impairments within each contracting school district.
3. Arrives at the first school building/district/program assigned in schedule at the regular start of that program's work day (i.e., 7:45 a.m), or earlier if requested, and works through the day until 4:30 p.m. or later if requested. 
4. Provides direct or consultative instructional strategies, interventions, orientation and mobility and diagnostic services on a scheduled basis to children identified with visual impairments.
5. Participates in multidisciplinary team meetings to determine if a child is eligible for services in accordance with Nebraska Rule 51 or Rule 52 criteria.
6. Designs, implements, and monitors individualized education programs (IEPs) and itinerant service models. 
7. Conducts functional vision assessments, learning media assessments, orientation & mobility assessments, and collaborates with IEP teams to interpret results and develop instructional strategies and services.
8. Demonstrates competence in instruction of Braille and compensatory/functional academics, assistive technology, independent living skills, orientation & mobility, social interaction, recreation and leisure, career education, sensory efficiency skills, and self-determination.  
9. Provides supervision and creates a safe environment during the provision of Orientation and Mobility services out in community settings.   
10. Teaches, demonstrates and instructs the child's family members and staff members in activities to enhance goals and the child's program.
11. Collaborates with teachers regarding the child's needs in the school and acts as a resource to the teacher in the area of visual impairments.
12. Ensures timely and accurate completion of written progress notes and service documentation logs for all students, as well as written documentation required by ESU 3 and contracted school districts.
13. Provides continuous service for children ages Birth-3 at a time convenient to the family, requiring service provision over a twelve month period and/or occasional services in the evenings as requested by the family.  
14. Completes state reporting for Results Matter when assigned as the case manager for children Birth-3.
15. Consults with school administrators, staff, parents, and community in the area of visual impairments and Orientation and Mobility with proper Release of Information.
16. Maintains records and files as required by the Nebraska Department of Education and ESU 3.
17. Remains current in the field, attends professional development, and contributes to district and statewide initiatives related to visual impairments and orientation & mobility.
18. Displays appropriate interpersonal skills to effectively work with students, parents, administrators, teachers, co-workers, and community members.
19. Reviews and responds to written and verbal communication in a timely manner. 
20. Provides own transportation to fulfill the responsibilities of the position, including travel to multiple site locations.
21. Other duties as assigned.

Essential Physical Requirements:

Essential Physical Requirements

Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments & Orientation and Mobility Specialist

Item is not a requirement of the job

Occasional-up to 33% of time

Occasional/Essential-Up to 33% of time, absolutely essential to the job

Frequent-

between 34%-66%

Continuous-over 66% of time

Stamina

1. Sitting

X

2. Walking

X

3. Standing

X

Flexibility

4. Bending or twisting at the neck more than the average person

x 

5. Bending or twisting at the trunk more than the average person

x 

6. Squatting/Stooping/Kneeling

x

7. Reaching above the head

x

8. Reaching forward

x

9. Repeating the same hand, arm or finger motion many times (For example:  typing, data entry, etc.)

x

Activities

10. Climbing (on ladders, into large trucks/vehicles, etc.)

X

11. Hand/grip strength

X 

12. Driving on the job

X

13. Typing non-stop

X

Use of Arms and Hands

14. Manual dexterity (using a wrench or screwing a lid on a jar)

X 

15. Finger dexterity (typing or putting a nut on a bolt)

X 

Lifting Requirements

16. Lifting up to 10 pounds (Mark all that apply)

Floor to waist

X

Waist to shoulder

X

Shoulder to overhead

X

17. Lifting 11 to 25 pounds (Mark all that apply)

Floor to waist

X

Waist to shoulder

X

Shoulder to overhead

X

18. Lifting 26 to 50 pounds (Mark all that apply)

Floor to waist

X

Waist to shoulder

X

Shoulder to overhead

X

19. Lifting 51 to 75 pounds (Mark all that apply)

Floor to waist

X

Waist to shoulder

X

Shoulder to overhead

X

20. Can load/items weighing over 50 pounds that are lifted or carried be shared, or reduced into smaller loads?

X 

Pushing/Pulling

21. 25 to 50 pounds

X

22. 51 to 75 pounds

X

23. 76 to 90 pounds

X

24. Over 90 pounds

X 

Carrying

25. 10 to 25 pounds

X

26. 26 to 50 pounds

X

27. 51 to 75 pounds

X 

28. 76 to 90 pounds

X 

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.  Responsibilities and duties assigned are at the discretion of the supervisor.

Employee Signature:  _________________________________________ Date:  ___________

Supervisor Signature:  _________________________________________ Date:  ___________