Title: Access Technology Instructor - #RCB00011

State Role Title: Trainer and Instructor II

Hiring Range: Salary $60,000 to 80,000 plus, commensurate with experience

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Dept for Blind/Vision Impaired

Location: Va Rehab Center for the Blind

Agency Website: https://www.vrcbvi.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Empower students who are blind, vision impaired, or deafblind by teaching the access‑technology skills that fuel independence in school, work, and life. As an Access Technology Instructor, you’ll assess individual needs, deliver dynamic instruction, and help learners reach their goals with confidence.

Why Join Us?
✅ Purpose-driven work
✅ Inclusive, supportive teams
✅ Great state benefits

Job Duties:

The mission of the Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Vision Impaired is to provide services and resources which empower individuals who are blind, vision impaired, or deafblind to achieve their desired levels of employment, education, and personal independence.

We are seeking an Access Technology Instructor to organize, plan, and deliver individualized Computer Skills and Access Technology instruction to blind, vision impaired, and deafblind students. This instruction is designed to help students achieve their optimum level of independence in personal, educational, and vocational communication.

Other duties and/or special projects as assigned.
Completes duties and/or projects as needed or directed by supervisor.

Minimum Qualifications:

Training/Experience/Certifications:

• Training and/or experience in teaching access technology, information systems, computer science to individuals who are blind, vision impaired, or deafblind.
• Professional certifications CATIS or NCATB relating to access technology used by individuals who are blind, vision impaired, or deafblind or the ability to obtain within one year of employment.
• Certification in JAWS and NVDA or the ability to obtain within one year of employment.

Demonstrated Knowledge of:

• The most popular screen readers on the market (JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack) and master multiple computer applications.
• Access technology software and Braille devices. 
• How to teach and use MS Office Applications nonvisually.

Ability to:

• Evaluate the computer skills and access technology needs of students who are blind, vision impaired, or deafblind. 
• Formulate an instructional plan to meet each student's needs and provide appropriate instruction. 
• Prepare written reports on student’s progress; excellent teamwork skills; excellent interpersonal skills; demonstrated teaching ability. 
• Teach effective strategies for accessing online academic programs. 
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing. 
• Install, test, and configure hardware and software to facilitate operation with speech, refreshable Braille, and screen enlargement systems.
• Teach the use of social media and employment related applications. 
• Gather data about a student's career interest and the technology that the student would use on the job.

Additional Considerations:

• Teaching computer and access technology skill to individuals who are blind, vision impaired or deafblind.
• Performing evaluations and providing training in access technology to individuals who are blind, vision impaired, or deafblind.
• Plan and carry out group instruction.

Special Instructions

• This position has been designated a sensitive position under Va. Code § 2.2 1201.1. 
• A fingerprint based criminal history check will be required of the finalist.
• The selected candidate must complete a Statement of Personal Economic Interests as a condition of employment (Va. Code § 2.2 3114).

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during the application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact recruitment@dars.virginia.gov for assistance.

Minorities, Individuals with disabilities, Veterans, AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other National Service Alumni are encouraged to apply.

To Apply:

Equal Opportunity Employer State applications will only be accepted as submitted online by 11:55 p.m. on the closing date through the Commonwealth of Virginia’s New Recruitment Management System. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications and/or résumés will not be accepted. PageUp will provide you with confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé are submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Contact Information:

Name: Human Resources

Email: Recruitment@dars.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.