Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist

Job Title : Orientation and Mobility Specialist

FLSA Classification: Exempt

Calendar Type: 10-month

Schedule and Hours: 8:00 AM-3:15 PM

Reports To: Therapy Coordinator

The Orientation and Mobility Specialist of Overbrook School for the Blind exudes a passion for the school, its students, and its employees. This position will report directly to the Therapy Coordinator.

The Mission of Overbrook School for the Blind (OSB) is to develop and deliver education that enhances the options available for persons with visual impairments, including those with additional challenges so that they have the greatest opportunity to experience active and fulfilling lives.

Organizational Description: Overbrook School for the Blind serves students who are blind or visually impaired with or without additional disabilities (such as intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, hearing impairment, sensory issues, and including those who require specialized medical care) receive a customized, individualized education based on state educational standards. OSB is more than a school, it is a community where students, families, and staff support one another and come together to build a bright future.

Job Functions:

The purpose of this position is to provide orientation and mobility services to individual and small groups of students in all instructional programs (Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle School, High School, and STRIDE). Collaborate with the educational team which may include the Student, Parent, Teacher, Program Supervisor, Paraeducator, Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, Speech Therapist, other O&M Specialists and School District or MAWA Representative. COMS may be assigned to work in the school age itinerant program or the Early Intervention Program.

• Completes Orientation and Mobility evaluations that focus on long and short term needs of the students, new referrals and at designated intervals designed by the students IEP.
• Identifies the strengths and needs of the student, identifies goals and recommendations for the time and frequency of service necessary to meet those goals/needs.
• Writes measurable annual goals and short-term objectives for each student and collects and uses data to monitor student progress and make instructional decisions to improve student success.
• Provides consultation and support services to parents, teachers, therapists, and other personnel to assist in reinforcement of appropriate O&M skills.
• Instructs students in appropriate skills and knowledge that enables them to travel independently, with proficiency, safety and confidence in familiar and unfamiliar environments which may include school campus, residential settings, public transportation, etc.
• Prepares sequential and meaningful instruction geared to address the student's needs, goals, functioning using motivational strategies as needed.
• Prepares and uses appropriate equipment and materials such as: Adapted Mobility Device, long canes, optical devices, tactile maps, GPS devices and mainstream technologies.
• Maintains adequate records on evaluations, IEP's, data collection, progress reports and service notes.
• Communicates effectively in written and oral form using positive interpersonal skills.
• Establishes and maintains collaborative working relationships with all team members.
• All other duties as assigned

Minimum Education and Experience Qualifications:

• Certified by ACVREP(Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professions) or NOMC (National Orientation and Mobility Certification)
• Demonstrate operational knowledge of accessible mainstream technologies.
• Skilled in providing O&M instruction to students who are deafblind and students who have multiple disabilities.
• Skilled in providing instruction in the use of low vision aids
• Current Driver’s License
• Basic Computer skills
• Demonstrates good judgment and dependability

Preferred Qualifications:

• 1-3 Years of Experience with Special Needs and/or Visually Impaired populations, preferred.
• Experience working with school-age students is preferred.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment :

• Lifting: Must be able to lift 50-lbs minimum, with assistance. Participate in 2-person lifts.

• Working Environment : Employees are subject to accidents and/or injuries, which may be incurred during the performance of the essential functions of the position. Work is primarily indoors, but some outdoor activities may be required.
• Requires prolonged standing, walking, stooping, and squatting on a constant basis.
• Work in a wide variety of environments in the school, residential setting, public transportation, etc.
• Repetitive motion of the finger, hands, and wrist.

Benefits and Pay:

OSB offers a competitive salary and benefits package reflective of the applicant’s training and experience, including liberal financial support for the pursuit of advanced degrees. Applications from members of communities traditionally under-represented in school administrative positions are invited.

Overbrook School for the Blind Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Overbrook School for the Blind (OSB) has, and will continue to follow, a policy of recruiting, employing and promoting individuals best qualified for any position by reason of education, training, and experience without regard to race, color, ancestry, genetic information, familial or marital status, domestic or sexual violence victimization, ethnicity, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or a related medical condition), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or non-job-related disability or the use of a guide or support animal because of blindness, deafness or physical disability. OSB shall not discriminate against an individual who has exercised his/her rights against discrimination in accordance with applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Overbrook School for the Blind offers a competitive salary and benefits package reflective of the applicant’s training and experience.