Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialist (COMS)

Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialist (COMS)

Put your COMS talents to work with one of the nation's oldest and most respected blindness and low vision organizations, located in one of the country's most affordable cities. The Sight Center of Northwest Ohio is seeking a Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialist (COMS) to join our Toledo-based team. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people adjusting to vision loss while working alongside a dedicated team of rehabilitation professionals.

Full-time employment, competitive salary, and a comprehensive benefits package are available. Toledo offers an exceptional combination of affordability, culture, recreation, and natural beauty. The area is home to nationally recognized attractions including the Toledo Zoo & Aquarium, Toledo Metroparks, and Toledo Museum of Art.

Build your career. Make a difference. Enjoy a great quality of life. Join The Sight Center!

Essential Functions

• Develops the necessary skills to move safely and confidently in the client's environment with or without the use of a white cane or guide dog, as well as how to use other adaptive technologies and techniques.
• Develops and implements individualized orientation and mobility training programs.
• Integrates principles of relevant assessment and training tools, materials, activities, and settings for different age groups and etiologies.
• Provides interviews for Intakes as necessary as well as submitting appropriate documentation timely and accurately according to the Documentation Policy.
• Provides services in the agency, clients' homes, workplace, rehabilitation centers, schools, or other places.
• Uses interviewing skills to investigate person-centered practices, identifying strengths and challenges, barriers, immediate, and long-term goals.
• Maintains quality process systems and documentation for Evaluations, Training Reports, Final Reports, Progress Notes, Encounter Forms, Service Outcome Record (SOR), and all other reporting requirements accurately and timely according to the Documentation Policy and to meet accreditation standards.
• Ensures compliance with confidentiality laws and ethical guidelines and procedures.
• Maintains accurate and timely timekeeping records.
• Maintains quality documentation and process systems to meet accreditation standards.
• Intervenes, as necessary, on issues relating to client complaints, health care providers' concerns, and operational issues, and takes measures to correct situations or ensure appropriate personnel are involved to facilitate correction.
• Participates in staff meetings, training, continuing education and professional development opportunities as directed by the Program Director to stay current with best practices in the field.
• Partners and collaborates with the agency case management team, external case managers, vocational rehabilitation counselors, or other personnel to coordinate care and ensure clients receive necessary services.
• Presents and promotes agency services through educational presentations and in-service education to local clubs, organizations, etc., as directed by the Program Director.
• Contributes to The Sight Center of Northwest Ohio team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) credential required. Must meet the necessary education level to achieve the certification.
2. Minimum of three years of professional experience is desirable, particularly in settings serving individuals with visual impairments or disabilities.
3. Understanding of disability adjustment issues, blind rehabilitation services, community resources, and disability rights under federal and state law (e.g., ADA, Rehabilitation Act). Familiarity with person-centered planning, trauma-informed care, and ethical standards in culturally responsive practice.
4. Effective written and verbal communication skills across in-person, virtual, and telephone platforms. Ability to convey both basic and advanced concepts clearly. Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams.
5. Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to exchange non-routine information using tact, persuasion, and discretion. Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to explain clinic policies and procedures and engage effectively in sensitive or emotionally charged situations.
6. Strong interpersonal and listening skills, with the ability to engage empathetically with individuals experiencing emotional distressincluding anger, grief, or depression, use active listening, sensitivity, and respect. Demonstrated ability to build trust and communicate effectively across diverse populations. Commitment to ethical standards and culturally responsive practice. Adherence to agency policies, procedures, and professional codes of conduct.
7. High attention to detail and accuracy in documentation and data entry. Strong organizational, time management, problem-solving, and critical thinking abilities. Ability to work independently and collaboratively within interdisciplinary team. Effective written and verbal communication across in-person, virtual, and telephone platforms, with the ability to convey both basic and advanced concepts clearly.
8. Proficient in using computers and assistive technology to enter, retrieve, and process data. Familiarity with accessible software and tools preferred.
9. Work is primarily performed in office settings, but may also occur in clients' homes, schools, workplaces, and rehabilitation centers. Minimal exposure to unpleasant conditions; possible exposure to communicable diseases. Travel is required.

Employee Benefits

The Sight Center strives to be an employer of choice, offering benefits that include:

• Mission-Centered Workplace
• Competitive Wages
• Paid Time Off (Vacation/Sick/Personal)
• Paid Holidays (10 per year)
• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Health Savings Account
• 403(b) Thrift Plan Match & Contribution
• Life/Disability Insurance
• Eyeglass & Contact Lens Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• AFLAC Supplemental Insurance
• Workers' Compensation Insurance
• Jury Duty, Subpoenaed Leave
• Bereavement Leave
• Military Leave (USERSA)

Benefits are available to eligible employees in accordance with The Sight Center of Northwest Ohio's benefit plans and policies. Eligibility requirements may vary by benefit program.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Sight Center of Northwest Ohio is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law.