Empowering COMS: Help Visually Impaired Students Thrive

The Carroll Center for The Blind, Inc; Newton (MA); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 88,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Signing bonus

Retention bonus

Relocation support

Job summary

The Carroll Center for the Blind in Newton, MA seeks a Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialist (COMS) to empower blind and visually impaired students toward independence. The role serves ages 3–21 across schools, homes, and community programs, within a 10-month school-year schedule and Massachusetts territory.

Compensation ranges with bonuses and relocation support are provided, and the team emphasizes collaboration, compassionate care, and educational impact on student growth and safety.

Qualifications

• ACVREP certification is required or eligible for certification.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, written, and verbal communication skills are essential.
• Demonstrated ability to provide written documentation of each student’s progress and recommend tools or adaptations.

Responsibilities

• Conduct Orientation & Mobility assessments focusing on client needs at various intervals and document goals.
• Provide consultation and support to families, educators, and professionals; suggest home/school/work adaptations.
• Instruct clients to travel independently based on IEP/Community/ Rehab Program Plans.
• Teach indoor/outdoor travel, use of public transportation, and navigation strategies for familiar/unfamiliar environments.
• Work in settings including schools, homes, and communities.
• Document progress and recommend tools or adaptations in writing.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Written and verbal communication

Education

ACVREP certification

Job description

Certified ORIENTATION & MOBILITY SPECIALIST (COMS)

We offer signing and retention bonuses, as well as relocation support, for the right candidate!

Full-Time, Part-Time, or Per Diem
10-month school year position | Serving students aged 3 to 21 years
Territory: Massachusetts (North Shore, South Shore, and Metrowest)
Salary Range: $52,015 to $88,475
*salaries vary based on education, licensure, additional TVI certification and relevant experience

About Us

Each year, the Carroll Center for the Blind helps nearly 1,300 blind or visually impaired children, adults, and senior citizens gain the skills they need to live active and fulfilling lives. Our Newton campus houses our rehabilitation program, computer training classes, low vision store, and administrative offices. A large portion of our programs are services conducted in public schools, students’ homes, and their communities.

WHO WE SEEK

We’re seeking a dedicated Orientation and Mobility Specialist who is passionate about helping blind and visually impaired students build confidence, safety, and independence. The ideal candidate is compassionate, patient, and mission-driven, with a strong commitment to supporting each student’s growth. You value collaboration, build meaningful relationships with students and families, and thrive in a team-oriented environment focused on shared learning and impact.

Responsibilities

• Conduct Orientation & Mobility assessments that focus on immediate and long-term needs of the client at various intervals. Assess, identify, and document the strengths, needs, and goals of the client.
• Provide consultation and support services to the team, including parents or family members, educators, specialty providers, outside agencies, and counselors. Recommend adaptations to school, home, or work environments for tools and adaptations.
• Instruct in skills and concepts to enable them to travel as independently as possible based upon goals and objectives of the Individualized Education Program or Community or Rehab Program Plan.
• Develop the skills and concepts necessary for safe, efficient, and independent travel, aligned with Program goals. This includes teaching indoor/outdoor travel skills, use of public transportation, and strategies to navigate familiar and unfamiliar environments with confidence and independence.
• Work in various settings, including schools, homes, and communities.
• Provide written documentation of each student’s progress and recommend tools or adaptations.

Qualifications

• ACVREP certification required, or eligibility for certification, or active enrollment in a Vision Studies Master’s program for Orientation and Mobility.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to provide written documentation of each student’s progress and recommend tools or adaptation.

We offer a generous benefits package to include health and dental coverage, vision, Flexible Spending Account, 3 weeks accrued vacation, 2 personal day s, 12 accrued sick days, 11 holidays, and a retirement program (403b) with up to a 4% employer match.

How To Apply

If you are interested in applying for this position, please complete the application form (linked below). Should you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please email [e-mail] , and we will be happy to assist you.

The Carroll Center for the Blind is a private, non-profit agency located in Newton, Massachusetts that serves persons of All Ages and All Stages of Vision Loss. We are close to Boston, Cambridge, Wellesley, Watertown, Waltham, Allston/Brighton, and on public transit routes.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The Carroll Center for the Blind (CCB) is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and always fosters acceptance for everyone. We offer fair opportunities to all qualified persons in recruitment and selection, employment, compensation and benefits, professional development and training, transfers, promotions, social activities, and the use of CCB’s facilities. CCB welcomes all qualified applicants and ensures that everyone will receive equal consideration for employment and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, color, religion, national origin, mental or physical disability, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, military, or veteran status, political or union affiliation, or any other categories protected by Federal or State law. The CCB culture embraces both the law and a work environment that is safe, positive, diverse, inclusive, and equitable. Our mission and impact shines brightly on all.