Tacoma Public Schools

Expected Start Date: May 2024 or as soon as possible

FTE: 1.0

Hours per day: 8.0

This position prepares educational materials in braille, manages the braille and large-print library, supervises and distributes work to volunteer groups and interprets for hearing impaired children or adults.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

1.    Designs and formats tests, texts, worksheets and workbooks in braille; transcribes material to braille; interlines; produces raised line drawings. 

2.    Determines sources for and orders braille materials and large-print items for the district. Delivers braille to school building and receives materials to be brailed. 

3.    Serves as a resource to district staff concerning braille instruction and translation software, computerized files and related equipment. 

4.    Binds, covers, labels, and enters all books into the braille inventory. 

6.    Communicates with teachers, vendors, other departments, and outside agencies to exchange information, resolve issues and coordinate activities. 

7.    Attends a variety of meetings, conferences, and trainings to maintain current knowledge of program activities and Braille formats.  

OTHER JOB DUTIES 

1.    Responds to email and forms inquiries; maintains related files and records; orders supplies. 

2.    Performs related duties as assigned.                     

3.    Regular, reliable, predictable attendance or physical presence is an essential job requirement and critical to the performance of the work.|

CONDITIONS

Required to concentrate on detail and be precise; experiences frequent interruptions; required to move heavy objects; required to work around equipment with moving parts; may be exposed to infectious disease; works at high noise levels; may be required to lift and carry up to 20 pounds, bend, squat, stoop, kneel, crouch, walk, twist, climb, and/or be mobile.

Education and Experience

High school graduation or equivalent, with advanced technical training in grade one and two braille; two years of experience with blind children or adults; or any combination of experience and training which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and ability required to perform the work. National Certification in Unified English Braille (NCUEB) Literacy assessment from the National Blindness Professional Certification Board (NBPCB); or Successful completion of Library of Congress certification in Braille Transcription.

 Nemeth Braille Transcription

Licenses/Special Requirements 

Fingerprints and successful WSP and FBI background clearance/sexual misconduct clearance.

Allowable Substitution

Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be evaluated by the Human Resource department for comparability.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of low vision, assistive technology, enlarging techniques, etc.

Knowledge of correct grammar, spelling, and English usage.

Skill in obtaining, clarifying, and exchanging information.

Skill in providing quality customer service.

Ability to utilize computer programs for braille.

Ability to interline and produce braille in several different codes and formats; especially strong skills in literary and textbook formats.

Ability to organize, prioritize, and coordinate activities.

Ability to demonstrate reasonable, reliable and regular attendance.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of people in a diverse multi-cultural, socio-economic setting.

Ability to organize, prioritize, and coordinate activities.

Ability to demonstrate reasonable, reliable and regular attendance.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of people in a diverse multi-cultural, socio-economic setting.

This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. District administration has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice. The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the primary functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload. 

Tacoma Public Schools does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:

• Civil Rights Coordinator: Renee Trueblood, 253-571-1252, civilrights@tacoma.k12.wa.us  
• Title IX Coordinator: Wayne Greer, 253-571-1191, wgreer@tacoma.k12.wa.us
• 504 Coordinator, Elementary: Jennifer Herbold, 253-571-1096, jherbol@tacoma.k12.wa.us
• 504 Coordinator, Secondary: Megan Nelson, 253-571-1003, mnelson@tacoma.k12.wa.us

Mailing address: P.O. Box 1357, Tacoma, WA 98401-1357.