Orientation & Mobility Specialist

Aerbvi; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children is seeking a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist to assess and instruct students in mobility and visual efficiency skills. The role includes guiding students from basic mobility to power mobility when appropriate, all within natural settings.

You will collaborate with the Educational Team to create individualized education programs, collect progress data, and ensure a safe learning environment throughout the school day.

Qualifications

• Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) required.
• TVI preferred with ACVREP Certification.
• Master’s degree in Education preferred; dual TVI/COMS certification a plus.
• Knowledge of educating students with multiple disabilities and visual impairments.

Responsibilities

• Assess and instruct students in orientation and mobility.
• Consult with Educational Team to review student needs.
• Create and implement individualized education programs.
• Maintain safe environment for students and staff.
• Adhere to personnel guidelines and School policies.

Skills

COMS

Education

Master’s degree in Education

ACVREP Certification

TVI certified (preferred)

Dual TVI/COMS certification

Job description

Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children

• To assess and instruct students in skills pertaining to orientation and mobility
  
  
  
  • Slighted guide up through Power Mobility, if appropriate
  
  
  • Provide direct instruction in a natural setting while embedding visual efficiency skills
  
  
  
  


• To consult and collaborate with staff regarding student needs and performance throughout the school year as a participant on the Educational Team


• To create and implement individualized education programs
  
  
  
  • Collect, analyze, and report upon student progress.
  
  
  
  


• To maintain a safe environment for students and co-workers


• To adhere to personnel guidelines and School policies

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift, carry, push, pull, transfer, reposition, and provide physical assistance to students weighing up to 50 pounds, utilizing appropriate lifting techniques and assistive equipment when available.


• Ability to safely perform personal care duties, including toileting, diapering, feeding assistance, hygiene, dressing, and mobility support throughout the school day.


• Ability to frequently stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, squat, reach, climb stairs, and transition between floor-level and standing positions while providing direct student support.


• Ability to escort, guide, and physically assist students during classroom activities, transitions, community-based instruction, recess, lunch, transportation, and emergency situations.


• Ability to respond quickly and appropriately to student behavioral, medical, or safety needs, including intervening in crisis situations and implementing approved safety procedures when necessary.


• Ability to work in a variety of instructional and residential environments and move throughout the campus as needed to support students and staff.


• Ability to tolerate prolonged periods of standing, walking, and other physical activity while maintaining continuous supervision of students.


• Ability to meet the physical demands of a fast-paced educational environment while maintaining student safety and providing consistent support throughout the workday.

Disclaimer

Responsibilities

• To assess and instruct students in skills pertaining to orientation and mobility
  
  
  
  • Slighted guide up through Power Mobility, if appropriate
  
  
  • Provide direct instruction in a natural setting while embedding visual efficiency skills
  
  
  
  


• To consult and collaborate with staff regarding student needs and performance throughout the school year as a participant on the Educational Team


• To create and implement individualized education programs
  
  
  
  • Collect, analyze, and report upon student progress.
  
  
  
  


• To maintain a safe environment for students and co-workers


• To adhere to personnel guidelines and School policies

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift, carry, push, pull, transfer, reposition, and provide physical assistance to students weighing up to 50 pounds, utilizing appropriate lifting techniques and assistive equipment when available.


• Ability to safely perform personal care duties, including toileting, diapering, feeding assistance, hygiene, dressing, and mobility support throughout the school day.


• Ability to frequently stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, squat, reach, climb stairs, and transition between floor-level and standing positions while providing direct student support.


• Ability to escort, guide, and physically assist students during classroom activities, transitions, community-based instruction, recess, lunch, transportation, and emergency situations.


• Ability to respond quickly and appropriately to student behavioral, medical, or safety needs, including intervening in crisis situations and implementing approved safety procedures when necessary.


• Ability to work in a variety of instructional and residential environments and move throughout the campus as needed to support students and staff.


• Ability to tolerate prolonged periods of standing, walking, and other physical activity while maintaining continuous supervision of students.


• Ability to meet the physical demands of a fast-paced educational environment while maintaining student safety and providing consistent support throughout the workday.

Disclaimer

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The employee may perform other duties as assigned to meet the needs of WPSBC.

Qualifications

• Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS)


• Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI) preferred, ACVREP Certification


• Master’s degree in Education preferred, dual certification is a plus (TVI/COMS)


• Knowledge of educating students with multiple disabilities, including visual impairments

Per bargaining unit agreement; based upon a candidate's education and experience.

Contact

[e-mail]

412-621-0100 x1263

Address

201 North Bellefield AvenuePittsburgh, PA 15213