To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.

GRPS MISSION: Our mission is to ensure that all students are educated, self-directed and productive members of society.

                                                            Special Education Aide - Braille

Department:              Special Education             

Bargaining Unit:        Union of Grand Rapids Education Support Professional (UGRESP)

Hourly Rate:             Determined by the collective bargaining agreement  

JOB SUMMARY

The Special Education Aide, who is a fluent Braille, is responsible for working as a team member in the implementation of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) for students with a visual impairment. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Essential functions under the Americans with Disabilities Act may include any of the following duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is illustrative only and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by employees in this position. Regular on time and in person attendance is an essential function of this job. Other essential functions may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Assist with the development of pre-braille skills at the direction of a certified teacher and/or visual impairment (VI) consultant.
• Produce accurate Braille transcription in a timely manner to enable students with visual impairments to participate in their classes.
• Perform transcribing activities to provide support to students with visual impairments.
• Assist with communication in English. 
• Actively participate in building activities, meetings, conferences, IEP team meetings, lunch, orientation and mobility instruction or activities as determined by the building administration or special education supervisor.
• Provide instruction under the direction of the teacher, select, and prepare materials in tactile and auditory format as determined by the certified teacher and/or visual impairment (VI) consultant.
• Assist with transportation-loading and unloading of buses, city transportation.
• Inform the certified teacher of any specific needs or concerns regarding the students.
• Follow through with suggestions by related service providers as directed by the teacher.
• Assist in the medical, adapted daily living and self-care needs of students which could include assisting students with eating, hygiene, toileting, and diapering.
• Lift and transfer students as needed.
• Assist in behavioral/academic/transition interventions as needed.
• Perform documentation/record keeping and organizational tasks as appropriate such as:  student performance, behavior plan charting, Medicaid billing for personal care services, community-based information.
• Interact with co-workers, administration, students, parents, and the community in professional, supportive, and cooperative ways.
• Serve as a positive role model.
• Assist in arranging and managing the physical setting so that it is conducive to learning.
• Assist with the school day activities such as before and after-school supervision, lunch and recess and bus loading and unloading supervision, to ensure the safety of all students.
• Maintain in-person and on-time attendance as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

Must have:

• Completed a minimum of 60 college credits earned: or
• Obtained an associate’s or higher degree; or
• Obtained a passing score on an MDE approved ETS Paraprofessional assessment.

• Must be enrolled in a program leading to a Library of Congress Literary Braille certification.
• Experience with Braille 2000 transcription software or willingness to learn.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Must have good attendance and punctuality.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise students (observe, listen, assess, react) as needed to ensure a safe environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work well with others.
• Demonstrated good communication skills (verbal and written).
• Demonstrated ability to deal with parents, public, and staff members in a tactful and courteous manner.
• Demonstrated ability to work with confidential information.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a diverse environment.

ADA REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands, work environment factors, and mental functions described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, talk, hear (in a quiet or noisy environment). Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust/focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The noise level in the work environment is usually loud to moderate. Work is performed indoors although there will be required outdoor activities. The employee is directly responsible for the safety, well-being, and oversight of students.

MENTAL FUNCTIONS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to compare, analyze, communicate both orally and in writing, copy, coordinate, instruct, compute, synthesize, evaluate, use interpersonal skills, compile, and negotiate.

Non-Discrimination

The Grand Rapids Public Schools will not discriminate against any person based on race, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, height, weight, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, disability, veteran, or military status.

Americans with Disabilities Act accommodations: Assistance with the application process may be requested through the Human Resources Department at (616) 819-2022 or humanresources@grps.org.