Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialist (COMS)

LIGHTHOUSE CENTRAL FLORIDA INC•Orlando, FL

About The Position

Lighthouse Central Florida is a mission-driven, values-based organization providing an optimal blend of rehabilitation training services and real-world applications to help individuals of all ages, who live with any degree of vision loss to adjust to their reality with grace and confidence so they can remain active, productive members of our community. We seek a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) who provides Orientation and Mobility (O&M) services, including appropriate low-vision training to clients, and assists in ensuring all Orientation and Mobility instruction meets or exceeds contract obligations and professional standards.

Requirements

Master’s Degree in Visual Disabilities or Special Education
Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation & Education Professionals (ACVREP) (COMS) certification, or eligibility for ACVREP certification required.
Work history demonstrating progressive levels of responsibility
Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of orientation and mobility principles and techniques
Skilled in teaching Orientation and Mobility
Possess oral/written communication skills
Possess a working knowledge of Microsoft Office
Possess an ability to utilize a client database for documentation, data retrieval, and running reports
Must be able to interpret eye pathology reports concerning the impact on functional ability, and Orientation & Mobility
Professional maturity, judgment, and objectivity
Possess excellent interpersonal skills and effectively work with a variety of personalities and leadership styles
Possess effective organizational and time management skills with attention to detail, as the position requires prioritizing tasks and working independently
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, management, business professionals, civic organizations, and the general public
Ability to project a positive, compassionate image to the public
Ability to adapt effectively to, and support, change
Ability to maintain confidentiality when appropriate
Moderate ability to move and lift items, usually up to 50 lbs.
Stamina and ability to move about independently to provide Orientation and Mobility Instruction in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments; actively participate in a variety of indoor and outdoor field trips
Prolonged standing and walking during instruction
Maintain current COMS certification by the ACVREP
Must have access to reliable transportation and regularly be able to independently travel distances consistent with training requirements for clients in varying weather conditions
Must possess a valid driver’s license with no restrictions and the ability to travel as needed
Pass Level II background check
For employees living with visual impairments, you must provide documentation from a physician of legal blindness. Legal blindness is defined as: "Central visual acuity does not exceed 20/200 in the better eye with correcting lenses OR whose visual acuity, if better than 20/200, is accompanied by a limit to the field of vision in the better eye to such a degree that its widest diameter subtends an angle no greater than 20 degrees." These conditions are based on the federal Javits-Wagner-O'Day work program for legally blind individuals.

Responsibilities

Conduct Orientation and Mobility evaluations, Comprehensive Functional Assessments, and other types of assessments (based on the client’s age) as required.
Complete full and accurate documentation of each and develop required individualized service plans.
Provide one-on-one community-based, center-based, and virtual instruction to clients.
Develop engaging curricula, and implement safe, effective lesson plans and activities to align with Lighthouse’s instructional philosophy and achieve contract deliverables focused on the client(s)' age and skill level
Make recommendations for additional training (in any skill area) to enable clients to reach their goals.
Participate in decision-making to guide the direction of service development.
Ability to work a flexible schedule as necessary to include, but not limited to: Offering sessions outside of typical business hours, Attending some weekends and summer programming activities
Ensure program quality by maintaining staff/client ratios, providing safe lessons while fostering maximum independence and soliciting client feedback
Model the highest standards of client advocacy.
Collaborate with Case Managers, counselor(s), and other staff as appropriate to expedite each client’s progress through service delivery.
Review assessments/eye reports before beginning service with a new client
Timely, accurate documentation of all client interactions within the client database, as necessary to meet agency and contractual requirements
Obtain required client signatures on scheduling/attendance records
Maintain the confidentiality of program participants per State and Federal regulations
Reflect Lighthouse Central Florida’s mission, vision, and values in daily interactions with clients, staff, and all external and internal constituencies.
Collaborate with other departments to ensure the achievement of contract and grant deliverables.
Support and assist in collaborative activities with community partners as assigned.
Participate in community education and public awareness activities to develop collaboration with other agencies, municipalities, civic organizations, and schools to ensure that vision rehabilitation services are recognized as an essential resource to the community and known to individuals who can benefit from services.