Orientation and Mobility Specialist (2027/2028 School Year)

Illinois School District U-46; Elgin (IL); On-site; USD 66,000 - 99,000; Full time

Job summary

Illinois School District U-46 in Elgin, IL seeks an Orientation & Mobility Specialist to support blind and visually impaired students. This 192-day, full-time role provides direct instructional services and consultative support under Specialized Student Services.

Requirements include a Master’s degree and ACVREP certification, with strong skills in data recording, IEP alignment, and collaboration with families and school staff to promote student independence.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a related field and ACVREP certification.
• Knowledge of theories and strategies for students with disabilities.
• Ability to deliver school-based orientation and mobility instruction.

Responsibilities

• Schedule and provide O&M services to students per IEPs.
• Write goals aligned with Illinois standards and plan lessons.
• Observe and record student progress with proper data collection.
• Transport and accompany students as needed and approved.
• Update IEP goals and communicate with families and staff.

Skills

O&M instruction

Safety

Documentation

Communication

Certification

Education

Master’s degree

ACVREP certification

Job description

NOTE: This posting has been opened for application intake for anyone interested in a position with School District U-46 for the 2027/2028 school year. We anticipate the review of applications to begin sometime near the end of January. If you are interested in a role for the current 2026/2027 school year, we encourage you to check out our open vacancies.

|————————————————————–|————————————————————-|
| ++Position / Title:++ Orientation & Mobility Specialist |
| ++Bargaining Unit:++ NON-UNION | ++Department/Location:++ Specialized Student Services |
| ++Calendar Days:++ 192 | ++Reports To:++ S.S.S- Assistant Director of Operations |
| ++JD Revision Date:++ 10/20/2025 | ++Supervises:++ N/A |

Function / Position Summary

This position is a full-time position assigned to the Vision/Ortho/Multi-disabilities Related Service group and is under the direct supervision of the Department of Specialized Student Services, specifically the Assistant Director of Operations. The Orientation and Mobility Specialist will provide direct and consultative services to students who are blind and visually impaired.

Job Duties / Responsibilities

• Efficiently schedule and provide service to students for the required amount of time as specified on the Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).
• Write goals and objectives aligned with Illinois State Learning Standards.
• Plan individual lessons for students to meet IEP goals and objectives.
• Observe and record data on students’ progress from an appropriate distance during lessons.
• Transport students to and from lesson sites within the school and community only when necessary and only if approved by the district.
• Complete travel from site to site in a safe and legal manner.
• Update goals and objective progress on the IEP as required
• Oversee interns affiliated with university programs for O & M.
• Complete annual needs assessment, outlining students projected service needs for the O&M following the school year.
• Maintain working file for each student highlighting skills and progress.
• Maintain a Google Calendar reflective of student service schedule and report official service minutes monthly to the appropriate system.
• Maintain and updated caseload list at all times.
• Provide direct instruction directly related to student needs and goals contained within their IEP and in accordance with the minutes listed.
• Conduct annual review of students’ progress, submitting reports containing student progress within the required timeframe and when needed in collaboration with service providers.
• Inservice staff and/or families regarding specific topics or areas of need.
• Attend team meetings and IEP meetings to plan students’ program.
• Identify and share resources with team, building staff and peers.
• Network with individuals and agencies to develop resources.
• Evaluate and identify the needs of the students when students are referred by the vision teacher for services.
• Complete orientation and mobility evaluations as necessary for initial referrals and three-year re-evaluations.
• Attend related professional development, conferences and workshops.
• Review related literature.
• All other duties as assigned.

Education

• Master’s degree
• Certification from the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP)

Experience / Knowledge

• Knowledge and skill to prepare and use equipment and materials, such as tactile maps, models, optical devices, pre-canes, GPS devices, and long canes for the development of O&M skills.
• Knowledge of major theories and intervention strategies with educational implications for students with disabilities.
• Effective behavior management skills and instructional techniques.
• Ability to deliver effective school-based orientation and mobility instruction.
• Ability to provide for the student’s safety during O&M instruction and in other environments while fostering maximum independence during O&M lessons.
• Ability to provide orientation of new buildings and new class schedules to students with visual impairments, including community settings where students receive instruction.
• Ability to develop effective treatment plans and service.
• Ability to document progress and relate it to the students’ goals and objectives.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with school staff, parents and students.
• Must maintain current certification.

Physical Demands

• While performing the essential functions of this of this job the employee is required to regularly talk and hear to communicate.
• Regularly use fingers, hands, and arms to manipulate objects.
• Regularly sit, stand, and walk.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to travel independently.

Terms of Employment

• This position is based on the school year calendar of 192 workdays. Salary and benefits as established by the Board of Education.
• The salary range for this position is $66,260.00 – $99,391.00. It is our typical practice to hire in between the minimum and midpoint ( $82,826.00).