Teacher Visually Impaired​/Orientation and Mobility Specialist

Position:
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Teacher

Employment Type:
Full-time, working 186 days per year

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

The South San Francisco Unified School District (SSFUSD) community includes 15 schools supporting 8,000 students in Daly City, San Bruno, and South San Francisco.

Our mission is that in partnership with our community, SSFUSD will provide exceptional instruction, engaging experiences, and equitable and accessible opportunities and resources to further support our diverse student body so that students are equipped to learn, thrive, navigate their future with purpose, and impact their community.

In February 2024, the School Board for SSFUSD adopted our new Vision and Five-Year Strategic Plan. As a member of the cabinet, the Assistant Superintendent of Talent will be responsible for leading initiatives to ensure the district delivers on its promises in the strategic plan.

Under the direction of the Director of Special Education, or Special Education Administrator designee, the Teacher for the Visually Impaired/Orientation and Mobility Specialist provides specially designed instruction to students with vision impairments, promoting cognitive, academic, communication, behavioral, social, and physical development. The position involves assessing student needs, developing individualized programs, and providing direct instruction in orientation, mobility, functional living, and academic skills to support independent functioning and access to the educational environment.

Incumbents may perform any combination of the essential functions shown below. Duties may vary from site to site. This list is not exhaustive but accurately reflects the key job elements.

• Participate in the development and review of Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and Transition Plans for students on caseload.
• Draft goals, update present levels, and monitor student progress in alignment with IEP objectives.
• Provide input and recommendations for accommodations and modifications related to visual impairments and mobility.

• Conduct functional vision and orientation/mobility assessments to identify student needs.
• Develop, implement, and adjust instructional strategies, training plans, and remedial activities according to student progress.
• Assess educational, social, and equipment needs, and monitor and report progress to staff and families.

• Provide direct instruction in:
• Body imagery, laterality, environmental concepts, motor skills, sensory awareness, and spatial concepts.
• Human guide procedures, protective techniques, cane skills, and travel in residential and business districts.
• Orientation to traffic control signals, public transportation systems, and use of community resources.
• Self-advocacy and age-appropriate social skills.
• Provide Braille instruction and training in assistive technology, including large print, recorded materials, and other learning media.
• Facilitate extended core curriculum, including orientation and mobility, functional living skills, vocational skills, and recreational/leisure activities.

• Work with parents, teachers, and related service providers to reinforce orientation and mobility skills.
• Serve as a resource for general and special education staff, providing formal and informal training and guidance.
• Collaborate with agencies and community organizations to support student needs and facilitate access to services.

• Prepare and use equipment and materials for orientation and mobility training, including tactile maps, models, low vision aids, and long canes.
• Maintain and order instructional materials, including Braille and large print resources.

• Ensure student safety at all times during instructional activities.
• Transport students to community locations to provide real-world instruction in travel and mobility skills.
• Establish and maintain a positive, safe, and orderly learning environment.

• Maintain accurate records of student progress, attendance, and service…