2024-37 Education Support Specialist

**COMPETITION #: 2024-37** **INITIAL POSTING DATE**: September 12, 2024 **LOCATION**: Flexible Within Atlantic Canada **POSITION**: Full Time, Permanent **SALARY**: In accordance with the APSEA/NSGEU Agreement or APSEA/NBU Agreement **APPLICATION BY: September 22, 2024 at Noon** **START DATE**: October 2024 **About Us** Atlantic Provinces Special Educational Authority (APSEA) is an interprovincial cooperative agency established in 1975 by joint agreement among the Ministers of Education of New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. APSEA provides educational services, programs, and opportunities for children and youth who are Deaf, hard of hearing, blind, or visually impaired who reside in Atlantic Canada. Our employees support learners to reach their highest potential for an independent, self-sufficient, and fulfilling life. **What We Offer** APSEA offers meaningful opportunities to help make a difference in the lives of children, youth, and their families. We are committed to fostering a culture that is inspiring, supportive, and inclusive. In joining APSEA's team, you would receive: - Access to a Pension Plan - Access to a comprehensive benefits plan - Professional learning opportunities **Position Overview**: Reporting to the Coordinator of Programs (BVI) - Atlantic Provincial Connections, the Education Support Specialist (ESS) - Orientation and Mobility (O&M) Lead is responsible for the delivery of quality O&M programs for learners supported by APSEA who are blind or visually impaired (BVI). The ESS - O&M Lead provides O&M expertise in the development and implementation of individualized programs which optimize learner potential in areas of independent orientation, movement, and travel. Working collaboratively with APSEA colleagues, school-based teams, and other professionals is a critical component of the O&M Specialist’s role. In addition to their daily responsibilities of working with their assigned learners, the ESS - O&M Lead is responsible for supporting and guiding the O&M team to implement O&M programs in accordance with practices related to Responsive Teaching & Learning. They focus on individual and group professional learning that will expand and refine the understanding about research-based O&M practices. More specifically, the ESS - O&M Lead; - Provides coaching, modelling, and collaborative support that is responsive to the needs of the O&M team. - Develops and monitors O&M programs, policies, and procedures to meet the needs of the learners who are BVI. This includes providing professional learning to individuals an/or groups to teach O&M principles. - Collaborates with leadership as required to ensure consistent, comprehensive, and effective O&M programs are prepared and delivered to learners supported by APSEA. - Engages in professional learning and keeps abreast of current literature to remain knowledgeable concerning emerging trends, innovations, programs, and materials in the field of O&M. - Conducts O&M assessments to guide learning. - Provides Tier 1, 2, and 3 support to educational teams, families, and community care of partners to support the provision of O&M training to learners who are BVI and are eligible to receive APSEA services. - Fosters respectful, collaborative relationships between families and professionals. - Collaborates with APSEA colleagues to maximize learner preparation for post-secondary education, employment, and independent living. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are among APSEA’s guiding principles. Moreover, diversity within APSEA is a strength that must be cultivated. It is the responsibility of every APSEA employee to foster a culture that embraces and promotes diversity. **Qualifications and Experience You Bring**: - Graduation from a Certified Orientation and Mobility program is required. - Professional Certification in Orientation and Mobility (COMS) from the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP). - Minimum of five (5) years experience as an Orientation and Mobility Specialist. - Experience in a leadership capacity. - Proven ability to mentor and coach staff in a professional capacity. - Competency with the use of technology and access technology. - Proven ability to prioritize effectively; has the ability to facilitate and support team building for the development and implementation of learner programming. - Confidentiality and professionalism regarding access and distribution of learner information. - Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Deals openly, honestly, and transparently in pursuit of department and organizational goals. - Excellent problem-solving, adaptability, and decision-making skills. - Requires access to a reliable mode of transportation as regular travel is required, including overnight stays. - Ability to work both independently with mínima