Orientation and Mobility Specialist

LEADER DOGS FOR THE BLIND•Rochester Hills, MI

About The Position

Leader Dogs for the Blind, an international organization based in Rochester Hills, Michigan, has been empowering individuals who are blind or low vision for over 85 years. We provide comprehensive guide dog services and orientation and mobility training, equipping individuals with lifelong skills for safe and independent daily travel. Our life-changing work is provided free of charge, and we are 100% philanthropically funded. Our mission is driven by 191 dedicated team members and more than 1,000 volunteers who advocate alongside our clients to create a more equitable world. Why work at Leader Dogs for the Blind? Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance after 30 days of employment Employer paid life insurance Employer paid disability insurance 401k with employer match Flexible spending account Paid time off front loaded on first day of employment Annual merit-based pay increases Dog friendly office SUMMARY This position is responsible for the delivery of Orientation and Mobility services to Leader Dog clients, employees, associated professionals and community. The position will also be responsible for the supervision of O&M interns.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required from an accredited university. Master’s degree preferred.
Must have current Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS®) Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professions (ACVREP) certification.
At least two years preferred of professional experience in O&M; supervision of interns preferred and current dual certification in Vision Rehabilitation Therapy (CVRT®) preferred.
Ability to effectively monitor the safety of clients during instruction.
Proficient in latest version of Microsoft Office products.
Possess sound business judgment, exercise professional conduct, understand and follow business ethics and standards, and maintain a high level of confidentiality in all duties.
Interpersonal skills and ability to instruct people who are blind or visually impaired in a respectful and effective manner.
Must have a thorough knowledge of orientation and mobility principles and techniques and maintain current certification in O&M.
Demonstrate strong oral and written communication skills and have the ability to be organized and maintain detailed records and be comfortable providing education and instruction programs to students, management and the community.
Aptitude for and ability to develop and administer new programs as well as develop and modify curriculum design.
Aptitude for coordination of camp activities for teens with visual impairments.
Knowledgeable of applicable safety and health policies, be able to read and interpret technical journals, legal documents and provide accurate reports.
Aptitude and ability to use assistive technology such as JAWS, GPS, etc.
Ability to interpret eye pathology reports.
Possess sound business judgment, exercise professional conduct, understand and follow business ethics and standards, and maintain a high level of confidentiality in all duties.
Possess a valid driver’s license with no restrictions and the ability to travel as needed.
Comfortable with and willing to work around large dogs.
Willing to perform general public relations duties on behalf of Leader Dog (perform tours, answer general questions, be a professional and courteous representative of Leader Dog, etc.).
Must be able to establish and maintain professional, productive and courteous interactions with employees that promote positive teamwork, as well as with volunteers, donors, clients and all constituents of Leader Dog. This encompasses going beyond giving and receiving instructions and includes but is not limited to (a) performing work activities requiring interacting or speaking with others; and (b) responding appropriately to constructive feedback or suggestions for improvement from a supervisor.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred.
At least two years preferred of professional experience in O&M; supervision of interns preferred and current dual certification in Vision Rehabilitation Therapy (CVRT®) preferred.

Responsibilities

Assesses client orientation and mobility levels, determines needs, recommends services and conducts training to meet needs. Assesses and recommends the client’s need for services of related professionals.
Provides field services to O&M clients in home, school and work environments. Provides education and awareness on Leader Dog services to the community.
Provides location technology instructional services to clients, including GPS and other adapted devices.
Provides management and direct instruction to university O&M interns and practicum students.
Manages all case related documentation and correspondence in a timely manner. Maintains data on applicants, services rendered and post graduate activity. Responsible for monitoring follow-up and providing additional training as needed.
Participates in the development of department goals, objectives and systems. Evaluates effectiveness of services, recommends improvements and executes new approaches in a continuous cycle of quality improvement.
As needed, participates in the admission process and recommends client acceptance into the Leader Dog program.
Takes leadership in the ongoing development and implementation of all O&M and guide dog client and professional related services and training materials.
Participates in all Summer Experience Camp activities.
Actively recruits, develops and maintains relationships on behalf of Leader Dog with O&M and other related professionals.
Provides other services and additional duties as needed.
Performs other duties as assigned.