Education Consultant 1

Education Consultant 1 (B.E.S.B.) (10 Months)

Location: Suffield, CT
Tolland, CT

Hybrid

Job Description:

Recruitment # 250404-3185EA-001

Location Suffield, CT Tolland, CT

Salary $74,336* - $98,635/year (*New state employees start at the minimum)

Job Type Open to the Public

+ Introduction

The State of Connecticut Department of Aging and Disability (ADS) is seeking qualified and passionate individuals to join the Bureau of Education and Services for the Blind (BESB) as an Education Consultant 1. In this role, you will play a key role in supporting the education and independence of students who are blind, visually impaired, or have multiple impairments. 

 

Meet BESB: Bureau of Education and Services for the Blind:

The Bureau of Education and Services for the Blind (BESB) is Connecticut’s leading agency for serving individuals who are blind or visually impaired. From early childhood through adulthood, BESB provides critical services that promote education, independence, and employment. Our team teaches students how to navigate environments designed for sighted individuals, provides accessible materials and technology, and supports families and schools through collaboration and expertise. 

Joining BESB means becoming part of a mission-driven team that helps children and young adults reach their full potential through specialized instruction, advocacy, and meaningful connection.

Position Highlights:

We are currently hiring for one position in Tolland and anticipating a vacancy in Suffield. Both roles include the following highlights:

• Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:15 PM (35 hours/week)
• Work Environment: Hybrid, with statewide travel

Please Note: Candidates must possess a degree in vision studies from an accredited college or university, or be enrolled in an accredited college or university program with adequate credits for certification. Additionally, candidates must possess certification in special education in the area of teaching the blind or partially sighted OR be eligible for a Durational Shortage Area Permit (DSAP) or currently possess a DSAP. 

What We Can Offer You:

• Visit our new State Employee Benefits Overview page!
• Work at a Forbes-recognized company! Connecticut is proud to be featured on both America's Best Employers by State and Best Employers for New Grads in 2024. With our dynamic job market and commitment to fostering a thriving workforce, Connecticut stands out as a top destination for both seasoned professionals and fresh graduates seeking to launch their careers.
• Professional growth and development opportunities.
• A healthy work/life balance to all employees.

As an Education Consultant 1 (B.E.S.B.), you will:

• Provide instruction in Braille, assistive technology and other ECC areas
• Adapt educational content for students with visual impairments
• Collaborate with families, schools, and service providers
• Arrange specialized materials and equipment (Braille, large print, audio)
• Travel statewide to support students in school and home settings
• Serve as a liaison between schools and families and participate in diagnostic planning
• Contribute to BESB initiatives through committees, reports, and outreach

WHY CONNECTICUT?

Connecticut offers a unique blend of professional opportunity and high quality of life. With charming towns, vibrant cities, and easy access to beaches, forests, and mountains, there’s something here for everyone. Our state is known for its top-rated schools, safe communities, and strong sense of connection.

Centrally located between Boston and New York, Connecticut gives you access to major metro areas while offering a more relaxed pace of life. Whether you're launching your career or looking to grow, Connecticut is a great place to call home.

MORE ABOUT THE AGENCY:

ADS offers a myriad of programs and services to assist older adults and people with disabilities. Our programs, policies and practices are designed to: deliver integrated aging and disability services responsive to the needs of Connecticut citizens; provide leadership on aging and disability issues statewide; provide and coordinate aging and disability programs and services in the areas of employment, education, independent living, accessibility and advocacy; advocate for the rights of Connecticut residents with disabilities and older adults; and serve as a resource on aging and disability issues at the state level.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In the Department of Aging and Disability Services, Board of Education and Services for the Blind on an itinerant basis, provides special instruction in braille and related subjects to visually handicapped students in public schools; does related work as required.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

• Instructs in the specialized and basic skills of braille reading and writing, typewriting, and may assist with arithmetic, science or art adaptations and any other instructional tasks as assigned; 
• Plans and arranges for the provision of specialized and appropriate materials and equipment such as braille, recorded and large print textbooks, braille-writers, typewriters, talking book machines required by the individual student; 
• Acts as interpreter between school and home; 
• Assists in securing appropriate training other than public school education as needed; 
• Assists parents with proper school placement; 
• Arranges for diagnostic evaluations if not available locally through the local districts; 
• Serves on division committees; 
• Makes case reports; 
• Answers correspondence clearly; 
• Speaks before parent, volunteer and professional groups;
• Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

• Knowledge of the principles and methods of education of the blind and visually handicapped with emphasis on braille instruction; 
• Oral and written communication skills;
• Ability to deal effectively with others.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

A Bachelor's degree with at least twelve (12) semester hours in courses applicable to the blind or partially-sighted.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience teaching assistive technology equipment to students who are blind or visually impaired
• Experience teaching the Expanded Core Curriculum to students who are blind or visually impaired
• Experience teaching Braille to students who are blind or visually impaired
• Experience adapting curriculum for students who are blind or visually impaired

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Possession of a certificate in special education in the area of teaching the blind or partially-sighted issued by the State Board of Education OR eligibility for a durational shortage area permit (DSAP) or possession of a DSAP.