Orientation and Mobility Instructor

State of Illinois•Chicago, IL

13d•$77,520 - $112,044•Onsite

About The Position

The Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) is seeking to hire a self-motivated and detail-oriented individual with good communication skills to serve as an Orientation and Mobility Instructor. This position instructs individuals who are Blind, Visually Impaired or DeafBlind in orientation and mobility skills. The role involves teaching principles of long cane technique and related elements, and assisting customers in the development of sensory skills to travel safely in familiar and unfamiliar surroundings and function independently in travel. The instructor will manage a caseload of customers, establish and nurture effective working relationships, and participate in staff meetings and training for trainee staff.

Requirements

Requires a master's degree in Orientation and Mobility from an accredited college or university.
Requires certification as an Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS).
Requires one (1) year professional experience in orientation and mobility such as could be gained from completion of an agency-sponsored training 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.
Requires ability to pass the IDHS background check.
Requires ability to pass a drug screen for drugs prohibited from recreational use under Illinois Law.

Nice To Haves

Two (2) years of professional experience assessing individual needs and developing and implementing a plan of services providing instruction in orientation and mobility skills to individuals who are visually impaired, blind, or DeafBlind to live independently and/or gain competitive employment.
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 researching and remaining up to on trends in orientation and mobility including accessibility, teaching techniques and adaptive technology.
Two (2) years of professional experience establishing trusting relationships and communicating clearly and effectively with customers, family members, coworkers, providers, and employers.
Two (2) years of professional experience researching and adopting an effective course of action as it relates to services, barriers and concerns for individuals who are visually impaired, blind, or DeafBlind to reach their potential.
Two (2) years of professional experience utilizing, reading and writing braille.

Responsibilities

Serves as Orientation and Mobility Instructor providing instruction for persons who are Blind, visually impaired or Deafblind in orientation and mobility skills in the Bureau of Customer and Community Blind Services/Illinois Center for Rehabilitation and Education – Wood (ICRE- Wood).
Manages caseload of customers who are Blind, Visually Impaired, or DeafBlind.
Establishes and nurtures effective working relationships with customers.
Participates in staff meetings and assists with training for trainee staff.
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)