O&M SPECIALIST

State of Florida • Saint Augustine, FL

401d • $54,967 - $58,960

About The Position

The O&M Specialist position at the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind (FSDB) focuses on providing specialized instruction in orientation and mobility (O&M) and the expanded core curriculum (ECC) for visually impaired students. The role involves conducting assessments, developing lesson plans, and monitoring student progress in accordance with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). The specialist will collaborate with students, parents, and staff to create a supportive learning environment that fosters independence and success for students with sensory impairments.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree and FLDOE certification in Visually Impaired K-12 with an O&M Endorsement or the ability to obtain these certifications upon hire.
• Knowledge of the educational needs of deaf/hard-of-hearing and/or blind/visually impaired students.
• Ability to instruct students in the use of skills, concepts, and proper techniques that comprise the expanded core curriculum, including orientation and mobility.
• Ability to prepare teaching plans, courses, activities, and learning experiences for a variety of students.
• Ability to communicate effectively and establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degrees and/or additional training in O&M and/or Vision.
• Sign Language skills, with encouragement to learn American Sign Language.

Responsibilities

• Conduct, direct, and coordinate student learning experiences in the expanded core curriculum (ECC), including O&M.
• Complete assessments and provide data, including functional vision assessment data for students.
• Provide specialized instruction for the visually impaired in accordance with IEP goals and objectives.
• Identify, develop, implement, use, monitor, and evaluate long and short-term objectives based on students' IEPs.
• Analyze and utilize student data to drive instruction.
• Monitor student progress based on the goals of the IEP and FSDB and State-mandated objectives.
• Record and report data on individual students, including progress monitoring reports, service logs, incident reports, and attendance records.
• Use required instructional materials with fidelity.
• Document and address student behavior in accordance with school policies and procedures, including the use of positive behavior supports.
• Maintain a professional and collaborative relationship with students, parents, and other staff members.
• Attend trainings/meetings and implement skills acquired during professional development activities as required by Federal, State, and FSDB mandates.

Benefits

• Automatic enrollment into the Florida Retirement System.
• Medical insurance coverage for family and employee only at low costs.
• Life insurance coverage of $25,000 provided by the state at no cost.
• Low-cost supplemental benefit packages including dental and vision.
• Professional development opportunities and ability to learn American Sign Language on campus at no cost.
• Tuition waiver program for up to 6 credit hours per semester at state universities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree