Orientation & Mobility Assistant/Instructor Trainee

Job Responsibilities

The mission of the SC Commission for the Blind (SCCB), established in 1966, is to provide quality individualized vocational rehabilitation services, independent living services, and prevention-of-blindness services to South Carolinians who are blind or have low vision leading to competitive employment and social and economic independence. Our goal is to become a national model vocational rehabilitation agency for people who are blind or have low vision, demonstrating quality services, accountability, innovation, effectiveness and efficiency.

Do you want a career doing meaningful work that has a positive impact on people's lives? Have you thought about a career in state government but weren't sure how or where to begin? The SCCB is looking for hard working passionate individuals such as you! Every SCCB employee is important and a career with the SCCB will give you the opportunity to grow professionally and personally as you play a crucial role in the delivery of services to South Carolinians with visual impairments.

The Training Center of the SCCB is seeking a motivated individual who is ultimately interested in pursuing a professional career as a Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialist. The O&M Assistant/Instructor Trainee will support the certified Orientation & Mobility Specialists in delivering high-quality instructional services to individuals who are blind or have low vision. The role provides hands-on experience in a real-world training environment while preparing the individual for graduate-level O&M coursework and future certification. Job duties include, but are not limited to the following:

• Assist certified instructors with individualized and small-group instruction
• Support lesson preparation, skill reinforcement, and follow-up practice activities
• Provide sighted-guide assistance and safety support during instructional travel sessions
• Assist with indoor and outdoor travel instruction, including campus, community, and public transportation environments
• Document instructional activities and student progress under the supervision of certified O&M staff
• Maintain instructional materials and assist with equipment setup and breakdown
• Reinforce SCCB training center expectations related to safety, professionalism, and independence
• Participate in team meetings, professional development, and ongoing training opportunities
• Demonstrate commitment to learning best practices in blindness and low vision rehabilitation

Instructor Trainee Expectations:

• Apply to and enroll in the USC Upstate Orientation & Mobility Program (if accepted)
• Successfully balance coursework with scheduled job responsibilities
• Demonstrate ongoing academic and professional progress toward O&M certification
• Commit to continued employment at SCCB for a defined period following program completion

Please note that this position will be based in the Columbia, SC location during the training period. After training is completed, the position will transition to the Greenville, SC location.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

State: A high school diploma and administrative experience. A bachelor's degree may be substituted for the required work experience. Strong interest in blindness rehabilitation, education, or human services. Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team. Effective communication skills and professional demeanor. Willingness to learn and apply O&M principles and techniques. Ability to walk extensively and travel outdoors in varied environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in education, psychology, rehabilitation, kinesiology, social work, or related field
• Experience working with individuals with disabilities
• Interest in graduate-level study and professional certification

Additional Comments

The SCCB is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions including, but not limited to, lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

The SCCB offers an exceptional benefits package for full time (FTE) employees:

• Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouses, and children,
• 15 days of annual (vacation) leave per year*,
• 15 days of sick leave per year,
• 13 paid holidays,
• Paid Parental Leave,
• Relocation reimbursement**,
• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs, and
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

*Employees holding FTE status earn additional annual leave the longer they remain employed with the state.

**Eligible new hires from out-of-state may receive up to $5,000 in reimbursements for certain expenses, pursuant to Section 8-11-135 of the South Carolina Code of Laws.

A copy of your transcript may be uploaded as an attachment to the application. Upon hiring, candidates must submit official college transcript(s) or diploma(s) for degree(s) obtained. Failure to produce an official, certified transcript may result in not being hired or termination.