Orientation and Mobility Instructor (Assistive Technology Specialist)
About The Position
The Department of Labor, Bureau of Rehabilitation Services, Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired, is hiring an Assistive Technology Specialist/Orientation and Mobility Instructor to provide orientation and mobility services to children and adults who are blind or visually impaired, often with additional disabilities, in Penobscot, Piscataquis, Hancock, and Washington Counties. The role involves assessing clients’ impairments and needs, consulting on available services, and teaching safe, independent travel to support independence, communication, education, independent living, avocational interests, and employment. Work is performed under limited supervision and calls for strong interpersonal, organizational, and collaborative skills. The position is based at the Bangor Career Center and requires frequent regional travel. The role includes services for potentially eligible clients and pre-employment transition and transition services for youth, in accordance with state and federal laws and policies. The position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Orientation and Mobility plus two years of experience providing Orientation and Mobility instruction, or a master’s degree in Orientation and Mobility.
- Must hold, or be eligible to obtain within six months, certification as an Orientation and Mobility Specialist.
- Knowledge of medical and psychological/social aspects of rehabilitation for people who are blind or visually impaired.
- Knowledge of kinesiology, audition, and other senses.
- Knowledge of concept and sensory development.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team, and to manage multiple tasks.
Nice To Haves
- Dual certification in Orientation and Mobility and CVRT, TVI, CRC, CATIS, or CLVT.
Responsibilities
- Determine whether orientation and mobility training is feasible by evaluating available services and expected results and setting reasonable goals.
- Assess and instruct infants, children, and adults who are blind or visually impaired in concept development and spatial awareness, applying blind rehabilitation techniques to improve orientation and environmental interpretation.
- Teach clients to travel safely and independently using their remaining senses.
- Coordinate referrals and client services with community providers, blindness professionals, and other related professionals.
- Provide services for potentially eligible clients, pre-employment transition services, and transition services for youth with blindness and visual impairments, as provided by state and federal laws and policies.
- Write evaluations, reports, plans, and case notes documenting client needs.
Benefits
- 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and at least three weeks of vacation leave annually; vacation accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
- State-paid 85%–100% of employee-only health insurance premiums, depending on salary; dependent coverage is also available.
- A 5% health insurance premium credit for participation, subject to program requirements.
- State-paid 100% of employee-only dental insurance premiums.
- State contribution of 14.06% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System.
- Gym membership reimbursement of up to $40 per month.
- Health and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
- Eligibility for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness through the qualified-employer program.
- Employee assistance program through the Living Resources Program.
- 42 consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave for employees welcoming a child; additional unpaid leave may be available under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
- Voluntary deferred compensation through a MaineSaves 457(b) account.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
