SY 26-27 Orientation and Mobility Specialist

PHILADELPHIA SCHOOL DISTRICT; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

PHILADELPHIA SCHOOL DISTRICT is seeking a qualified Orientation and Mobility Specialist to deliver itinerant services to visually impaired students. Responsibilities include assessing eligibility, conducting training in mobility techniques, and collaborating on IEPs.

The ideal candidate holds a relevant Bachelor's degree, an Orientation and Mobility Specialist certificate, and has experience with school-age students. This role is crucial for enhancing student independence and safety in various environments.

Qualifications

• Two years of paid experience as a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist.
• Experience working with students with blindness/visual impairment.
• Ability to develop IEP goals.

Responsibilities

• Provide training in orientation and mobility techniques.
• Collaborate with teachers to develop and implement IEPs.
• Monitor student progress and adjust goals as necessary.
• Document evaluations and maintain accurate records.

Skills

Knowledge of federal, state and local mandates

Effective behavior management skills

Communication skills

Orientation and mobility training

Assistive technology usage

Education

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college

Orientation and Mobility Specialist certificate

Tools

Tactile maps

Global positioning system (GPS) devices

Long-cane

Job description

Job Summary

Provides itinerant orientation and mobility services to visually impaired students in order to improve mobility and independent functioning. Assesses visually impaired students to determine eligibility for service. Provides consultative service to school staff and parents within the School District of Philadelphia. Participates in the multi‑disciplinary team process and individual educational programming activities for students where relevant.

Essential Functions

• Participates in the diagnostic and Individualized Education Program (IEP) process for all students suspected of being visually impaired and evaluates students in the areas of orientation and mobility.
• Provides training and direct instruction in orientation and mobility techniques and in the use of orientation and mobility materials and devices including visual efficiency skills, utilization of residual vision, concept and sensory development, spatial orientation, familiarization to environments, and utilization of tactile, visual and auditory maps.
• Trains students on the necessary skills, which enable them to navigate familiar and unfamiliar environments, including retail stores, offices, and public transportation; trains students on self‑advocacy and how to handle emergencies.
• Collaborates with teachers and assists in the development and implementation of the IEP as it relates to orientation and mobility services; works with teachers of the visually impaired to conduct functional vision assessments as it relates to independent travel.
• Develops long‑term and short‑term goals for each student; monitors student progress and adjusts goals as needed; maintains records of evaluations on student progress.
• Works with administrators, teachers, and other educational staff to support the implementation of students’ IEPs; collaborates with teachers and other school personnel to develop and implement strategies for students receiving orientation and mobility services.
• Designs, implements orientation and mobility instruction based on assessment and observation of students; collects and maintains data to document and evaluate progress.
• Serves as a resource person to special education teachers and other professional/paraprofessional staff members engaged in the delivery of programs and services to visually impaired students.
• Keeps abreast of new developments and techniques in orientation and mobility.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Two years of full‑time, paid, professional experience as a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist working in schools with school‑age students, which has included working with students with blindness/visual impairment and multiple disabilities, and writing IEP goals.
• Demonstrated knowledge of:
  • Federal, state and local mandates governing the implementation of special education programs.
  • Laws and regulations that affect orientation and mobility services.
  • Principles, techniques, equipment, and literature used in providing orientation and mobility services.
  • Major theories and intervention strategies with educational implications for students with visual impairments.
  • Effective behavior management skills and training techniques.
  • How to prepare and use equipment and materials, such as tactile maps, models, optical devices, pre‑cane, global positioning system (GPS) devices, and long‑cane for the development of orientation and mobility skills.
  • Braille, basic orientation, mobility, and adaptive technology skills.
  • Professional resources pertinent to the orientation and mobility profession.
  • Basic principles of learning theories and their implications for orientation and mobility training.
  • How to plan and conduct orientation and mobility assessments and programs.
• Demonstrated ability to:
  • Provide effective orientation and mobility training.
  • Develop effective treatment plans and service.
  • Provide for student safety during orientation and mobility instruction and in other environments while fostering maximum independence.
  • Provide orientation of new buildings and class schedules to students with visual impairments as needed.
  • Document progress and relate it to students’ goals and objectives.
  • Use assistive technology with students with visual impairments.
  • Appropriately and correctly model orientation and mobility techniques for students, parents, teachers, and other school staff.
  • Maintain accurate records.
  • Assess the effectiveness of activities.
  • Use a personal computer.
  • Understand and follow oral or written directions.
  • Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

Certificates/Licenses

• Possession of a valid Orientation and Mobility Specialist certificate issued by the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP).
• OR Possession of a valid National Orientation Mobility certificate (NOMC) issued by the National Blindness Professional Certification Board.