Orientation and Mobility Instructor Trainee
About The Position
The Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) is the state’s lead division serving people with disabilities committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and racial justice. The mission of the Division is to assist individuals with disabilities in achieving their goals of employment, education, and independent living. This position instructs individuals who are Blind, Visually Impaired or DeafBlind in orientation and mobility skills in the Bureau of Customer and Community Blind. This position will receive formal and informal training not to exceed twelve (12) months to be able to provide instruction to Blind, Visually Impaired, or DeafBlind customers in skills, methods, and techniques to independently travel safely and effectively in familiar and unfamiliar surroundings. Demonstrates commitment to valuing diversity, equity, accessibility, and racial justice by contributing to an including working and learning environment. The Division of Rehabilitation Services is seeking to hire a self-motivated and detail-oriented individual with good communication skills.
Requirements
- Requires a master's degree in Orientation and Mobility from an accredited college or university.
- All qualifying candidates must have attained certification as an Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) within the time parameters of the Rehabilitation/Mobility Instructor Trainee Program.
- Requires ability to travel to provide services in the customer’s home, residential setting, or group setting as well as in the built environment.
- Requires ability to physically access the customer’s home environment and/or work environment and use public transportation.
- Requires ability to visually assess the travel route for the safety of the customer.
Nice To Haves
- Two (2) years of professional experience providing instruction in orientation and mobility to persons who are blind, visually impaired, or DeafBlind.
- Two (2) years of professional experience assessing individual needs and implementing a plan of services for individuals with disabilities to live independently and/or gain competitive employment.
- Two (2) years professional experience establishing trusting relationships and communicating clearly and effectively with customers, family members, coworkers, providers, and employers.
- Two (2) years of professional experience working with federal statutes related to rehabilitation programs such as the Rehabilitation Act and amendments, the Social Security Act, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Workforce Innovative Opportunities Act (WIOA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act, etc.
- Two (2) years of professional experience utilizing and remaining up to date on accessible techniques and adaptive technology to train individuals who are visually impaired, blind, and/or DeafBlind.
- Two (2) years of professional experience utilizing, reading and writing braille.
Responsibilities
- Serves as Orientation and Mobility Instructor Trainee.
- Completes work assignments designed to develop knowledge, understanding and practical skills consistent with the provision of services to individuals who are Blind, Visually Impaired, or DeafBlind.
- Assumes increasing responsibility for customers assigned.
- Participates in staff meetings and formal trainings.
- Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.
Benefits
- A Pension Program
- Competitive Group Insurance Benefits including Health, Life, Dental and Vision Insurance
- 3 Paid Personal Business Days annually
- 12 Paid Sick days annually (Sick days carry over from year to year)
- 10-25 days of Paid Vacation time annually - (10 days in year one of employment)
- 13 Paid Holidays annually, 14 on even numbered years
- Flexible Work Schedules (when available dependent upon position)
- 12 Weeks Paid Parental Leave
- Deferred Compensation Program - A supplemental retirement plan
- Optional Pre-Tax Programs such as Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP), Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP)
- Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility
- GI Bill® Training/Apprenticeship Benefits eligibility for qualifying Veterans
- 5% Salary Differential for Bilingual Positions
- Commuter Savings Program (Chicago only)
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
