Vocational Teacher, Perkins School for the Blind, (Watertown, MA)
Posted October 25, 2022
Description
Teach students skills to meet their individual objectives and report progress on these objectives in oral and/or written formats as prescribed by the program. Assist in providing a safe and secure environment for students. Apply good judgment and effective problem-solving skills in working with students on and off-campus. Participate in staff development and training. Read records, observe students, consult with other program staff and clinicians to determine capabilities, limitations and the special needs of each student. Apply this information in working with students, preparing goals, objectives and specific lesson plans to meet these needs. Provide a setting that fosters a respectful attitude toward human rights, confidentiality, and privacy as they relate to working with the students. Observe all regulations required by licensing agencies which apply to students.
Responsibilities
- Oversee students at community job sites; provide training, implement modifications, conduct ongoing evaluations
- Plan and conduct vocational classes
- Meet weekly with students, both individually and in a group
- Develop and implement individual training plans for each student
- Evaluate student progress throughout the program
- Provide consultation to and in-service training for families, staff and community resources supporting the students
- Complete the paperwork in a timely manner associated with assessments and training completed
- Participate in student meetings
- Consult with all program staff as needed for reinforcement of skills taught
- Observe Perkins’ Behavior Management Policy while working with students.
- Design and implement programs or protocols for staff to use consistently with students
- Observe all fire safety, evacuation and emergency procedures
- Maintain an orderly, clean, safe and secure environment for student
- Provide support to students in the performance of self-care and independent living skills, according to their developmental level and physical ability and which respects the student’s right to privacy
- Physically assist student or students in one and two-person lifts and transfers
- Provide for the safety of students in situations where they exhibit difficulty in controlling their behaviors as outlined in the behavior management plan
- Physically assist students in medical emergencies, such as seizures
- Assist in providing consistent and positive learning experiences for students
- Assist in promoting the development of independence, self-confidence, social skills, and positive behavior with students
- Provide appropriate social and behavior modeling and guidance for students
- Take initiative to plan activities that meet the developmental level of the student.
- Prepare for the activity by making certain that equipment is ready and in operating condition; rules are clear; and the area is safe.
- Provide a positive role model for students
- Foster community integration through lessons
- Provide written observations of critical and relevant student information to the staff communication log
- Communicate all relevant student medical information and observations to the program supervisor
- Participate in regular staff team meetings and other meetings as assigned by supervisor
- Keep accurate, detailed records according to the prescribed format
- Assist in the ongoing communication with families of students
- Provide in-service training for job site staff and serve as liaison to employers
- Must have ability to work independently.
- Commitment to pursue/complete Employment Specialist Certificate or similar training
Skills
To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:
- Ability to effectively communicate both orally and written
- Ability to work with diverse populations
- Excellent organizational skills
- Current driver’s license and willingness to maintain Perkins vehicle clearances to competencies or wherever appropriate
Education/Experience
Minimum of Bachelor’s degree in Special Education, Rehabilitation or related field with a minimum of 1 – 2 years of experience working with students who have special needs and working with students in a vocational setting. Master’s preferred; Must be currently certified or willing to be certified in First Aid and CPR.
Preferred
- Prior experience working with school age students with visual impairments who may also have additional disabilities or who are deafblind
- Experience & expertise in assistive/adaptive technology
Licenses
Licensed as Massachusetts Teacher in Special Education or able to obtain a waiver while working towards the teacher license.
How to Apply
Please e-mail all resumes to Gloria Aymie [email protected]