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Vision Therapist

Location: Berkeley Preparatory Academy

Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt

Reports To: SPED Coordinator

The Vision Therapist plays a vital role in supporting the academic and developmental success of students with visual processing or perceptual deficits. This professional collaborates with educators, special education teams, and families to implement customized vision therapy programs that address individual student needs. The Vision Therapist will work under the supervision of a licensed optometrist or vision therapy specialist as appropriate, while ensuring services align with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), 504 Plans, and best practices in cognitive visual development. This role enhances students’ learning experiences by strengthening visual-motor integration, visual perception, and attention-related visual skills, ensuring equitable access to education for all learners.

• Conduct vision therapy sessions with students as prescribed in their IEPs or intervention plans, focusing on oculomotor control, visual tracking, convergence, and visual perception skills.

• Collaborate with licensed optometrists and school-based service teams to evaluate and interpret visual assessments and develop individualized therapy plans.
  Support multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) by identifying students who may benefit from visual interventions and implementing appropriate strategies.

• Maintain accurate session notes, data collection, and progress monitoring logs to track student development.

• Participate in IEP, 504, and Student Support Team (SST) meetings, offering insights into students’ visual challenges and progress.
  Train school staff and families in basic visual exercises, classroom accommodations, and strategies to support visual learning.

• Communicate effectively with families to explain therapy goals, student progress, and reinforcement techniques to use at home.

• Ensure therapy materials and equipment are maintained and organized according to safety and hygiene protocols.
  Provide services in alignment with IDEA, Section 504, and South Carolina Department of Education guidelines.

• Stay current on developments in vision therapy and pediatric visual development to ensure use of evidence-based practices.

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Vision Science, Psychology, Occupational Therapy, Special Education, or a related field (Master’s preferred).

• Completion of formal training or certification in Vision Therapy or experience working in a developmental optometry or therapeutic setting.

• Minimum of 2 years of experience working with children in educational or clinical settings, preferably with special needs.

• Experience in public or charter schools.

• Strong knowledge of visual processing, learning-related vision issues, and the impact on academic achievement.

• Demonstrated understanding of MTSS, IEP processes, and inclusive education practices.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate effectively; sit, stand, walk, and use hands to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment

This position operates in a professional school environment. The role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and instructional materials. Noise level is typically moderate, but can be higher during student-centered activities or events. Occasional local travel for school-related functions may be required.

FLSA Classification

This position is classified as Exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and is in accordance with applicable federal and South Carolina labor laws.

Disclaimer

This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of duties, responsibilities, or working conditions associated with the position. Duties and responsibilities may change with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of Berkeley Charter Education Association and applicable policies. This description does not constitute a contract of employment.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Berkeley Charter Education Association is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, genetic information, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. We are committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and diverse workplace environment and comply fully with the South Carolina Department of Education’s nondiscrimination policies.