Job Description
Make a meaningful impact in the lives of students with visual impairments.
Discover how your expertise can help shape brighter futures - apply today!
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.
Start with us. Stay with us. Grow with us.
Selection Plan
FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING:
Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply! Need more resources? Visit our Applicant Reference Library for additional support throughout the recruitment process.
BEFORE YOU APPLY:
- Meet Minimum Qualifications: Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
- Educational Credits: List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application. To receive educational credits towards qualification, the institution must be accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the contact listed below by the closing date listed on the job posting.
- Resume Policy: Per Public Act 21-69, resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support their qualification(s) for this position. This documentation may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the request and discretion of the hiring agency.
- Preferred Shift/Location: Select all location(s) and shift(s) you are willing to work on your application. Failure to do so may result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific location or shift.
- Timely Submission: All application materials must be received by the job posting deadline. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State. Late submissions are rarely accepted, with exceptions only for documented events that incapacitate individuals during the entire duration of the job posting. Request exceptions by emailing DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.
- Salary Calculations : For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other.
- Note : The only way to apply to this posting is via the ‘Apply’ or ‘Apply Online’ buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center job posting.
AFTER YOU APPLY:
- Referral Questions: This posting may require completion of additional Referral Questions (RQs), which must be completed by the questionnaire’s expiration date. If requested, RQs can be accessed via an email sent to you after the job close date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section).
- Prepare For An Interview: Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. To prepare, review this helpful Interview Preparation Guide to make the best impression!
- Stay connected! Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track your status and check email (including spam/junk folders) for updates and tasks.
- The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.
- Note : This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State employees, available at
QUESTIONS? WE’RE HERE TO HELP:
Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. For recruitment updates, please check your Personal Status Board and review our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have additional questions about the recruitment process, reach out to Alyssa Hovanec at Alyssa.Hovanec@ct.gov.
Join the State of Connecticut and take your next career step with confidence!
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.
Job Tags
Full time, Local area, Immediate start, Currently hiring, Shift work, Monday to Friday, All shifts,