Orientation and Mobility Specialist

State of North Carolina•Cumberland, NC

19h•$41,206 - $72,113•Hybrid

About The Position

The Orientation and Mobility Specialist provides individualized assessment and instruction to people who are blind, visually impaired, or deaf-blind to support independent living, community participation, and employment goals. The specialist evaluates consumer needs, functional abilities, and readiness for travel training and develops individualized instruction plans based on assessment findings. The work includes teaching orientation and mobility techniques, recommending appropriate resources, and coordinating referrals when additional services are needed. Services are delivered in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments and are designed to increase safe, independent travel and navigation skills. The position involves extensive direct client interaction and frequent travel within diverse community settings. The position covers Cumberland, Hoke, Montgomery, Richmond, Robeson, Scotland, Stanly, and Harnett counties.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a visual impairment field from an appropriately accredited institution and certification by ACVREP as a Certified Low Vision Therapist, Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist, Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist, or Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist, as needed for the area of assignment; OR
Bachelor’s degree in a related field such as rehabilitation counseling or social work, three years of direct service experience with individuals who are blind or visually impaired, and applicable certification as needed for the area of assignment.
Applicants who do not possess the required certification must obtain it within two years from the date of employment.
Physical requirements include some stooping, crouching, reaching, standing, and walking to get from place to place.
Lift no more than 20 pounds at a time, with frequent lifting or carrying of up to 10 pounds.
Frequent walking in indoor and outdoor environments, including varying weather and terrain.

Nice To Haves

Documented experience applying orientation and mobility theories, techniques, and instructional methodologies to address the functional impact of visual impairments and support independent travel outcomes.
Proficiency providing orientation and mobility instruction to consumers across multiple age groups, adapting training approaches, activities, and service strategies to age-specific needs and goals.
Background evaluating consumer needs and recommending appropriate orientation and mobility devices, tools, and travel aids based on functional vision, travel environments, and individual mobility objectives.
Skill using long canes, low-vision devices, and electronic travel aids to support safe and effective travel instruction in home, community, educational, and employment settings.
Experience conducting orientation and mobility assessments and developing individualized training plans that incorporate consumer goals, readiness to learn, functional abilities, and environmental considerations.

Responsibilities

Conduct comprehensive orientation and mobility assessments to evaluate consumer needs, goals, readiness, motivation, and functional travel skills.
Assess consumers’ understanding of spatial awareness, directional concepts, environmental navigation, and independent travel techniques.
Develop individualized training plans based on assessment results, visual functioning, physical condition, and identified barriers to independent mobility.
Provide one-on-one instruction in orientation and mobility techniques, including sensory development, concept development, pre-cane skills, sighted-guide techniques, and cane travel methods.
Teach route planning, street crossings, soliciting assistance, public transportation use, and travel strategies for home, community, and workplace environments.
Instruct consumers in the use of residual vision, low-vision devices, electronic travel aids, and other techniques that support safe and independent travel.
Evaluate previous orientation and mobility training, current travel skills, and individual goals to determine appropriate instructional approaches and service recommendations.
Identify locomotor, auditory, visual, cognitive, or other physical factors affecting mobility and coordinate referrals to appropriate specialists and service providers.
Document assessment findings, training activities, consumer progress, and recommendations in accordance with program requirements and professional standards.
Deliver services in homes, schools, businesses, community locations, retail environments, and outdoor travel routes under varying environmental conditions.