Orientation & Mobility Specialist

Lighthouse Vision Loss Center; Sarasota (FL); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Lighthouse Vision Loss Education Center in Sarasota, FL is seeking an Orientation and Mobility Instructor. You will plan and deliver individualized instruction for blind and visually impaired clients, including home-based assessments and goal-driven instruction.

Responsibilities include escorting clients, documenting progress, and contributing to program development. Earnest dedication to supporting independence and travel safety is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Visually Impaired Rehabilitation or related field required.
• COMS certification or enrollment in an approved program to obtain it.
• At least 1 year of related experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver individualized O&M instruction for blind and visually impaired clients.
• Conduct home-based pre-assessments to tailor training.
• Write and implement an instruction plan with clear goals.
• Escort or transport clients for lessons as needed.
• Provide instruction per plan and monitor progress.
• Evaluate progress and recommend further training.
• Document progress and complete required reports and DBS paperwork.
• Contribute to community resource development and staff trainings.
• Deliver classroom O&M content for the Adjustment to Vision Loss course.

Skills

Eye disorders knowledge

Computer skills

Interpersonal skills

Oral and written communication

Organizational skills

Independent work

Discretion

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Visually Impaired Rehabilitation

COMS certification or in accredited program

Job description

Job Details

Legal Address: Sarasota, FL 34243
Position Type: Full Time
Education Level: 4 Year Degree
Travel Percentage: Road Warrior
Job Shift: Day
Job Category: Entry Level

LIGHTHOUSE VISION LOSS EDUCATION CENTER

Job Title

ORIENTATION AND MOBILITY INSTRUCTOR

Updated

September 2024

FLSA Status

Exempt

Supervisor

Director of Vocational Rehabilitation Services

Job Summary

The Orientation and Mobility Instructor is responsible for the planning and delivery of individualized instruction in orientation and mobility for blind and visually impaired clients.

Essential Functions

• Conduct home-based pre-assessments of clients’ needs for training that will allow them to travel safely in various environments.


• Write an individualized instruction plan with clear goals for instruction in conjunction with the client.


• Escort and/or transport clients as necessary for O&M lessons.


• Provide instruction in conjunction with an individualized instruction plan.


• Evaluate client progress and make recommendations for further training if appropriate.


• Conduct client post-assessments to determine effectiveness of the program.


• Complete and enter into the database all reports and statistical information required by Lighthouse and funding sources such as DBS to document client progress including evaluations, goals, daily and monthly progress, prior to established deadlines.


• Assist in the development of needed community resources and education through in-service training programs.


• Provide classroom instruction for the Orientation and Mobility component of the Adjustment to Vision Loss course as needed.


• Attend meetings and trainings as needed.

Other Functions

• Support Lighthouse’s fund-raising activities.


• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Skills / Abilities

• Good knowledge of implications of eye disorders, blindness and other disabilities.


• Strong computer and internet skills and working knowledge of Google (preferred) and/or Microsoft Office applications.


• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to deal with a diverse range of clients and staff in a professional manner.


• Excellent oral and written communication skills.


• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize tasks in order to meet deadlines.


• Works independently with minimal supervision.


• Discretion and ability to maintain confidential information.


• Ability to work cooperatively as a team member to meet organizational goals.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Visually Impaired Rehabilitation or a related field.


• Must have COMS (Certified Orientation Mobility Specialist) certification or currently in an accredited University program to obtain the certification.


• A minimum of one year of related experience is preferred.

Physical Demands

• Ability to operate basic office equipment such as computers, copiers, printers and fax machines.


• Ability to travel within the service area (at times this can exceed two hours each way).


• Ability to operate equipment used in rehabilitation service delivery.


• Ability to stand for sustained periods of time assisting clients.


• Ability to speak loudly yet patiently with hearing-impaired clients.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Visually Impaired Rehabilitation or a related field.


• Must have COMS (Certified Orientation Mobility Specialist) certification or currently in an accredited University program to obtain the certification.


• A minimum of one year of related experience is preferred.