Assistive Technology Instructor for the blind

SUMMARY:

Valley Center for the Blind is seeking an individual who understands and believes in the full potential of people who are blind and low vision. Instructor will provide one-on-one, group and workshop training opportunities to help people with vision loss learn essential skills for independence and, when appropriate, employment. Must have strong experience in assistive technology and be prepared to give excellent assessments and training for Valley Center for the Blind and our partner agencies.

Subscribes to and promotes Valley Center for the Blind’s mission, vision, and values. Functions as an active Contact Center team member to achieve organization and department goals.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

Core competencies needed to be successful in this job include dealing with ambiguity, compassion, composure, client focus, strong written and verbal communication skills, attention to detail, ethics and values, listening, self-development, and learning from experience.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Determine current skill level, training needs and appropriate equipment recommendations through a detailed and comprehensive assessment process.
• Maintain proficiency in the use of adaptive/assistive technology devices for the blind and visually impaired. These devices and software may include but are not limited to:
• Apple products with Universal Design: iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch (Emphasis is placed on blind specific apps such as: Read2go and Learning Ally Audio).
• Android products e.g. phones or tablets (Emphasis is placed on blind specific apps such as Dolphin Easyreader, GoRead and learning Ally Link).
• Digital book readers and recording devices for the blind: Olympus Digital Voice Recorder, Victor Stream, NLS digital book player.
• Braille notetakers: BrailleNote Apex, Braille Sense, Polaris and Polaris Mini, and the Elbraille
• Refreshable Braille devices: PAC Mate Braille display, Refreshabraille, Alva Satellite, and Braille Edge models.
• Blind specific software which allows access to the computer by the blind and visually impaired: Voiceover, JAWS, NVDA, and ZoomText Fusion.
• Use of talking scanning software and hardware: SARA, Kurzweil 1000, Pearl. * Knowledge of blind specific locations for obtaining current educational materials i.e.: Bookshare, Web Braille, NLS/BARD, Learning Ally.
• Use of Braille translating software including: Duxbury and Tiger Suite
• Use of various Braille embossers: Juliet Pro 60, 4 Waves Pro, Index Everest, Romeo Attache Pro, Index Basic D.
• Use of handheld/desktop Video Magnifiers such as: Pebble, Ruby, Explore, Merlin.
• Work with client to develop goals that will enhance independence and confidence.
• Maintain a safe and fun learning environment for all clients to feel comfortable.
• Develop a personalized training plan tailored to meet a client’s needs in conjunction with VCB curriculum.
• Maintain thorough, complete, and timely ongoing record keeping of client services; including but not limited to case notes, lesson notes, evaluations, progress reports, and correspondence in the required VCB platform.
• Be knowledgeable in existing and new low vision aids and assistive software.
• Keep up to date on new trends and suggest appropriate curriculum updates.
• Present client issues to VCB's Case Management team and contribute to ongoing problem solving of such issues while maintaining appropriate confidentiality.
• Participate in individual case conferences and confer regularly with program staff on multi-disciplinary service team.
• Must be able to work assigned hours. Various shifts typically include hours during a timeframe of 8:00am to 6:00pm, and five days a week.
• Must be able to maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Utilize prescribed software to document, process and/or track all customer data and follow-up.
• Contribute to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the department and the organization by performing all other duties as assigned.
• Possess working knowledge of computers, primarily Microsoft Office applications and web browsing.
• Other duties as requested or assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Excellent professional interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills
• Must be self-motivating and dependable.
• Ability to take initiative, maintain organization, and be flexible
• Excellent computer keyboard, computer basics, and Microsoft Office skills
• Excellent skills in Voiceover, JAWS, Zoom Text, Zoomtext Fusion, Apple Products, Android, and NVDA at a minimum
• Works as part of a team upholding and promoting the VCB Mission and Values
• Experience with teaching using non-visual techniques
• Demonstrates an understanding of blindness and additional disabilities

SALARY RANGE:

• $18.00 - $21.00/Hour

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

Degree in Rehabilitation Teaching or Assistive Technology teaching certification and minimum two-year work experience; or Degree with major in Education or a related field and minimum three-year work experience; or 5 or more years of work experience in the field of blindness skills training & education.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Ability to clearly communicate concepts, processes and methods to enhance learning and skill building. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write business correspondence, and effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public. Bi-lingual in Spanish preferred.

REASONING ABILITY:

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects or keyboard and reach with hands and arms. The employee is sometimes required to stand, walk, and sit. The employee may lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Work environment may be partially remote but does require on-site in-person instruction at the assigned VCB office. The work environment may be an office setting, client’s home, or other locations as necessitated to effectively instruct the given subject.

SCHEDULE:

This job schedule will be dependent on instructional need and client availability. Typical hours of operation for instructors are M-F between 9am-5pm; however, occasionally instructors are required to work different hours if needed due to unique client situations.

COVID-19 CONSIDERATIONS:
VCB is taking every reasonable precaution to keep our team and clients safe. We are committed to ensuring our clients are still progressing towards their goals during this uncertain time.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $18.00 - $21.00 per hour

Expected hours: 28 per week

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan

Application Question(s):

• Have you worked with blind or low-vision individuals?
• Do you have any experience teaching blind, low-vision or disabled individuals?

Education:

• Associate (Preferred)

Language:

• Bilingual in Spanish or Hmong (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Assistive Technology Teaching Certificate (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Bakersfield, CA 93301 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Bakersfield, CA 93301: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18 - $21