JOB TITLE:   Orientation and Mobility Specialist                     PAY GRADE: In accordance with the salary schedule

                                                                                                   approved by the Board of Trustees

REPORTS TO: Special Ed Directors                                           DUTY DAYS: 187

DEPARTMENT:     Special Education                                        DATE REVISED: September 2018

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

Assist students with visual impairments to achieve maximum independence through instruction in safe, efficient travel within the home, school, and community. Services also include instruction in compensatory skills including daily living skills, self-advocacy, and recreation or leisure skills as related to orientation and mobility and self-determination. Community-based instruction is assumed and is a critical component of the orientation and mobility program.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Education/Certification in one of the following:

• Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree
• Certification from the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP)

• Bilingual preferred

Special Knowledge/Skills

• Knowledge of federal and state rules governing the education of students with disabilities
• Ability to case manage and collaborate in the best interest of students
• Ability to work cooperatively with others in attaining district special education program goals/objectives
• Ability to effectively work and communicate with students, parents, and school personnel from diverse cultures or backgrounds

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Participate in the referral and assessment process of visually impaired students
• Conduct evaluations of the orientation and mobility needs of visually impaired students. Areas of evaluation may include:
• concept development:
• spatial–positional
• temporal
• environmental
• body image and movement
• orientation to the environment
• techniques of effective and safe travel
• use of low-vision devices
• sensory development
• self-advocacy
• personal safety
• efficient use of vision for travel
• Participate on the Multi-disciplinary Team Meetings and IEP/ARD committee
• Assist in developing appropriate IEP goals and objectives
• Recommend any modifications to program or specialized services needed based on the visual impairment
• Develop and implement an instructional plan based on identified student needs
• Provide direct O&M instructional services to students with visual impairments and consultation to school staff, peers, and community
• Order, distribute, and maintain canes and low vision devices related to travel
• Team with vision teacher and other instructional and related services personnel
• Consult with and advise school personnel on design and provision of safe efficient environments
• Provide direct instructional services to students with visual impairment in evaluation areas
• Participate in extracurricular activities, related to visually impaired students
• Timely completion of medical paperwork
• Timely documentation of service logs

 Mental Demands: 

• Emotional control and patience
• Concentration on required tasks
• Flexibility in performing daily activities
• Organization skills

Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

• Frequent in-district travel
• Moderate lifting
• Sitting for long periods of time
• Correctable visual acuity, auditory acuity and speech
• Adequate upper body strength
• Adequate fine motor dexterity
• Ability to navigate school buildings frequently and independently
• Ability to utilize a flexible work schedule, when needed, for student success

The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills that may be required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.