PRN-Orientation and Mobility Specialist

Envision, Inc.; Town of Texas, Farmers Branch (WI, TX); On-site; USD 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Orientation and Mobility Specialist to empower blind and visually impaired clients. This role involves conducting assessments, developing personalized training plans, and providing essential skills to promote independence. You'll work closely with clients, families, and educational personnel to ensure effective learning and adaptation in various environments. If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of individuals with visual impairments and possess the necessary qualifications, this opportunity is perfect for you. Join a team committed to fostering independence and enhancing the quality of life for those in need.

Qualifications

• 1-3 years of experience in orientation and mobility training required.
• Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office tools is essential.

Responsibilities

• Conduct assessments and provide orientation and mobility training.
• Prepare meaningful instruction tailored to client needs.

Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Organizational Skills

Communication Skills

Knowledge of Low Vision Aids

Experience with Disabled Populations

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Orientation and Mobility

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

Responsible for assisting blind and visually impaired clients to achieve personal adjustment and maximum independence through orientation and mobility training and techniques that aid in daily living skills. Interviews clients, conducts assessments, provides instruction and/or training, and evaluates progress to determine present, and required or desired orientation and mobility goals.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS INCLUDE

1. Conduct orientation and mobility assessment process with client that focuses on both short-term and long-term needs of the client. Includes the needs and strengths of the client and an estimate of the length and frequency of service necessary to meet identified needs and goals.
2. Prepare sequential and meaningful instruction geared to the client’s assessed needs, IEP goals and objectives, functioning level, and motivational level to include all of part of the following:
3. Perform intake assessment
4. Patient evaluation report
5. Physical conditioning
6. Sighted guide technique
7. Pre-cane skills
8. Orientation skills
9. Functional vision skills
10. Bioptic training
11. Prepare and use equipment and materials for the development of orientation and mobility skills, e.g., tactual maps, models, distance low vision aids, and long canes.
12. Confer regularly with family members, parents, teachers, and/or other special education personnel to assist in work, home and classroom environmental modifications, adaptations, and considerations and to ensure reinforcement of appropriate orientation and mobility skills that will encourage the client with a visual impairment to travel independently in these settings.
13. Provide orientation and mobility instruction, to include but not limited to, body imagery, sensory awareness, spatial concepts, compass direction concepts, basic protective and information gathering techniques, map skills, and cane skills.
14. Instruct clients/students with visual impairments in the development of skills and knowledge that enable them to travel independently, to the highest degree possible, in accordance with the clients’ assessed needs and goals and the client’s IFSP/IEP/ITP.
15. Teach clients/students to travel with proficiency, safety, and confidence in familiar and unfamiliar environments.
16. Transport clients/students to various community locations as necessary or requested to provide meaningful instruction in realistic learning environments, which could include:
17. To and from residence to work and back home
18. To community resources/locations
19. Home adaptation needs
20. Evaluate client/student’s progress and ensure O&M service documentation/progress reports are completed as required.
21. Assists with teaching students Braille, as needed.
22. Maintain awareness of current practices in the field through review of literature, attendance at conferences, continuing education requirements for certification, etc.
23. Flexibility to perform other duties as assigned.

JOB REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE (List as required or preferred)

Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree with graduate training in Orientation and Mobility required.

Experience: Minimum of 1-3 years of previous experience in orientation and mobility training required.

Knowledge/Skills:

1. Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.
2. Experience working with all disabled populations.
3. Knowledge of or experience in working with low vision aids and appliances.
4. Must possess excellent interpersonal skills necessary to provide close support and consultation.
5. Good organizational skills and attention to detail; job requires prioritizing tasks and working independently.
6. Ability to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing.
7. Ability to work flexible schedule as necessary, and travel in-state as required for job.

Licenses/Certifications:

1. Current Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) certified by the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation & Education Professionals (ACVREP) required.
2. Current Certified Teacher of Students with Visual Impairment (CVTI) certification preferred.
3. Current CPR/First Aid certification required.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Total Number of Employees Directly Supervising: 0

Number of Subordinate Supervisors Reporting to Position: 0

VISION REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE

Can be performed with or without assistive technology:

Required to perform activities such as: preparing/analyzing data/figures; viewing a computer screen; reading; inspecting small objects for defects; using measuring devices; and/or assembling parts with close eye contact.

Required to perform activities such as: operating machinery and/or power tools at or within arm’s reach; performing non-repetitive tasks such as carpentry work or repairing machinery.

Required to review/inspect own assigned work, the work of others, or facilities or structures.

Requires normal (or corrected to normal) vision/acuity:

Required to operate motor vehicles and/or heavy equipment such as forklifts.

COMMENTS

Envision, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without illegal discrimination because of race, color, sex, age, gender identity, disability, religion, citizenship, national origin, ancestry, military status or veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, domestic violence victim status, predisposing genetic characteristics and genetic information, and any other status protected by law.

Envision employs and advances in employment individuals with disabilities and veterans, and treats qualified individuals without discrimination on the basis of their physical or mental disability or veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This position description is intended to convey generally the duties of this job. It is not an all-inclusive listing of duties, and it is not a contract, expressed or implied.