Family Support Specialist for Blindness and Visual Impairment (BVI) - PaTTAN

Family Support Specialist for Blindness and Visual Impairment (BVI)

A vacancy exists for a Family Support Specialist for Blindness and Visual Impairment (BVI) to work for the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit at PaTTAN - East. The Family Support Specialist will provide technical assistance and training related to blindness and visual impairment as part of the Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN). They will be responsible for assisting and providing leadership in communication with families and educators on improving services to students who are blind or visually impaired.

They will design and develop family engagement training materials and resources in collaboration with educational consultants and other family support specialists that will be used across statewide BSE/PaTTAN initiative areas. In addition, they will provide training and technical assistance and professional development to families and educational professionals. They will work collaboratively with statewide family organizations.

Qualifications:

Personal and/or family experience navigating educational programming for individuals with blindness or visual impairments strongly preferred Lived experience with blindness or low vision, including individuals who are blind or have low vision themselves, or those with close personal experience (e.g., family member or caregiver). Demonstrated understanding of the impact of vision loss on individuals and families. 1-3 years of experience in any specialized area required as part of the job functions preferred (training and support will be available) Associates/BS Degree in general field preferred.

Expertise (includes one or more of the following):
Professional approach to their work that includes very strong customer service skills. Strong Technology skills, including extensive use of Microsoft applications as well as MCIU software. Specialized skills in area to be able to work autonomously as proven through work experience. Customer service with staff, students and families Familiarity and ability to use various technology and database systems Ability to multi-task with attention to detail Necessary to be flexible and adaptable to various interruptions Problem-solving ability and experience de-escalating contentious situations with students and families Original certificates of clearance from the State Police, Child Abuse Registry, and PDE FBI

Duties & Responsibilities:

Participates as full member of the PaTTAN training and technical support team Works with PaTTAN Educational Consultants across PaTTAN initiative areas to ensure that family needs and perspectives are represented Assists in the development and implementation of professional development for families and professionals Provides strategies to effectively engage families whose children are blind or visually impaired Participates in regional and statewide meetings Participates in conferences, institutes, and academies as part of the PaTTAN team Assists in the development of resource materials that specifically assist families and LEAs in understanding the critical role that families play in the education of students who are blind or visually impaired Analyzes services to make recommendations for improved effectiveness Provides confidential guidance to families and LEAs pertaining to rights ensured through procedural safeguards Provides guidance to families and LEAs to increase collaborative practice before/during/after challenging communications Guides work of the PaTTAN Schools Engaging Families and Blindness/Visual Impairment initiatives, and federally grant-funded statewide family network Performs other duties as required by PaTTAN Director and/or Assistant Director

Location:

PaTTAN-East is located at 2500 Monroe Boulevard, Suite 110, Norristown, PA 19403.

Work Schedule:

Monday-Friday, 7.0 hours/day, 12 months (260-262 days/year) Salary: $27.41/hour - $32.25/hour (PS2)

About Us:

The Montgomery County Intermediate Unit, a regional educational service agency, provides dynamic, visionary leadership and effective, efficient services for constituent school districts, schools and students.

Why Should You Apply? Competitive salary. Comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, prescription, and vision insurance coverage. Tuition reimbursement. Eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness. Participation in PSERS (Public School Employees' Retirement System). Paid time off benefits.

How to Apply:

Applications can be submitted online u.org/careers (Job ). Please contact the Human Resources Office at careers or  if you have any questions or need assistance.