Orientation and Mobility Specialist

Position Title: Orientation & Mobility Specialist

Status: Exempt (Professional)

Reports to: Program Services Supervisor

Overall Responsibility:

The Orientation & Mobility (O&M) Specialist will travel throughout a wide geographic area offering Orientation and Mobility instruction to adults who are blind or visually impaired in safe, independent, and efficient travel in both familiar and unfamiliar environments so they may function at a level which will result in an independent lifestyle. The O&M Specialist will also assist individuals to achieve maximum independence through daily living skills instruction. The O&M Specialist is responsible for the implementation of the individualized rehabilitation services to clients to support their goals to remain independent in their home and daily activities. Incumbent must be able to provide their own transportation to various client sites.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Orientation and Mobility
• Certification as an Orientation and Mobility Specialist through ACVREP or NBPCB is required.
• At least 3 years of experience in the field of blindness and visual impairment preferred.

Required Skills and Abilities:

• In-depth knowledge of principles, methodology, tools, techniques, and equipment used for providing O&M to individuals who are blind or visually impaired.
• Ability to accurately evaluate the O&M skill level of people who are blind or visually impaired.
• Ability to work with diverse clientele and exercise discretion, confidentiality, and independent judgment.
• Be able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing, to meet the needs of the clients, the organization, and its customers
• Self-directed; requiring minimal supervision.
• Knowledge of physical and psychosocial adjustments to the loss of vision.
• Knowledge of State and Federal Laws, rules, and regulations that are applicable.
• Knowledge of low vision adaptive aids and appliances.
• Ability to problem solve and utilize necessary resources.
• Ability to function independently and in a team-oriented environment.
• Ability to organize and manage case load, set priorities, and pay attention to details to ensure work is accurate and tasks are completed in a timely manner.
• Provide own transportation to various client sites. Personal vehicle mileage will be reimbursed. Reasonable accommodations will be made when able.
• Be CPR/First Aid certified or have the ability to get certified
• Have a smart phone to use for business purposes.
• Ability to lift/move/transfer materials weighing up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to stand, walk, stoop, and bend frequently.
• While performing the duties of the job, the incumbent may be exposed to outdoor changing weather conditions and various indoor environmental conditions.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

The essential functions of the Orientation & Mobility Specialist position consist primarily of, but are not limited to, the following:

• Perform orientation and mobility evaluations and implement plans that focus on the long- and short-term needs of the individual.
• Develop assessment reports that include the needs and strengths of the client and an estimate of the length and frequency of service necessary to meet identified needs. This includes detailed recommendations for equipment that are appropriate to the plan.
• Instruct individuals and small groups as assigned, both in the Community and in the Center, in various daily living skills including, but not limited to, the use of magnification, glare shields, lighting, time telling, food preparation, money management, medication and diabetes management, household tasks, cleaning, clothing care and identification, personal grooming, sewing, eating techniques, leisure activities, time management, labeling, and telephone use.
• Provide instruction in personal communication and technology, as appropriate for the client's needs, including handwriting, note taking, Braille, telephone use, reading using low vision adaptive devices, using audio and smart devices to accomplish tasks, and accessing low vision apps.
• Emphasize the effective use of any residual vision, tactile, and other sensory modalities, and reinforce learning associated with other areas of instruction
• Maintain knowledge of adaptive technology such as CCTV's, digital recorders, note takers, and low vision and accessible apps for smart devices.
• Accurately maintain client files and timely documentation for reporting and billing.
• Maintain knowledge of and/or how to access community resources to make appropriate referrals as needed.
• Stay current in the field by maintaining certification and education through conferences and workshops and provide training to other professionals as directed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.