Orientation and Mobility Specialist, COMS

Foundation for Blind Children; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Foundation for Blind Children in Phoenix, AZ seeks an Orientation and Mobility Specialist to join the Adult Comprehensive Day Program. The role provides direct and consultative O&M services to adults with visual impairments, helping them travel safely at home, campus, and in the community, including airports and employment commutes using buses, taxis, or rideshares.

The specialist will assess referrals, teach O&M skills, coordinate with the team and local services, keep case records, and support

Qualifications

• Knowledge of adult O&M development and independence
• Ability to perform O&M per guidelines
• Communicate effectively with clients, team, VR counselors, families
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural, diverse setting
• Work independently with organization, time management, and report writing
• Proficient with computers and various software

Responsibilities

• Provide O&M services for clients in the Adult Comprehensive Day Program and at college/university employment sites
• Evaluate referrals to determine current skill level and most appropriate service
• Teach all aspects of O&M including low vision, orientation, mobility devices
• Serve as liaison with team, Valley Metro, and families; educate on blindness and ADA
• Maintain case records, reports, and administrative tasks

Skills

O&M knowledge

Independent travel

Communication skills

Time management

Computer usage

Education

Master's degree in Orientation and Mobility

Bachelor's degree in Orientation and Mobility

ACVREP certification

Level IVP Fingerprint Clearance

Job description

Job Description

Location: Phoenix, AZ

Employment Type: Full-Time

Salary: Competitive

Job Summary

Orientation and Mobility is part of the Adult Comprehensive Program that prepares clients with visual impairments to travel independently and safely. The center based O & M specialist works with clients to provide direct and/or consultative services relating to the visual impairment. These services enable the clients to travel safely, efficiently, and independently in their home, college or university (if appropriate), community environments as well as travel to and through airports and to and from employment opportunities using public transportation and hired private transportation such as taxi service, Uber or Lyft.

General Statement of Duties

Provides indirect and direct center based orientation and mobility services to assigned clients within the Adult Comprehensive Day Program setting as well as using public and private transportation. Participates as an active, effective member of the client’s team in addressing medical and Program needs of assigned students.

Orientation And Mobility Specialist Essential Responsibilities

• Provide O & M services for clients in the Adult Comprehensive Day Program including college or university and employment sites. Provide consultation/direct services for clients and family members as requested
• Evaluate all referrals to determine current level of skills and make recommendations regarding type of orientation and mobility service most appropriate for the client
• Teach all aspects of O & M training, including but not limited to: concept development, low vision skills, orientation skills, alternative mobility devices, and mobility skills to provide maximum independence for each client
• Serve as liaison with other members of the team, Supported Education liaison, Valley Metro, and family members providing general education in the area of blindness and specifically Orientation and Mobility including ADA Certification and family support
• Maintain necessary case records, reports, and other administrative tasks

Requirements

Orientation and Mobility Specialist Knowledge, Skills and/or Abilities Required

• Knowledge of the developmental aspects of O & M as it relates to adults including but not limited to impact of various eye conditions, capabilities of adults for independent travel, impact of multi-disability conditions and techniques of teaching.
• Ability to perform orientation and mobility services in accordance with established guidelines and standards
• Communicate appropriately and effectively with clients, team members, VR counselors, family members when appropriate, and community organizations (e.g. Valley Metro) and establish effective working relationships with all recipients
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of people in a multi-cultural, diverse socioeconomic setting
• Work independently with minimum supervision, be organized, manage time with efficiency and flexibility, and analyze situations accurately, take effective action, and write clear and concise reports and emails
• Use a computer and various software applications

Orientation And Mobility Specialist Licenses/Special Requirements

• Must maintain all licenses and certifications as a condition of continued employment
• Must have or be eligible for ACVREP certification as an “Orientation and Mobility Specialist”
• Level IVP Fingerprint Clearance card
• Master’s degree (preferred) or Bachelor’s Degree in Orientation and Mobility from an accredited college or university
• Basic computer and keyboard skills
• Ability to travel between job sites