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Physical Therapist Supervisor

Job Description:

The Physical Therapist (PT) supervisor plays a crucial role in overseeing and managing the physical therapy assistant at House of Light. The physical therapist(s) will have the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and skills in providing specialized care to students with visual impairments during the Extended School Year (ESY) program. The purpose of the service is to enhance the effectiveness of physical therapy interventions by ensuring that Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals are met and appropriate programs are utilized to address the unique needs of these students.

Course Objectives:

  • Collaborate with the Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) at least twice throughout the ESY program to review and assess the progress of students in achieving their IEP goals.
  • Implement evidence-based physical therapy strategies and interventions to support the development and improvement of motor skills, mobility, and functional abilities in students with visual impairments.
  • Adapt and modify physical therapy programs and activities to meet the specific needs and abilities of each student, considering their visual limitations.
  • Foster effective communication and collaboration with other members of the multidisciplinary team, including teachers, occupational therapists, and speech therapists, to ensure a comprehensive approach to student care.
  • Stay updated with current research, best practices, and advancements in physical therapy for students with visual impairments, and integrate this knowledge into clinical practice.
  • Encourage and support therapists in pursuing continuing education opportunities to enhance their expertise and stay abreast of emerging trends in the field of physical therapy.

Responsibilities:

  • Regular Meetings with PTA: Attend at least two scheduled meetings with the Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) throughout the Extended School Year program to discuss student progress, evaluate the effectiveness of interventions, and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.
  • Individualized Education Program (IEP) Reviews: Participate in the assessment of IEP goals and objectives for students with visual impairments, ensuring that appropriate physical therapy interventions are aligned with their specific needs and abilities.
  • Tailored Physical Therapy Interventions: Design and implement evidence-based physical therapy interventions that address the unique challenges faced by students with visual impairments, focusing on enhancing motor skills, mobility, and functional abilities.
  • Adaptation and Modification of Programs: Modify and adapt physical therapy programs and activities to accommodate the visual limitations of students, ensuring that they can actively engage and benefit from the interventions.
  • Collaboration and Communication: Foster effective communication and collaboration with the multidisciplinary team, including teachers, occupational therapists, and speech therapists, to ensure a holistic and coordinated approach to student care.
  • Continued Professional Development: Encourage and support therapists in pursuing additional education and professional development opportunities to enhance their expertise and stay current with advancements in the field of physical therapy.
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Teacher of Students Who Are Visually Impaired

Job Descriptions:

The Teacher of the Visually Impaired will provide specialized instruction and services to meet the unique educational needs of students with visual impairments ages 3-21. Teachers of the Visually Impaired will conduct functional vision/learning media assessments and provide written reports.

Qualifications:

  • Valid Illinois Certificate, Special K- 12 Type 10 in Teachers of Students who are Blind or Visually Impaired
  • Licensure in Orientation and Mobility preferred

Report To: Principal or Program Administrator

Essential Job Functions:

  • Provide and coordinate unique specialized instruction through daily lessons reflective of the curriculum and the student's IEP.
  • Consult with classroom teachers, regular and special education personnel, parents, and students to coordinate programs and services for the visually impaired student.
  • Coordinate large-type or Braille texts, supplementary materials, educational aids and equipment; monitor student's maximum participation in all classroom activities.
  • Provide instruction in the development and maintenance of skills as indicated in the IEP; low vision and visual efficiency skills, concept development and academic skills, daily living skills, communication skills, social/emotional skills and abilities, and sensory motor skills.
  • Collaborative with Individual Education Plan (IEP) team in developing student IEPs, including goals and supplementary aids and services.
  • Attend IEP meetings and required staff meetings.
  • Conduct and interpret functional vision/learning media assessments and complete written reports.
  • Compile and analyze data on student progress and use response to intervention to adjust interventions or strategies as indicated.
  • Use technology to communicate and to enhance student learning.
  • Plan and supervise the functions of classroom aides/assistants.
  • Maintains appropriate student behavior control and establish a productive classroom environment.
  • Conduct parent conferences.

General Responsibilities:

  • Assume appropriate roles as adult model, behavior manager and educator.
  • Continue professional growth.
  • Assume other duties and special projects as assigned.
  • Support NSSEO Policy, NSSEO and Governing Board Goals and Objectives, and The School Code of Illinois.

