Job Description

The OSB AmeriCorps Member of Overbrook School for the Blind exudes a passion for the school, its students, and its employees. This position will report directly to the OSB AmeriCorps Program Specialist.

The Mission of Overbrook School for the Blind (OSB) is to develop and deliver education that enhances the options available for persons with visual impairments, including those with additional challenges so that they have the greatest opportunity to experience active and fulfilling lives.

Organizational Description: Overbrook School for the Blind serves students who are blind or visually impaired with or without additional disabilities (such as intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, hearing impairment, sensory issues, and including those who require specialized medical care) receive a customized, individualized education based on state educational standards. OSB is more than a school, it is a community where students, families, and staff support one another and come together to build a bright future. 

Job Functions: 

Engage in Professional Development

• Attend Overbrook AmeriCorps Program orientation and ongoing training sessions to increase facilitation skills, knowledge of curriculum content, and near-peer mentoring strategies. 
• Maintain a growth mindset and remain open to learning.
• Organize specific training sessions during weekend retreats including identifying presenters and facilitating details of the presentation.

Deliver a Workforce Development Curriculum

• Co-facilitate remote training sessions for a small group of students. This will require becoming familiar with both the curriculum content and facilitation strategies.
• Customize lessons to meet the needs and accommodations of students in a virtual setting.
• Collaborate with co-facilitators and other members on delivery strategies, fun activities, facilitation skills, and follow-up techniques. 

Provide Near-Peer Mentoring

• Facilitate weekly near-peer mentoring sessions with individual students. 
• Use near-peer mentoring to increase work-readiness of students.

Essential Functions of Position  

• Ability to independently facilitate virtual sessions using different software and programs, thoroughly implementing features and functions that enable student engagement.
• Ability to independently navigate the internet, and use common programs and email communication.
• Ability to communicate clearly and fluently to youth and young adults. 
• Sense of humor and nonjudgmental attitude. 
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions. 
• Ability to serve independently. 
• Ability to use a telephone, computer, and assistive technology independently. 
• Ability to write clearly and professionally. 
• Ability to represent Overbrook School for the Blind and AmeriCorps in public.
• Ability to concentrate and think through given responsibilities. 
• Ability to arrive on time and maintain acceptable attendance. 

Minimum Education and Experience Qualifications:

• Candidate should be Blind or Visually Impaired
• Citizenship or permanent residency status (Green Card).
• High School graduate or GED recipient or working towards attaining during the term of service. If the member has not yet received a high school diploma or its equivalent (including an alternative diploma or certificate for individuals with learning disabilities), the member must obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent before using the education award.
• 17 years of age or older.
• Interest in improving the work readiness of Pennsylvanians who are blind or visually impaired.

Expected Hours of Work: Primarily daytime hours but some evenings and weekends are required during each cycle of AmeriCorps programming.

Additional Duties: This Position Description contains only the primary activities, duties or

responsibilities that are required of the AmeriCorps Program Specialist. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Benefits and Pay:

OSB offers a competitive salary and benefits package reflective of the applicant’s training and experience, including liberal financial support for the pursuit of advanced degrees.  Applications from members of communities traditionally under-represented in school administrative positions are invited.

Overbrook School for the Blind Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Overbrook School for the Blind (OSB) has, and will continue to follow, a policy of recruiting, employing and promoting individuals best qualified for any position by reason of education, training, and experience without regard to race, color, ancestry, genetic information, familial or marital status, domestic or sexual violence victimization, ethnicity, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or a related medical condition), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or non-job-related disability or the use of a guide or support animal because of blindness, deafness or physical disability.  OSB shall not discriminate against an individual who has exercised his/her rights against discrimination in accordance with applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Overbrook School for the Blind offers a competitive salary and benefits package reflective of the applicant’s training and experience.

Job Tags

Permanent employment, Full time, Local area, Remote work, Weekend work, Afternoon shift,

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