Low Vision Consultant

Full Job Description

This is a non-merit position. Candidates must follow the instructions in the "To Apply" section. Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services - Human Resources Enterprise.

Primary Function: Under the general direction of a Regional Administrator, provides leadership to build capacity in Area Education Agencies (AEAs) and Local Education Agencies (LEAs) facilitating a basic understanding of low vision, assessment, use of low vision devices, and the development of appropriate plans for the classroom, work, community, and home settings.

Typical Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provides ‘vision’ for the program of low vision services in Iowa
• Provides leadership and knowledge in current research and low vision issues that impact and inform educational programming
• Participates as a supportive member of the statewide services team ensuring that low vision services are an integral part of statewide services
• Facilitates a process of change, as necessary, in the provision of low vision services
• Effectively plans and conducts training in low vision for AEA staff, LEA staff, IESBVI staff and parents
• Models best practices as a part of all training and mentoring
• Coordinates and conducts Low Vision Clinics
• Works closely with optometrists and / or ophthalmologists who serve in Low Vision Clinics
• Provides follow-up services, as appropriate, to school-age students with low vision
• Participates in multi-disciplinary teams of professionals as needed
• Provides on-site services to students in their local schools to assist with instruction in the use of low vision devices in the classroom and community
• Collaborates with Teachers for the Visually Impaired in supporting Learning Media
• Collaborates with Orientation and Mobility Specialists in supporting assessments when low vision devices or materials are needed
• Participates in statewide and national training opportunities
• Works with the Vision Resource Center to maintain the Low Vision Aid Loan Library
• Maintains a safe environment for students and strives to meet student needs.
• Supports the school’s strategic plans and adheres to school policies and procedures.
• Complies with personnel policies.
• Demonstrates effective interpersonal and communication skills
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Regional Director

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in education; Master’s degree preferred.
• Must hold or be eligible for an Iowa teaching license, with certification as a Teacher for the Visually Impaired (TVI) or Orientation and Mobility Specialist.
• Three years of experience in teaching students who are visually impaired.
• Ability to manage a student caseload and coordinate LVC services
• Excellent communication skills and interpersonal skills.
• Includes travel throughout the state, including some overnights.
• Once hired, the Low Vision Coordinator will be expected to develop a plan to complete the certification through ACVREP as a Low Vision Therapist OR a plan to complete coursework in the following areas:
  1. Understand the human visual system including diseases, conditions, and disorders, approved interventions, and implications for daily living.
  2. Basic optics of the eye and the optical properties of magnifiers as well as corrective devices for refractive errors.
  3. Optical and non-optical devices for enhancing remaining vision along with their characteristics, uses, advantages, and disadvantages.
  4. The impact of additional disabilities on low vision as well as possible interventions.
  5. The components of a low vision clinical examination, including procedures and equipment.
  6. The use of adaptive devices and techniques by those who are blind or visually impaired.
  7. The issues of blindness/low vision and their implications for children and young adults.

E-Verify and Right to Work

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees.

Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States.

The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization.

For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:

1. One of the following current licenses from the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners: 
   1. School Psychologist; or 
   2. School Counseling; or 
   3. Speech Language Pathologist.
2. All of the following (a and b):
   1. Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in orientation and mobility; and 
   2. Possession of a current Iowa Orientation and Mobility Specialist license. 
3. All of the following (a and b):
   1. Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in any field; and 
   2. Possession of a current Iowa Teaching Certificate.