ORIENTATION & MOBILITY SPECIALIST - (BLIND SERVICES)

Orientation & Mobility Specialist - Blind Services

This position is located at the Career, Technology, & Training Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired (CTTC) in Daytona Beach. This position is responsible for developing policies, procedures, and techniques and is responsible for monitoring standards for the Orientation & Mobility program to provide proper rehabilitation therapy for statewide referrals.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Provide direct instruction in techniques of Orientation & Mobility such as orientation to unfamiliar areas, pre-cane skills, concept development, use of the long cane, use of public transportation and route planning that meet individual needs, and skills and physical limitations of each student.
• Assist students in developing and/or improving the work characteristics and skills needed for competitive employment or to function independently in a home and/or work environment.
• Develop programs and curricula as needed to support the goal of employment.
• Monitor and evaluate the plans and programs to assure the effectiveness of individualized training and to meet changing needs of the clients' overall objectives.
• Assess the referred client's use of residual vision and impact of any secondary disabilities on performance.
• Develop lesson plans that reflect the daily objectives needed to meet the established goals.
• Work with clients to select a program in which mutually established goals are met.
• Maintain records of goals, participation and progress on each student, and relay this information as needed in written and/or oral reports or in staffings with the referring counselor from the area of the state where the client lives.
• Provide maintenance on equipment and order supplies; keep inventory in good repair and make purchases as necessary.
• Act as a liaison and provides assistance in all areas for overall program coordination.
• Attend workshops and conferences for professional growth; participate in public education as needed and serve as a resource person for staff, students and the public.
• Assist with student facility/department needs as required; acquire new skills as needed to meet program changes.
• Recommend ancillary services such as audiology, low vision, and physical therapy that would enhance the student's program.
• If requested will assist in training volunteers or supervising interns assigned to the Center.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Ability to communicate effectively; both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to read and follow policies, procedures and/or other instructions.
• Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to maintain certification in Orientation & Mobility (O&M).

Who We're Looking For:

The ideal incumbent must be productive under tight timeframes, balance multiple and competing priorities, and maintain goal-directed behavior and performance sometimes under stressful conditions. The incumbent must interact courteously with others. The performance and behavior of all employees must demonstrate consideration of the workload concerns of others and must not negatively affect productivity and morale of the unit. Attendance is an essential function.

Other Miscellaneous Duties:

• Performs other duties as requested.
• Some travel is required.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a field of study reasonably related to vocational rehabilitation, to indicate a level of competency and skill demonstrating basic preparation in a field of study such as vocational rehabilitation counseling; or
• Four years of professional and relevant experience in a public vocational rehabilitation program.

Preference will be given to those with a bachelor's degree.

Certification in Orientation and Mobility (O&M) or are eligible to become a Certified O&M Instructor.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A bachelor's or master's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Three (3) to five (5) years' experience in a public vocational rehabilitation program.
• An ability to establish and maintain education and experience requirements to ensure an understanding of the evolving labor force and the needs of individuals with disabilities.
• Knowledge of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).
• A certification in Orientation and Mobility (O&M) or are eligible to become a Certified O&M Instructor.