Orientation and Mobility Instructor (COMS)

Aerbvi; Anchorage, Northern (AK, KY); Hybrid; USD 53,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Temporary housing in residential dorms

Job summary

The Alaska Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Anchorage is seeking an Orientation & Mobility instructor (COMS) to join our team. This role offers variety, professional independence, and the opportunity to help clients travel confidently.

Responsibilities include assessments, cane techniques, street crossings, route planning, and use of navigation tech. You’ll document progress, collaborate with rehab staff, and travel within Alaska as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Orientation & Mobility or a closely related field.
• Completion of an ACVREP-approved O&M preparation program.
• Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) certification through ACVREP, or eligibility to obtain certification within an established timeframe.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel within the assigned service area.
• Strong communication, organizational, and instructional skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Responsibilities

• Conduct O&M assessments and develop individualized instructional plans based on each client's goals.
• Provide instruction in cane techniques, street crossings, public transportation, route planning, and indoor and outdoor travel.
• Teach travel skills in Alaska's changing seasonal and environmental conditions.
• Introduce accessible navigation technology and other mobility tools when appropriate.
• Monitor client progress and adapt instruction to individual learning needs.
• Collaborate with rehabilitation instructors, community partners, and other professionals.
• Maintain client documentation, progress reports, and required service records.
• Provide services throughout Anchorage, with occasional travel to other Alaska communities.
• Assist with facilitating low vision clinics as part of our broader rehabilitation services.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Instructional skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Orientation & Mobility or related field

Job description

Alaska Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Orientation and Mobility Instructor (COMS)

Job Description

The Alaska Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ACBVI) is looking for an Orientation & Mobility instructor to join our team in Anchorage. This is an opportunity to practice your profession in a setting that offers variety, professional independence, and room for creativity.We're a small organization with a collaborative staff, serving teenagers, adults, and older adults who are blind or visually impaired. Our instructors develop meaningful relationships with clients, adapt instruction to individual needs, and help people build the skills to travel confidently and independently.Considering a move to Alaska? Temporary housing is available in our residential dormitories while you make the transition and establish yourself in Anchorage.

What You'll Do:

As our Orientation & Mobility instructor, you'll provide individualized instruction that helps clients develop safe, effective travel skills at home, at work, and throughout their communities.

Your Responsibilities Will Include:

• Conduct O&M assessments and develop individualized instructional plans based on each client's goals.
• Provide instruction in cane techniques, street crossings, public transportation, route planning, and indoor and outdoor travel.
• Teach travel skills in Alaska's changing seasonal and envrionmental conditions.
• Introduce accessible navigation technology and other mobility tools when appropriate.
• Monitor client progress and adapt instruction to individual learning needs.
• Collaborate with rehabilitation instructors, community partners, and other professionals.
• Maintain client documentation, progress reports, and required service records.
• Provide services throughout Anchorage, with occassional travel to other Alaska communities.
• Assist with facilitating low vision clinics as part of our broader rehabilitation services.

You’ll work alongside a team of rehabilitation professionals while having the flexibility to bring your own experience, instructional style, and ideas to the position.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Orientation & Mobility or a closely related field.
• Completion of an ACVREP-approved O&M preparation program.
• Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) certification through ACVREP, or eligibility to obtain certification within an established timeframe.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel within the assigned service area.
• Strong communication, organizational, and instructional skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with clients across the lifespan.
• Knowledge of low vision rehabilitation and assistive technology.
• Experience serving rural and culturally diverse communities.

Starting Salary $59,000 - Dependent On Experience