Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist

Overbrook School for the Blind • Philadelphia, PA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Orientation and Mobility Specialist of Overbrook School for the Blind exudes a passion for the school, its students, and its employees. This position will report directly to the Therapy Coordinator. The Mission of Overbrook School for the Blind (OSB) is to develop and deliver education that enhances the options available for persons with visual impairments, including those with additional challenges so that they have the greatest opportunity to experience active and fulfilling lives. Overbrook School for the Blind serves students who are blind or visually impaired with or without additional disabilities (such as intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, hearing impairment, sensory issues, and including those who require specialized medical care) receive a customized, individualized education based on state educational standards. OSB is more than a school, it is a community where students, families, and staff support one another and come together to build a bright future.

Requirements

• Certified by ACVREP (Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professions) or NOMC (National Orientation and Mobility Certification)
• Demonstrate operational knowledge of accessible mainstream technologies.
• Skilled in providing O&M instruction to students who are deafblind and students who have multiple disabilities.
• Skilled in providing instruction in the use of low vision aids
• Current Driver’s License
• Basic Computer skills
• Demonstrates good judgment and dependability

Nice To Haves

• 1-3 Years of Experience with Special Needs and/or Visually Impaired populations, preferred.
• Experience working with school-age students is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide orientation and mobility services to individual and small groups of students in all instructional programs (Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle School, High School, and STRIDE).
• Collaborate with the educational team which may include the Student, Parent, Teacher, Program Supervisor, Paraeducator, Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, Speech Therapist, other O&M Specialists and School District or MAWA Representative.
• Complete Orientation and Mobility evaluations that focus on long and short term needs of the students, new referrals and at designated intervals designed by the students IEP.
• Identify the strengths and needs of the student, identifies goals and recommendations for the time and frequency of service necessary to meet those goals/needs.
• Write measurable annual goals and short-term objectives for each student and collects and uses data to monitor student progress and make instructional decisions to improve student success.
• Provide consultation and support services to parents, teachers, therapists, and other personnel to assist in reinforcement of appropriate O&M skills.
• Instruct students in appropriate skills and knowledge that enables them to travel independently, with proficiency, safety and confidence in familiar and unfamiliar environments which may include school campus, residential settings, public transportation, etc.
• Prepare sequential and meaningful instruction geared to address the student's needs, goals, functioning using motivational strategies as needed.
• Prepare and use appropriate equipment and materials such as: Adapted Mobility Device, long canes, optical devices, tactile maps, GPS devices and mainstream technologies.
• Maintain adequate records on evaluations, IEP's, data collection, progress reports and service notes.
• Communicate effectively in written and oral form using positive interpersonal skills.
• Establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with all team members.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package reflective of the applicant’s training and experience
• Liberal financial support for the pursuit of advanced degrees

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed