Special Education Sensory Services - Orientation & Mobility Specialist - 1.0FTE

Seattle Public Schools; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Seattle Public Schools seeks an Orientation and Mobility Specialist to provide sequential instruction to students from preschool through high school, focusing on safe movement and location using remaining senses.

Responsibilities include collaborating with the Vision Team, attending IEP meetings, traveling to students, maintaining logs, and supporting parents and teachers in mobility and independence.

Qualifications

• Education required: Bachelor’s or Master’s in Orientation and Mobility.
• Experience with children with IEPs is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide sequential instruction in use of remaining senses for safe travel.
• Travel to students including IEP meetings and parent conferences.
• Maintain logs and communicate with the Vision Team.

Skills

Knowledge of Orientation and Mobility

Communication and teamwork

Education

Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Orientation and Mobility or closely related field

Job description

This position is for the 2026/2027 school year

To learn more about our special education service pathways, please follow this link to the SPS Special Education Department website: https://www.seattleschools.org/departments/special-education/services/placement-and-primary-service-types/.

The Orientation and Mobility Specialist provides sequential instruction to individuals with visual impairment in the use of their remaining senses to determine their position within the environment and in techniques for safe movement from one place to another. Students range in age from preschool through high school. Teaches concept development, motor development, sensory development skills which includes the following:

• Concept development includes body image, spatial, temporal, positional, directional and environmental concepts.
• Motor development includes motor skills needed for balance, posture and gait, as well as the use of adaptive devices and techniques to assist those with multiple disabilities.
• Sensory Development includes visual, auditory, vestibular, kinesthetic, tactile, olfactory, and proprioceptive senses, and the interrelationships of these systems.
• Residual vision stimulation and training
• Human guide technique
• Upper and lower protective techniques
• Locating dropped objects
• Trailing
• Squaring-off
• Cane techniques
• Soliciting/declining assistance
• Following directions
• Utilizing landmarks
• Search patterns
• Compass directions
• Route planning
• Analysis and intensification of intersections and traffic patterns
• Use of traffic control devices
• Techniques for crossing streets
• Techniques for travel in indoor environments, outdoor residential, small and large business districts, mall travel, and rural areas.
• Problem solving
• The use of public transportation
• Evaluation with sun filters for the reduction of glare
• Instructional use of Low Vision devices

Other Functions:

Performs related duties consistent with the scope and intent of the position.

Required Knowledge, Skill and Abilities:

Knowledge of: Child Development and Orientation and Mobility techniques.

Ability to: Communicate and work with team members.

Reports to:

Vision Team Lead and Supervisor. Supervisor: Director, Special Education Next Highest Supervisor: Executive Director, Student Services

Working Conditions:

Requires traveling to students, keeping logs of activities, attending IEP meetings, attending vision team meeting, and sharing appropriate information with parents and teachers.

Education:

Bachelors or Master's Degree in Orientation and Mobility or closely related field.

Experience:

Experience working with children with IEPs.

Substitution:

Two (2) years' experience in Orientation and Mobility can be substituted for specific degree type.

License/Special Requirements:

Washington State Teaching Certificate required. State approved certificate of Braille competency required. Ability to obtain ACVREP certification or equivalent within one (1) year of employment.

Conditions/Disclaimers:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by those assigned to this position and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills. Employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time as needed. District employees are not authorized to make promises of employment for a particular period of time, or promises of a particular level of compensation or benefits to job applicants for certified or classified positions.Any bona fide agreement must be in writing and signed by the Superintendent. Any verbal or written statements regarding any of these or related matters by District employees other than the Superintendent are null and void.