FLSA: Exempt

Salary Range: NSSEA Salary Schedule

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Orientation and Mobility Specialist

Wage/Hour Status: Exempt

Reports to: Chief of Special Education

Pay Grade: 102 (187 Calendar)

Dept./School: Special Services/Assigned Campus(es) Date Revised: 8/2018

Primary Purpose:

Plan and provide direct and/or consultative services to students with visual impairments who meet criteria to receive Orientation and Mobility services. Assess students and plan intervention strategies through the development of the IEP to address individual areas of need to ensure the students' ability to derive full benefit from the educational program and to achieve maximum independence through instruction in safe, efficient travel within the home, school, and community. Services also include instruction in compensatory skills including daily living skills, self-advocacy, and recreation or leisure skills as related to orientation and mobility and instruction in the Expanded Core Curriculum.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

  • Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree
  • Current Orientation and Mobility Certification from the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP)

Special Knowledge/Skills:

  • Possess knowledge of medical information and indications for orientation and mobility services.
  • Ability to instruct students and manage their behavior on campuses, in the community, and other pertinent environments.
  • Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
  • Experience with students ranging from typically developing through students with multiple disabilities including age's birth through high school.

Experience:

  • Experience with children with multiple impairments

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.

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Paraprofessional

Job Requirements for the ELS-PARA:

  1. Be at least 19 years of age to serve students in prekindergarten through grade 12.
  2. Beginning January 1, 2023, you may qualify for the ELS-PARA by meeting the requirements outlined below at age 18 but only may serve in prekindergarten through grade 8.
  3. Show proof of one (1) of the following requirements:
    • Associate's degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution of higher education; or
    • 60 semester hours of non-remedial coursework from a regionally accredited institution of higher education; or
    • High School Diploma or High School Equivalency and a score of 460 or higher on the ETS ParaPro test; or
    • High School Diploma or High School Equivalency and the following scores on the ACT WorkKeys tests
    • Applied Mathematics/Applied Math - 4
    • Reading for Information or Workplace Documents - 4
  4. At this time, $100 plus processing fee to apply and $30 plus processing fee to register

***Refer to Educator License with Stipulations Endorsement Requirements *** (link: https://www.isbe.net/Pages/Educator-License-with-Stipulations.aspx) The following websites contain information on the Paraprofessional test options:

  • ACT WorKeys (link: http://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/workkeys-for-educators/assessments.html) - Information for ACT WorkKeys testing offered by Joliet Junior College.
  • Educational Testing Service ETS (link: http://www.jjc.edu/community/workforce-development)

***Refer to Educator License with Stipulations Endorsement Requirements (link: https://www.isbe.net/Pages/Educator-License-with-Stipulations.aspx) ***

Verification Documentation Submission

The ELS-PARA application wizard instructs individuals to send official transcripts directly to the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE). Be aware that official transcripts can also be submitted to this office. A paper transcript is considered official if it is still sealed in the envelope as prepared by the college Registrar. Paper transcripts can be sent to the Will County ROE address listed on this website. ISBE will accept electronic transcripts from reputable sources such as E-script IF you request that the electronic transcript be e-mailed directly to Melissa Esquivel at mesquivel@willcountyillinois.com. We cannot accept electronic transcripts that are copies of what you received from a service. Official transcripts already on file in ELIS do not need to be re-submitted. If an individual is qualifying through the test options, verification can be submitted by mail or in person to the Will County ROE address listed on this website (Due to COVID-19, we currently ask that the documents below be mailed or e-mailed to Melissa Esquivel at mesquivel@willcountyillinois.com):

All ELS-PARA applications must be completed online through the Educator Licensure Information System (ELIS). ELIS is now programmed to automatically issue the ELS-PARA when the appropriate credential is listed in the Degree tab. If the degree is not on file at the time of application, the PARA will go into “Pending” status until the transcript and degree are on file. If an individual is not qualifying through a degree, then evaluations can take 4-6 weeks. Educators can see the list of documents uploaded into their ELIS account by viewing the Images tab.

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