SOESD-Braillist II

Southern Oregon ESD is seeking a Braillist II to join our regional program serving students with visual impairments across Southern Oregon. The Braillist II works under the direction of a licensed Teacher of the Visually Impaired, providing specialized support that allows students to fully access their educational programs and compensate for the impact of vision loss.

This position builds on the foundation of Braillist I by incorporating intermediate-level transcriber skills, such as producing Nemeth Code materials, designing tactile graphics and maps, formatting foreign language materials, and applying the Braille Formats Code across subjects. The Braillist II is also skilled in downloading and preparing electronic books, producing tactile materials, and utilizing adaptive tools and techniques chosen in collaboration with the supervising teacher (e.g., abacus, slate and stylus, iPad, intervener strategies, or concept development in orientation and mobility).

The successful candidate will demonstrate proficiency in braille transcription and production, hold (or be working toward) certification in Literary Braille from the Library of Congress and show the ability to create accessible instructional materials with accuracy and attention to detail. Strong computer skills, including the use of transcription software, embossers, and scanning/formatting programs, are essential.

As a valued member of the SOESD team, the Braillist II collaborates closely with Teachers of the Visually Impaired and other specialists, balancing technical expertise with classroom support. This role offers the opportunity to deepen professional skills in braille and compensatory access, while directly supporting student independence and success.

About SOESD

Southern Oregon ESD is located in the Rogue Valley, the cultural and economic heart of southern Oregon, home to legendary snow-skiing, white-water rafting, kayaking, hiking, fishing, as well as numerous cultural venues and events such as art galleries, the Britt Music Festivals, the Ashland Independent Film Festival, and the renowned Oregon Shakespeare Festival.

For more information on living in the Rogue Valley, please see:

• Education: http://vimeo.com/5495231
• Cultural Opportunities: http://vimeo.com/5702777
• Recreational Opportunities: https://vimeo.com/5734731
• Health Care: https://vimeo.com/5510082
  
  

Braillist II

POSITION GOAL: Assist the licensed teacher of the Visually Impaired with students who are eligible for regional services, in order to compensate for the student’s loss of vision.

Essential Functions

• Carry out all the skills in Level I.
• *Demonstrate additional transcriber skills at an intermediate level such as: Nemeth Code materials, graphics and design for tactile drawings and maps, foreign language, use of the Braille Formats Code for all braille.
• *Knowledge of online services to download books to be formatted into Braille or on to an electronic device.
• Use additional learned skills chosen in conjunction with the supervising teacher (a minimum of one) as benefits the students in the program. Examples are: beginning, intermediate and advanced abacus; use of adaptive devices; slate and stylus; iPad; signing/intervener techniques; orientation and mobility/concept development.
• *Obtaining certification in Literary Braille using current standards from the Library of Congress.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Items tested for competency
  
  

Minimum Prerequisites

• High school graduate or GED equivalent.
• Knowledge of special competencies related to vision loss.
• Knowledge of the impact of vision loss across developmental stages.
• Knowledge of adaptive teaching strategies.
• Knowledge of Literary Braille Code, Nemeth Braille Code, Braille Formats, the UEB Code, and their usage.
• Demonstrate computer skills: keyboard at a speed of 40 wpm with 95% accuracy, word processing, ability to access the internet, email and attaching files.
• Proficiency displayed in making tactile graphs and maps.
• Proficiency in computer skills: scanning documents, use of translation/transcription software, printing and embossing documents.
• Personable, collaborative team member.
• Possess a valid Oregon driver's license and car access.
  
  

LENGTH OF POSITION: In Person 190 Days (academic year)

PAY: Per Collective Bargaining Agreement the pay rate for the 2025-2026 school year is $21.84/hr - $29.94/hr

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: Teacher of the Visually Impaired, Department Chair (if requested) and appropriate involvement of the Regional Programs Coordinator

SOESD Benefits (For .50 FTE And Over)

• Southern Oregon ESD contributes up to 2003.00 per month (family coverage) for health, dental and vision insurance premiums for qualified employees.
• Employer-paid PERS (Public Employee Retirement System), including additional 6% individual investment account with PERS.
• 9 paid holidays
• A generous sick, vacation and discretionary (personal) leave packet is also provided to qualified employees.
  
  

Health Insurance:

• OEBB MODA
• Includes medical, dental, vision & prescription insurance
• Monthly premium deducted pre-tax
  
  

Options:

• Health Savings Accounts
• Flexible Spending Accounts – medical, day-care expenses
• Optional Coverage for Additional Life, AD&D, Short Term Disability Insurance through Aflac or American Fidelity
• 403(b)
• Mercy Flights Membership
  
  

Physical Requirements

The following physical requirements are essential functions of this position:

• Stand/Walk:1-4Hrs/Day
• Sit:1-4Hrs/Day
• Drive:1-4 Hrs/Day
• Bending:Occasionally
• Squat:Occasionally
• Climb Stairs:Occasionally
• Single Grasping:Frequently
• Pushing:Limited
• Pulling:Limited
• Fine Manipulation: Frequently
• Repetitive Foot Control: Not at all
• Lifting (less than 25 lbs.): Frequently
• Lifting (25-50 lbs.): Occasionally
• Lifting (50-75 lbs.):Limited
• Lifting (75-100 lbs.): Limited
  
  

Note: This is not necessarily an exhaustive or all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, functions or working conditions associated with the job. This job description is not a contract of employment or a promise or guarantee of any specific terms or conditions of employment. The school district may add to, modify or delete any aspect of this job (or the position itself) at any time as it deems advisable.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

SOESD is an equal opportunity employer that complies with applicable employment discrimination laws, including ORS Ch. 659, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act.