Orientation and Mobility Specialist - DB

The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

12 Paid Holidays per year

Up to 17 days PTO per year

Medical, Dental, and vision plans

Long-term and short-term disability,AD

403(b) Retirement Plan with 6% match

Tuition Reimbursement

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Job summary

The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. in Seattle, WA is seeking an Orientation and Mobility Specialist in our Employment and Community Services department to support DeafBlind individuals and others.

The role emphasizes independence, cross‑functional teamwork, COMS certification, and travel to Lighthouse sites. Collaboration with transit authorities and vendors is required, with ongoing staff education and program development.

Qualifications

• BA or MA in Orientation and Mobility is required.
• ACVREP certification required.
• ASL proficiency strongly preferred.
• Experience with DeafBlind individuals required.

Responsibilities

• Organize and provide O&M evaluation and instruction to DeafBlind individuals, including employees and referred community members.
• Travel to Lighthouse locations and Base Supply Centers as needed with advance notice.
• Collaborate with Accommodations, Operations, Safety, and Maintenance staff to implement wayfinding and travel accommodations.
• Develop and maintain program-wide goals and measurements, and participate in grants and contracts.
• Maintain files, documentation, data collection, and summaries as needed.

Skills

ASL proficiency

Written communication

Interpersonal skills

Team player

Problem solving

Education

BA or MA in Orientation and Mobility

ACVREP certification

Tools

MS Word

Excel

Outlook

Database software

Web browser

Job description

The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. transforms the lives of people who are blind, DeafBlind, and blind with other disabilities. Through employment opportunities, we are a catalyst for empowerment. We foster self-confidence and instill a life changing affirmation that independence is possible. From our expertise in cutting-edge technology to our understanding of mobility, we help people who are blind and DeafBlind live fulfilling lives.We are currently seeking a person who identifies strongly with our mission and core values to join our team in Seattle, WA as an Orientation and Mobility Specialist in our Employment and Community Services department (ECS). ECS is a human services department very unique to The Lighthouse.This is an ideal role for someone who is able to build strong cross functional team relationships, who has strong fluency in ASL and experience working with DeafBlind individuals, and is or will be a certified COMS. The ideal candidate will also have a passion for helping blind adults to lead independent lives. Prior O&M experience required, but we are willing to speak to graduating students and those who are newly certified. Experience working with people with disabilities, or diverse backgrounds is also strongly preferred. People in this role work with working age adults.Attention Out of State Candidates: Are you an Orientation and Mobility Specialist working and living in another state who is seeking a new adventure? We would love to speak to you! The city of Seattle has a lot to offer. Relocation candidates welcome to apply! Relocation awards are available to qualified candidates.Purpose:The purpose of this position is to provide O&M training, education/consultation and technical assistance to people who are blind, DeafBlind, or blind with other disabilities, as well as education to employees and community members, and various departments throughout the Lighthouse, our Base Supply Centers, and Contract Management sites.Responsibilities:• Organize, plan and provide O&M evaluation and instruction to people who are blind, blind with other disabilities, or DeafBlind, including employees and referred community members, mainly focused on DeafBlind individuals.• Provide education/consultation and technical assistance to Lighthouse personnel and community members as appropriate, including all Lighthouse locations. Some travel with advance notice may be required.• Work cooperatively with Accommodations, Operations, Safety, and Maintenance personnel to make recommendations for way-finding and safe travel accommodations.• Work cooperatively with local transit authorities to provide consultation, input and expertise• Work cooperatively to develop and maintain relationships with adaptive equipment vendors.• Assess basic low vision needs for employees and other participants• Attend staff, program and department meetings as required• Coordinate with other O&M’s to ensure other Lighthouse sites such as JBLM and CMS have training and accommodation support or as needed (magnifiers, CCTV’s, lighting recommendation, mobility instruction, cane tips, etc)• Travel to other Base Supply Centers as requested and/or find local resource to provide training.• Participate and/or support ECS Department initiatives, as needed, and Lighthouse Strategic Plan initiatives• Participate in development of program-wide goals and measurements• Deliver services defined in grants and contracts• Develop and maintain positive relationships in the O&M professional arena• Maintain files, provide documentation, data collection, reports, and summaries as needed• Provide input to annual budgets and work plans• Maintain certification• Perform other duties as assigned.Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities• Demonstrated knowledge of a wide range of accommodation resources• Ability to problem solve effectively• Ability to take initiative, function autonomously, and be dependable.• Ability to produce high-quality written documents, including correspondence, reports, etc• Comprehensive knowledge of PC applications, including MS Word, Excel, Outlook, browser, and database software.• Professional demeanor• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills• Willingness to work as a team member• Mature judgment and sensitivity in interpersonal relations and among diverse groupsMinimum Requirements:• BA or MA in Orientation and Mobility required• ACVREP certification required• Proficiency in ASL strongly preferred• Three (3) + years experience providing Orientation and Mobility training and instruction preferred• Experience working with DeafBlind individuals required• Ability to work schedule as assignedCompany benefits may include:12 Paid Holidays per yearUp to 17 days of Paid Time Off (PTO) per yearMedical, Dental, and vision plansLong-term and short-term disability, AD&DLife Insurance403(b) Retirement Plan with 6% employer matchTuition ReimbursementEmployee Assistance Program (EAP)Team Member Referral Bonus ProgramPaid Leave for Service Animal TrainingFocus on Upward MobilityInclusive and Supportive Team EnvironmentThe Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, the use of a dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.