High Desert ESD celebrates all cultures and languages and is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive considerations for employment without regards to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Vision Assistant

36 hrs/week, Mon-Fri, 179 days - for the 26/27 School Year

Location: High Desert Regional Education Center

Position Start Date: 08/24/2026

Rate as established by bargaining agreement, Classified Wage Schedule, starting range $23.61/hr - $32.35/hr. *The current rate listed is for the 25/26 school year. This position's rate will be based on the bargaining agreement for the 26/27 salary schedule. Benefits include family insurance package, sick leave, paid holidays, generous PERS contribution.

Vision Assistant

Employee Value Statement:

At the heart of the breathtaking landscapes of Central Oregon, where snow-capped mountains meet lush forests and vibrant communities, lies an opportunity to make a meaningful impact. The High Desert ESD believes that every student, educator, and community member deserves a voice and a place to thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances. Our commitment to equity and inclusion is woven into everything we do, from the programs we develop to the partnerships we cultivate. We strive to create a culture where diverse perspectives are valued and where everyone feels a sense of belonging.

Position Summary:  

Under direction, the assistant implements individualized instructional and behavioral training programs with students as prepared and directed by a teacher of vision impaired according to the IFSP or IEP. The assistant assists in specialized materials production.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Successfully learn required skills (i.e., Braille, human guide techniques, technology in the vision related field) 
• Understand collaborative behavioral approaches 
• Successfully assist the Teacher of Vision Impaired in implementation of specialized programs 
• Become familiar with student curriculum (i.e., social studies, math, etc.) 
• Provide student tutoring under general direction of the Teacher of Vision Impaired and/or classroom instructor 
• Interpret classroom related activities for students with vision impairment under direction of the Teacher of Vision Impaired and/or classroom teacher 
• Help adapt and produce materials into large print or tactile formats including braille 
• Attend and participate in appropriate meetings 
• Maintain harmonious working relations with other employees and school staff 
• Communicate appropriately and regularly through use of email 
• Respect and maintain confidential information in all situations 
• Fulfill other duties as assigned by the Teacher of Vision Impaired or supervisor 

Minimum Qualifications: 

• There is a minimum requirement of a high school diploma or equivalent. 
• Experience working with vision impaired students is helpful, but training will be provided. 
• Bilingual English/Spanish desired but not required. 
• Must have the ability and willingness to work patiently and sensitively with students who have visual impairments and/or a variety of special needs. 
• Must read, understand and carry out oral and written instructions. 
• The employee is sometimes required to assist a student in standing, walking or sitting and may be required to lift and/or move materials, boxes or equipment up to 50 pounds. 
• Qualifications include proficiency in computer and keyboarding skills, specifically in the use of Microsoft Word, Google Suite and video conferencing. 
• The Vision Assistant should be willing to work in an itinerant setting so must have access to reliable transportation. 
• Consistent attendance is required. 
• Applicants must have successful experience in working with culturally diverse families and communities, and/or have otherwise demonstrated a commitment to equity and strengthening engagement of a diverse community and skill in communicating with a diverse population.
• Must be able to bend, stoop and lift up to 50 pounds. 
• Must have access to reliable transportation and consistent attendance is required.  

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.  

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to:  talk, hear, walk frequently, sit, stand, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, use hand dexterity for computer work, handle items, reach with hand and arms, lift and/or move up to 30 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds and see close and at a distance, have peripheral vision and the ability to adjust focus.  Workloads are heavy and timelines may be unreasonably short at times.  Requests and issues are often received which require immediate attention and conflict with other priorities.  

Terms of Employment   Salary, benefits, and vacation are established by policy and contract.