Title: IT Trainer SDB00194
State Role Title: Info Technology Specialist I
Hiring Range: $45,739 - $72,905
Pay Band: 4
Agency: VA School for the Deaf & Blind
Location: VA School for Deaf & Blind
Agency Website: www.vsdb.k12.va.us
Recruitment Type: Agency Employee Only - A
Job Duties
About us:
The Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind (VSDB) is located in the historic, vibrant city of Staunton, Virginia. VSDB provides superior education for students who are deaf/hard of hearing, blind/vision impaired, deafblind, and deaf or blind with other disabilities.
VSDB offers PreK-12 education with both residential and day student options.
VSDB believes that disabilities are challenges not barriers and supports each student in their goal to be independent and to reach their highest academic potential!
VSDB prepares students for life!
The VSDB offers:
• Health Insurance
• Retirement
• Life Insurance, and disability coverage
The VSDB is looking for an IT Trainer to provide technical training and support to faculty, staff, and students. The IT Trainer serves as the first point of contact for IT-related training and technical issues, providing high-quality customer service while adhering to school and Commonwealth of Virginia IT policies, the Virginia Information Technology Agency (VITA) standards, and best practices under ITIL service management.
The IT Trainer at VSDB leads the instructional design, development, and delivery of technology training across the VSDB campus. In this role, the role bridges the gap between complex technical tools and our diverse user base, ensuring that educators, residential staff, administrative personnel, and—where applicable—students are fully equipped to leverage our digital resources. A key priority will be training faculty and staff on VSDB’s standard IT offerings, workflows, cybersecurity best practices, and specialized assistive technologies that support our deaf, hard-of-hearing, blind, and visually impaired communities. The IT Trainer serves as the first point of contact for IT-related training, providing high-quality customer service through patience, innovation, and communication while adhering to school and Commonwealth of Virginia IT policies, the Virginia Information Technology Agency (VITA) standards, and best practices under ITIL service management.
Minimum Qualifications
Deep familiarity with Windows/Mac OS, Microsoft 365/Google Workspace ecosystem, educational tools (like PowerSchool), and basic network troubleshooting.
Demonstrated strong and effective customer service skills, particularly in assisting individuals with disabilities.
Strong grasp of adult learning principles and instructional design. Ability to adapt training styles to different learning paces and tech-comfort levels.
Exceptional public speaking, presentation, and written communication skills; the ability to translate complex IT jargon into simple, actionable steps.
Knowledge of Section 508 compliance, digital accessibility standards (WCAG), and a strong willingness to learn or master specialized AT.
Ability to learn and support assistive technology, including:
○ Screen readers (JAWS, NVDA)
○ Screen magnifiers (ZoomText)
○ Alternative input devices (adaptive keyboards, Braille displays)
○ Text-to-speech and speech-to-text applications
○ Captioning and video relay services
Ability to communicate complex IT concepts to non-technical users, including individuals with hearing or vision impairments.
Strong documentation skills to update and maintain IT knowledge base and accessibility guides.
Preferred demonstrated American Sign Language skills at proficiency level of "Survival" (ASL), as measured by the Sign Communication Proficiency Interview, or agreement to acquire this level of proficiency within three years.
Additional Considerations
Education: College coursework in related field or equivalent combination of education and experiencerequired. Maintaining administrative software/hardware in a college setting preferred.
Experience: 2–4 years of proven experience as an IT Trainer, Technical Trainer, or Instructional Designer. Experience in a K-12 or special education environment is a major plus.
Certifications (Preferred but optional): Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT), Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC), or certifications in relevant instructional software
Special Instructions
You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.
If selected as a finalist with VSDB, candidates can expect the following:
Background Investigation Requirements: All applicants are subject to a background investigation. Investigations may include fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI); the Department of Social Service’s Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry check; verification of education (relevant to employment); and other checks based on the position.
Application Requirements: Application and/or résumé for this position are only accepted electronically through the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Electronic Recruitment System. All applications should be submitted by 11:55pm on the closing date for the position. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications and/or résumés will not be accepted. The decision to interview an applicant is based solely on the information received for this position from the electronic application and/or résumé.
Layoff Preferences: Applicants who possess an Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Form) or a Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Form) as issued under the Department of Human Resources Management (DHRM) Policy 1.30 Layoff (Commonwealth of VA employees only) MUST attach these forms when submitting their state application and/or résumé.
VSDB is an EEO employer and is committed to supporting workforce diversity, equitable opportunities and inclusivity. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.
VSDB values our Veterans and encourages all to apply and receive preference in the hiring process. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other nation service alumni are also encouraged to apply.
Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer
Contact Information
Name: Jody Beelendorf
Phone: 540-332-9069
Email: jody.beelendorf@vsdbs.virginia.gov
In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.
Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.