Orientation and Mobility Instructor

Illinois Comptroller; Belleville (IL); On-site; USD 72,000 - 104,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5% Salary Differential for Bilingual

Job summary

Illinois Department of Human Services is seeking an Orientation and Mobility Instructor to serve individuals who are blind, visually impaired, or DeafBlind. The role involves teaching long cane techniques and developing travel skills to help clients navigate safely in familiar and unfamiliar surroundings.

The position requires a master’s degree in Orientation and Mobility and COMS certification, plus one year of professional experience.

Qualifications

• Requires a master’s degree in Orientation and Mobility.
• COMS certification required.
• One year of professional experience in orientation and mobility.

Responsibilities

• Provides orientation and mobility instruction in an assigned geographic area.
• Manages caseload of Blind, Visually Impaired, or DeafBlind clients.
• Establishes relationships with customers and assists with training of trainees.
• Performs other duties within the scope of duties listed.

Skills

1 year experience in orientation and M

Excellent communication skills

Education

Master’s degree in Orientation and Mobility

COMS certification

Job description

We continually strive for a workforce that reflects the growing diversity within the State of Illinois. A variety of employee backgrounds, perspectives, ideas and experiences are crucial to our ability to most effectively serve the public. Bilingual skills welcome

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

The State of Illinois is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. Further, federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job, interview for a job, or for any other activity related to the hiring process. Examples of reasonable accommodation include, but are not limited to, making a change to the application process (if possible), providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

To be provided a Reasonable Accommodation during the hiring process, you will need to provide a certification of disability from a physician, psychiatrist, school official or an Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselor. Supporting documentation should be uploaded under My Documents → Additional Documents section for each application.

Any questions on Reasonable Accommodations can be directed to Central Management Services Disability Resource Center at [e-mail] or call [phone] for further information and to request or discuss an accommodation.

Sponsorship for Employment

The State of Illinois does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status), nor is the State able to provide extensions of optional practical training (OPT) under the STEM-designated degree program for F-1 students. To be considered for permanent employment with the State of Illinois, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Disclosure of Salary Information

In compliance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act, 820 ILCS 112/1 et seq., the State does not seek, request, or require a job applicant’s wage or salary history. Employment decisions are not made based on an applicant’s wage or salary history. To that end, please do not include wage or salary information in your resume or other profile or application materials.

Job Requisition ID:55818

Opening Date: 10/01/2026
Closing Date: 10/15/2026
Agency:Department of Human Services
Class Title:REHAB/MOBILITY INSTRUCTOR (38163)
Skill Option:Orientation and Mobility Instructor
Bilingual Option:None
Salary: Anticipated Salary $6,460-$9,337/month ($77,520-$112,044/year)
Job Type: Salaried
Category:Full Time
County: St. Clair
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code:RC063 Professional Employees, Educators,Juvenile Justice School Counselors and Special Education Resources Coordinators,and Physicians AFSCME
Merit Comp Code:

This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.

While not required,a Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV) is recommended. When applicable, titles that require specific coursework, professional license or certification will include a notation requesting the appropriate document(s) be uploaded in the Additional Documents section of yourapplication. Failure to upload requested transcripts, license and/or proof of certification when specified may result in ineligibility. Please note that the Department of Human Services must verify proof of higher education for any degree earned (if applicable) regardless of vacancy title before any offer can be extended.

Applications submitted via email or any paper manner (mail, fax, hand delivery) will not be considered.

Why Work for Illinois?

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.

No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

Position Overview

The Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) is the state’s lead division serving people with disabilities committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and racial justice. The mission of the Division is to assist individuals with disabilities in achieving their goals of employment, education, and independent living. This position instructs individuals who are Blind, Visually Impaired or DeafBlind in orientation and mobility skills in the Bureau of Customer and Community Blind Services. This position teaches principles of long cane technique and related elements and assists customers in the development of sensory skills to travel safely in familiar and unfamiliar surroundings and function independently in travel. Demonstrates commitment to valuing diversity, equity, accessibility, and racial justice by contributing to an including working and learning environment. The Division of Rehabilitation Services is seeking to hire a self-motivated and detail-oriented individual with good communication skills.

Essential Functions

• Serves as Orientation and Mobility Instructor providing orientation and mobility instruction in an assigned geographical area in the Bureau of Customer and Community Blind Services.
• Manages caseload of customers who are Blind, Visually Impaired, or DeafBlind.
• Establishes and nurtures effective working relationships with customers.
• Participates in staff meetings and assists with training for trainee staff.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires a master’s degree in Orientation and Mobility from an accredited college or university.
• Requires certification as an Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS).
• Requires one-year (1) professional experience in orientation and mobility such as could be gained from completion of an agency-sponsored training program.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two (2) years of professional experience assessing individuals needs and preparing a plan of services providing instruction in orientation and mobility skills to individuals who are visually impaired, blind, or DeafBlind to live independently and/or gain competitive employment.
• Two (2) years of professional experience working with federal statutes related to rehabilitation programs such as the Rehabilitation Act and amendments, the Social Security Act, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Workforce Innovative Opportunities Act (WIOA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act, etc.
• Two (2) years of professional experience utilizing, reading and writing braille.
• Two (2) years of professional experience researching and remaining up to date on trends in orientation and mobility including accessibility, teaching techniques and adaptive technology.
• Two (2) years of professional experience establishing trusting relationships and communicating clearly and effectively with customers, family members, coworkers, providers, and employers.
• Two (2) years of professional experience researching and adopting an effective course of action as it relates to services, barriers and concerns for individuals who are visually impaired, blind, or DeafBlind to reach their potential.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires ability to travel to provide services in the customer’s home, residential setting, or group setting as well as in the built environment.
• Requires ability to physically access the customer’s home environment and/or work environment and use public transportation.
• Requires ability to visually assess the travel route for the safety of the customer.

*All conditions of employment listed are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

Work Hours:Mon-Fri, 8:30am-5pm, 1 hour unpaid lunch.

About the Agency: The Illinois Department of Human Services serves families in need across Illinois. Our mission is providing equitable access to social services, supports, programs and resources to enhance the lives of all who we serve. We are committed to the core values of Human Dignity, Equity, Community, Urgency, Transparency and Kindness.

As a State of Illinois employee, you will receive a robust benefit package that includes the following:

• Competitive Group Insurance Benefits including Health, Life, Dental and Vision Insurance
• 3 Paid Personal Business Days annually
• 12 Paid Sick days annually (Sick days carry over from year to year)
• 10-25 days of Paid Vacation time annually - (10 days in year one of employment)
• Benefit time modified for part-time, 12-hour, & non-standard work schedules (as applicable)
• 13 Paid Holidays annually, 14 on even numbered years
• Flexible Work Schedules (when available dependent upon position)
• 12 Weeks Paid Parental Leave
• Deferred Compensation Program - A supplemental retirement plan
• Optional Pre-Tax Programs such as Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP), Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP)
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility
• GI Bill®Training/Apprenticeship Benefits eligibility for qualifying Veterans
• 5% Salary Differential for Bilingual Positions

The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your “junk mail”, “spam”, or “other” folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses: