Orientation & Mobility Specialist

An Orientation and Mobility Specialist assists students with visual impairments in achieving maximum independence through instruction in safe and efficient travel within the home, school, and community. Community-based instruction is a critical component of orientation and mobility training. Services also include, but are not limited to, Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) instruction in daily living, self-advocacy, self-determination, career, and recreation/leisure skills as related to orientation and mobility. Roles and Responsibilities Be responsible for the student's safety at all times and in all teaching environments while fostering maximum independence. Provide O&M instruction in alignment with current best practices. Instruct the visually impaired student in developing the skills and knowledge needed to travel independently and with proficiency, safety, and confidence in both familiar and unfamiliar environments, in both campus and community settings, based on assessed needs and abilities. Conduct thorough, data-driven, replicable O&M assessments that focus on both long and short-term needs of the student with recommendations to include: strengths of the student, indoor and outdoor skill recommendations, campus and community based skill recommendations. SMART IEP goal(s) recommendation projected length of service time and frequency of direct, consult, and material prep services necessary to meet identified needs using accepted service time calculator Prepare sequential and meaningful instruction geared to the student's assessed needs, IEP goals and objectives, functioning, and motivational levels. This instruction should be reflected in weekly or monthly lesson plans, as appropriate. Efficiently schedule all students on your assigned caseload. Amend the IEP with the case manager and team to adjust goals and services as needed. Create SMART IEP goals, in conjunction with the IEP team, that address needs as outlined in the O&M assessment. Consult regularly with sighted peers, parents, classroom teachers, physical education teachers, and/or other special education personnel to assist in home and classroom environmental modifications, adaptations, and considerations and to ensure reinforcement of appropriate O&M skills that will encourage the visually impaired student to travel independently in these settings. Write service logs accurately, efficiently, and with sufficient detail. Attend IEP, Triennial, parent conferences, and other team meetings for students with visual impairments. Prepare and use equipment and materials: tactile maps, models, distance low vision devices, and white canes, for the development of O&M skills. Transport the student with parent permission to various community locations, as outlined in IEP goals to provide meaningful instruction in realistic learning environments. Evaluate the student's progress on an ongoing basis with progress reports according to the student’s district deadlines and/or IEP goal. Provide in-service training to regular and special education personnel, sighted peers, and parents concerning the O&M needs of the student and appropriate methods and procedures for interacting with the visually impaired person that will foster maximum independence and safety. Provide information about district and/or regional O&M programs to the schools and community. Provide information concerning recreational and summer programs to parents and students and assist with application forms and procedures. O&M Qualifications CA Clinical or Rehabilitative Services Credential - O&M - REQUIRED Comfortable working with students with complex access needs Demonstrates ability to exercise good judgment, cooperation, tact, and discretion in dealing with the student, family, and others in alignment with FERPA Works well in team environments Ability to work effectively independently with minimal supervision Demonstrates organizational skills, both on site and in digital spaces Follows established policies and procedures, and designated lines of communication and authority Ability to be punctual and reliable Willingness to learn new skills Job Types Full-time, Part-time Benefits 401(k) Dental insurance Flexible spending account Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance Work Location In person #J-18808-Ljbffr Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired