What are the responsibilities and job description for the Residential Instructor position at Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired?
Location: Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (TSBVI)
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Position Type: Full-Time
Work Schedule: Evening/Overnight/Weekend rotations as assigned
Position Summary
The Residential Instructor III provides direct supervisory care, instruction, and support to students who are blind, visually impaired, and/or have additional disabilities in a residential living environment. This position plays a critical role in promoting safety, independence, social-emotional growth, and life-skill development outside of the classroom setting. The Residential Instructor III serves as a lead-level mentor to lower-level residential staff and assists with training, documentation, and implementation of individualized support plans.
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Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Student Care & Supervision
• Provide consistent supervision and care to students in residential cottages/dorms during assigned shifts
• Monitor student safety at all times and respond calmly and appropriately to behavioral or medical needs
• Administer medications as trained and authorized and document according to campus procedures
• Support student hygiene, grooming, dressing, mealtime routines, and bedtime routines
• Reinforce individual student behavior plans in coordination with special education staff
Instructional & Life Skills Support
• Model and teach independent living skills (e.g., self-care, organization, laundry, room care, safety awareness)
• Encourage positive social interaction, emotional regulation, and communication skills
• Provide guidance on appropriate boundaries, decision-making, and conflict resolution
• Support orientation and mobility skills when needed
Documentation & Compliance
• Maintain accurate documentation of:
• Student behaviors
• Medication administration
• Incident reports
• Observations and progress notes
• Follow all TSBVI, TEA, and state licensing/regulatory guidelines related to student supervision and documentation
• Maintain confidentiality of student information in compliance with FERPA, IDEA, and state guidelines
Leadership & Support to Staff
• Provide guidance and on-the-job mentoring to Residential Instructor I and II staff
• Assist with onboarding and training of new staff members
• Model professionalism, appropriate conduct, and effective communication
• Communicate concerns to supervisors in a timely and respectful manner
Collaboration & Communication
• Work closely with Teachers, Related Service Providers, Nursing staff, and Administrators
• Attend team meetings, student support meetings, and required trainings
• Communicate regularly with supervisors regarding student progress and concerns
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Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Knowledge of child and adolescent development
• Understanding of special education and behavioral support practices
• Strong communication and documentation skills
• Ability to remain calm in high-stress situations
• Ability to provide positive behavioral support and redirection
• Basic computer skills for documentation and communication
• Ability to lift, support, or physically assist students as required
• Ability to work rotating shifts, evenings, overnight, and weekends