Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist

Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS)

Job Title: Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS)

Reports to: Program Manager of SPED Related Services Pay Grade: Admin/Prof 4 Dept. /School: Special Education Department Calendar Days: 187

Contract: Probationary/Term Revised: 5.9.2025

Primary Purpose: The Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) teaches visually impaired students safe and independent travel skills at developmentally appropriate levels, while also providing instruction in non-academic areas such as daily living, self-advocacy, and recreation within the home, school, and community.

Education/Certification

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university; Master's degree preferred
• Valid certificate in Orientation and Mobility from the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP)
• Valid Texas teaching certification preferred

Special Knowledge/Skills

• Knowledge of visual impairments and how it impacts literacy and education
• Knowledge and skills required to administer and interpret appropriate assessment and evaluation instruments
• Skill in organizing and conducting training activities and meetings.
• Ability to work with a wide range of students with visual impairments
• Knowledge of Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) process, IFSP Committee process, and Individual Educational Plan (IEP) goal setting process and implementation
• General knowledge of curriculum and instruction
• Knowledge of assessment as related to students with visual impairments

Experience

• Minimum three (3) years teaching or related experience in providing orientation and mobility (O&M) services to a wide range of students with visual impairments (preferred)

Major Responsibilities and Duties

1. Conduct orientation and mobility (O&M) evaluations for new referrals and three-year re-evaluations, addressing both short- and long-term student needs
2. Document assessment results, highlighting student strengths and needs, and include recommendations for service frequency and duration
3. Partner with Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments (TVIs) to conduct functional vision assessments related to independent travel
4. Communicate effectively with low vision specialists, ophthalmologists, and optometrists regarding student evaluations and attend medical appointments when appropriate
5. Contribute to the development of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), including relevant goals, objectives, and service recommendations
6. Complete and organize all documentation required for Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) meetings and attend those related to O&M services
7. Maintain accurate records of assessments, IEPs, and student progress
8. Provide regular progress updates to parents in accordance with district and program guidelines
9. Deliver direct instruction in O&M skills aligned with each student's IEP, focusing on independent travel in various environments
10. Develop sequential and meaningful instruction based on student assessments, IEP/IFSP goals, functional levels, and motivation
11. Teach students safe, confident, and proficient travel in both familiar and unfamiliar settings
12. Ensure student safety during O&M instruction while promoting maximum independence
13. Prepare and utilize appropriate materials and tools (e.g., tactile maps, models, low vision devices, mobility aids, long canes) to support O&M instruction
14. Provide orientation to new school buildings and schedules as needed
15. Monitor and evaluate student progress through ongoing assessment and maintain detailed progress notes
16. Provide consultation and support to parents, teachers (general and special education), school staff, and sighted peers to facilitate student success
17. Collaborate regularly with parents, teachers, physical therapists, and other staff to recommend classroom and home modifications that reinforce O&M skills
18. Facilitate collaboration with external agencies and organizations that serve students or infants with visual impairments
19. Coordinate with Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) programs to deliver services to infants with visual impairments
20. Respond promptly to inquiries and service requests for students or infants with visual impairments
21. Provide in-service training for school personnel, administrators, parents, and peers to promote awareness and appropriate interaction with students who are visually impaired
22. Maintain knowledge of local and community-based resources that may benefit students with visual impairments
23. Offer technical and consultative support to school staff working with visually impaired students
24. Submit timely requests for instructional materials, conference attendance, and reference resources
25. Attend required campus and district meetings and trainings
26. Participate in parent conferences, staffings, and team meetings regarding the educational needs of visually impaired students
27. Perform other duties as assigned by the Special Education Related Services Program Manager, Director of Special Education, or Superintendent of Schools

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Evaluation: The evaluation of the Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist is the responsibility of the Lead COMS, in collaboration with the Special Education Program Manager for Related Services. A written evaluation shall be completed at least once during each school year.

Work Environment

Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including personal computer and peripherals

Posture: Prolonged sitting; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting

Motion: Repetitive hand motions including frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching

Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds)

Environment: May work prolonged or irregular hours; occasional districtwide travel

Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions, maintain emotional control under stress