Orientation and Mobility Specialist, COMS

Foundation for Blind Children; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Foundation for Blind Children is seeking an Orientation and Mobility Specialist to support adults in the Comprehensive Day Program. The role involves direct and consultative O&M services to help clients travel independently in campus, community, and work settings, including using public and hired transportation.

Responsibilities include evaluating referrals, teaching mobility skills, and coordinating with families and Valley Metro.

Qualifications

• Must demonstrate ability to work independently within a team, with strong organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with clients, families, and partners.
• Ability to travel between job sites and coordinate transportation when needed.
• Proficiency with basic computer applications and data entry for records.

Responsibilities

• Provide O&M services in the Adult Comprehensive Day Program and at college/university sites.
• Evaluate referrals and determine the appropriate O&M service for each client.
• Teach O&M concepts such as mobility skills, low vision strategies, and device use to maximize independence.
• Serve as liaison with the care team, transportation partners (e.g., Valley Metro), and families.
• Maintain case records, reports, and other required administrative tasks.

Job description

Location: Phoenix, AZ

Employment Type: Full-Time

Salary: Competitive

Job Description

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

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 certificates 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