Outreach Consultant

Description

SUMMARY: With minimal supervision, provides functional vision assessments, consultations, activities, and programs as a member of a multidisciplinary team across the State of Maryland. 

ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Essential Functions:

1. Provides functional vision assessments and recommendations that facilitate use of residual vision in low vision students including making recommendations for Magnification, Lighting, Contrast, Glare Control/Sun Shades as well as completing environmental assessments in a variety of settings. 

2. Develops workshops and short courses and/or training curriculum, agendas and materials for independent living skills in areas of personal management, household management, communication, leisure activities, orientation and movement in an indoor environment, and use of low vision and adaptive devices and technology. 

3. Provides in-service training to MSB and LEA Staff about Low Vision and the Expanded Core Curriculum. 

4. Provides consultation services to staff, parents, and community based professionals  

5. Provides outreach services to appropriate students in the community.  

6. In collaboration with the Outreach Social Worker facilitates the networking of community resources to family, students and staff.   

7. Collaborates with School ophthalmologists to provide comprehensive low vision evaluations.

8. Participates on trans-disciplinary teams to determine service goals and scope for students and families who participate in cross-campus programming.

Marginal Functions:

1. Performs additional duties as assigned.

CONDITIONS:

Equipment Used: Telephone, computer, lensometer, adjustable lamps, tape measure, carts, copy machine, many assorted low vision devices.

Performance Standard: Must consistently demonstrate clinical competence in all areas of performance consistent with recognized standards of Low Vision & Vision Rehabilitation. 

Work Environment: Multiple indoor and outdoor environments, on and off campus, with a variety of sound, lighting, and temperature conditions.

Work Schedule: 35 weekday hours, Monday through Friday, with a daily one hour unpaid lunch. Frequent flextime

scheduling and some evening and overnight assignments. This position has an annual twelve-month schedule.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge, skills and general abilities:

1. Comprehensive knowledge of low vision policies, practices, procedures, and devices. 

2. Comprehensive knowledge of anatomy and pathology of the eye.

3. Comprehensive knowledge of the Expanded Core Curriculum.

4. Comprehensive knowledge of appropriate functional visual assessment techniques, including for students with additional and significant disabilities. 

5. General knowledge of optics and magnification

6. General knowledge of assistive technology

7. General knowledge of documentation standards, goal writing and outcome tracking.

8. Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Education or related field with specialized training and experience in blindness and low vision.

9. Preferred certification as a CVRT, CATIS and/or CLVT or willingness to obtain within 2 years.

After the first year in this position, the employee is required to have:

1. General knowledge of: gestural systems, behavior management, data collection; MSB policies and procedures.

2. General knowledge of IDEA regulations and service implications.