DeafBlind Specialist - Statewide Programs #37571

Position:                     DeafBlind Specialist
Location:                    Delaware Statewide DeafBlind Program (housed in Christina; position statewide)

Qualifications:

• Degree in Special Education K-12 certification (Master\'s Degree Preferred)
• State of Delaware Certification in Special Education, Teacher of Students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, or Teacher of Students who are Blind or Visually Impaired
• Successful completion of the State of Delaware Pre-Professional Skills test (only for those candidates not already certificated in Delaware; may be met after position has been offered)
• Experience providing support to students, birth through age 22, who are deafblind, deaf/hard of hearing, blind/visually impaired, and/or medically complex
• Completion of coursework, professional development, or specialized training related to deafblindness, cortical visual impairment (CVI), visual development/diagnoses, audiological development/hearing differences, communication strategies, or sensory access
• Demonstrate knowledge of evidence-based best practices, assessment, and educational strategies for students who are deafblind and have complex sensory needs
• Demonstrate a basic knowledge of American Sign Language (ASL) and/or other communication systems and modalities used by individuals who are deafblind with complex communication needs
• Willingness to travel

Salary:  Teacher salary schedule based on experience and degree. Salary Schedule can be found on the districts website:   https://www.christinak12.org/fs/resource-manager/view/974d5237-9a28-41cf-ae7e-d839c716a97d
 

APPLICATION PROCEDURES:  Internal- Qualified applicants must complete an online teaching application and attach license/certification. External- Qualified applicants must complete an online teaching application and attach a letter of interest, resume, recent evaluations and/or student teaching evaluations, and license/certification.  Previous submissions will not automatically flow to this posting.  In order to be considered for this position, you must apply specifically for the Job ID listed for this position.

START DATE: Mutually Agreeable

POSITION DESCRIPTION and RESPONSIBILITIES:  Delaware Statewide Programs for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing and DeafBlind seeks to ensure that all individuals, ages birth-22, who are deaf, hard of hearing, and deafblind throughout the state of Delaware have access to their natural and educational environments, and to maximize their abilities to succeed in the areas of academics, communication, linguistic, and social-emotional skills. This is achieved through the provision of technical assistance, in collaboration with local school districts, families, and professionals

•   Provide technical assistance and consultation to students with deafblindness, their families, IFSP/IEP teams, and educational staff, including Teachers of the Visually Impaired and Teachers of the Deaf/Hard or Hearing.
• Collaborate with IFSP/IEP teams to develop, plan and implement recommendations for evidence-based best practices, accommodations, modifications, instructional strategies, and materials that support students\' access to the curriculum, instruction, activities, and learning environments.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date student service logs, documentation, reports, and records in accordance with program and district requirements.  
• Provide professional development and training, including content-specific and student-specific training, to IFSP/IEP teams, families, schools and/or agencies.
• Maintain regular communication with IFSP/IEP teams and families, through site and home visits, IFSP/IEP meetings, conferences, office hours, written communication, phone, email, and other appropriate methods to discuss observations, student\'s progress, concerns or needs.
• Collaborate with educational teams, related service providers, and families to assess and monitor students\' developmental, communicative, sensory, social-emotional, and educational needs, including their access, communication, participation, and learning. Utilize multiple forms of assessment and data collection appropriate for students who are deafblind (e.g., Communication Matrix, Sensory Channel Inventory, CVI Range, Functional Hearing Evaluation, and other functional assessments) to develop recommendations and inform instruction, intervention, and educational programming.
• Support the implementation of grant initiatives and priorities of the Delaware Statewide DeafBlind Program, and participate in statewide initiatives, professional learning communities (PLCs), and other capacity-building activities designed to strengthen practices, increase staff knowledge and skills, and foster systems change for students who are deafblind.
• Select, adapt, create, and individualize instructional materials and resources to meet students\' diverse needs, communication modes, and skill levels.
• Participate in ongoing team and individual professional development provided by the District, Statewide Programs for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing and DeafBlind, and/or through self-selected professional learning activities to maintain and expand knowledge and expertise in the field of deafblindness.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of auditory and visual development, audiological and ophthalmological evaluations, functional hearing and vision assessments (as they relate to educational programming and access), and the unique impact of combined hearing and vision loss on students\' access to communication, instruction, curriculum, environments, social interactions, overall development, and learning.
• Collaborate with families, and medical and educational professionals to share observations and information relevant to the student\'s needs.
• Provide transition support and consultation throughout various stages of a student\'s education, including transition from early intervention to preschool, transitions between programs, schools, or educational settings, and transition planning for graduation and/or exit from school and services from the Statewide DeafBlind Program.
• Perform other duties as assigned                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a person in this position

CHRISTINA SCHOOL DISTRICT
Human Resources Office
1899 S. College Avenue
Newark, DE 19702
PH:  302/552-2600  FX:  302/295-8922
Visit our website:  www.christinak12.org

Employment is conditional upon receipt of an acceptable criminal background report and a child abuse registry check showing you are not on the registry at any level

The Christina School District is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity, or any other categories protected by federal, state, or local law. Inquiries regarding compliance with the above may be directed to the Title IX/Section 504 Coordinator, Christina School District, 1899 S. College Avenue, Newark, DE 19702; Telephone: (302) 552-2600.