Specialist - Orientation and Mobility

Teacher/Professional - District Office - Specialist


Job Number 0000763234


Start Date


Open Date 08/06/2025


Closing Date


ROLE & PURPOSE

The Certified Orientation and Mobility (O&M) Specialist provides students with visual impairments diagnostic and instructional services to assist them in achieving maximum independence through sequential instruction in safe, efficient travel within the home, school and community.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited College or University (required)
• Master's degree from an accredited College or University (preferred)
• Completion of 27 post-graduate hours in university certification program in O&M preferred
• Passage of the ACVREP National Orientation and Mobility Exam preferred
• Possession of National Certification from the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP) preferred

SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS

• Knowledge of typical developmental sequence in children ages 0-21.
• Ability to work cooperatively and as a team with school staff, parents and other professionals.
• Ability to communicate effectively with parents, school staff and other professionals.
• Knowledge of O&M curriculum and community-based instruction in O&M.
• Knowledge of the expanded-core curriculum (ECC) transition, and instruction in compensatory skills.

EXPERIENCE

• At least one year experience with school-aged children and children with multiple impairments preferred.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES

I. INSTRUCTIONAL MANAGEMENT

• Travel to the student's assigned school and/or home to provide services relating to the visual impairment.
• Provide direct and/or consultative services to students in order to enable the students to travel safely, efficiently and independently in their home, school and community environments. Provide community-based instruction as a critical component of O&M.
• Participate in the referral and assessment process of visually impaired students.
• Perform orientation and mobility assessments that focus on long and short-term needs of students with visual impairments.
• Follow the IEP process with conducting evaluations and determining a need for services
• Assist in developing appropriate goals and objectives for students with visual impairments.

II. SCHOOL/ORGANIZATIONAL CLIMATE

• Work collaboratively with colleagues and peers, related services providers, medical practitioners and teachers to plan and align orientation and mobility services.
• Serve as a non-voting member of the Admission, Review and Dismissal Committee/ IEP team as necessary.

III. SCHOOL/ORGANIZATIONAL IMPROVEMENT

• Respond to email, telephone calls, mail on a daily basis.
• Provide consistent, daily follow-up, feedback, and support of the implementation of the IEPs for students with visual impairments.

IV. ADMINISTRATION & FISCAL/FACILITIES MANAGEMENT

• Utilize scheduling and time management techniques in order to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position.
• Maintain an online calendar shared with the Curriculum Coordinator.
• Order, distribute and maintain canes, low vision devices and other equipment related to travel.

V. STUDENT MANAGEMENT

• Develop and implement sequential lessons in O&M curricula areas, including but not limited to beginning O&M; use of low vison aids; sighted guide; cane, residential and rural travel; modification for low vison travelers; interaction with peers, acquaintances and stagers, concept development and sensory skills.
• Develop and implement transition skills in preparation for postsecondary independence.
• SHARS / MAC / RMTS : Participate in the district's Medicaid initiatives. Arlington ISD participates in the School Health and Related Services (SHARS) and MAC programs, which allows the district to request Medicaid reimbursement for certain health-related services provided. The ARD/IEP committee determines SHARS services
• SHARS Providers : Train, provide, and document billable SHARS/direct medical services provided to students with SHARS services ordered in their IEP
• RMTS : If selected, participate in Random Moment in Time Study (RMTS).
• MAC : Directly support the provision of services covered under the Texas Medicaid State Plan; provide or supervise direct medical services/care such as personal care, medical care, escorting, and/or feeding of students as stated in the IEP

VI. SCHOOL/COMMUNITY RELATIONS

• Consult with teachers, vision staff and technicians, parents and other professionals regarding the orientation and mobility needs of students with visual impairments.
• Communicate with campus staff, other district employees and the community in a service oriented manner.
• Work collaboratively with all stakeholders to support students and special education department functions.
• Maintain professionalism at all times while interacting with multiple campuses and employees of the district.

VII. PROFESSIONAL GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT

• Participate in professional development regarding best practices in the public school setting.
• Attend scheduled staff meetings, in-service meetings, required conferences and trainings.

VIII. OTHER DUTIES

• May require heavy lifting, up to 20 pounds, in confined spaces utilizing two-step stools.
• Performs other duties as may be assigned by the Curriculum Coordinator or Director of Special Education.

IX. WORKING CONDITIONS

MENTAL DEMANDS / PHYSICAL DEMANDS / ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including computer and peripherals; standard instructional equipment.
• Posture: Moderate standing; occasional kneeling, squatting, bending, and stooping
• Motion: Moderate walking
• Lifting: Regular light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds)
• Environment: Work inside and outside (exposure to sun, heat, cold, and inclement weather); exposure to noise
• Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress.

Duty Days 193


Pay Grade Admin Professional 3