Blindness/DeafBlindness Skills Instructor – Job Description

Created
October 11, 2018
Last Updated
May 27, 2022
Reports To
Program and Student Affairs Coordinator

Please note: Job duties and qualifications for the various subject areas are listed in the addendums for each subject area.

Job Duties:

  1. Plan and deliver lessons using a participant-centred approach.
  2. Write weekly reports on each student’s lessons including challenges and successes.
  3. Complete student assessments at the direction of Student Support Services.
  4. Provide skills teaching and testing in measurable formats.
  5. Assist in the development and updating of participant Individual Service Plans to ensure student requirements are being met.
  6. Help to plan programs and program activities.
  7. Provide services as part of a multidisciplinary team.
  8. Use the structured discovery (problem-solving) method of teaching.
  9. Provide training wearing sleepshades / learning shades, if not totally blind or DeafBlind.
  10. Use a long white cane or guide dog at all times during the program.
  11. Link participants with formal and informal resources, and help individuals develop their skills and ability to use their own resources and those of their community to solve problems and find solutions.
  12. Support the Program and Student Affairs Coordinator in the management of participant files and reports as well as data collection.
  13. Keep track of subject-specific supplies and equipment and inform Director of Operations when new ones are needed.
  14. Provide community outreach and help to identify the needs of blind individuals; propose ways to meet these needs.
  15. Assist in the recruitment of new students.
  16. Help participants become independent through gaining problem-solving skills.
  17. Perform other tasks as assigned from time to time by the program and Student Affairs Coordinator.

Qualifications

  1. Candidate must be legally blind.
  2. A degree, diploma or Certificate in rehabilitation, education, Human Services, Social Work, or Community Social Services; training at a structured discovery blindness centre; OR A relevant combination of education and experiences that equate to at least two years.
  3. Experience in a relevant field of knowledge with blindness/DeafBlindness experience preferred.
  4. Working knowledge of Braille, adaptive speech and Braille technology, travel with the long white cane, and other aspects of blindness/DeafBlindness skills.
  5. Experience in teaching adults and an understanding of the unique needs of adult learners.
  6. Experience working with people who have various disabilities in conjunction with blindness such as physical challenges, learning disabilities, brain injuries and mental health conditions.
  7. Strong belief in and understanding of using problem solving to teach blindness/DeafBlindness skills and the centre’s positive approach to blindness/DeafBlindness.
  8. Willing to learn the structured discovery / problem-solving method of teaching used at the centre.
  9. Understanding of and ability to access books, websites, media, online classes and other resources.
  10. Must be detail oriented and possess effective organizational and basic research skills.
  11. Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  12. A willingness to be flexible.
  13. A willingness to help out occasionally during extra activities such as virtual events or group outings/recreational activities.
  14. Ability to deal effectively with questions or problems, seeking assistance when needed.
  15. Ability to exhibit emotional control, patience and persistence in extremely stressful situations.
  16. Ability to make decisions using sound judgment with information at hand.
  17. Sensitivity to, and appreciation of, participants’ diverse backgrounds.