Orientation and Mobility Specialist

State of North Carolina • Greenville, NC

17h

About The Position

This position provides individualized orientation and mobility assessments and training for consumers who are blind, visually impaired, and deaf-blind. This position provides instruction in specialized skill areas that will enable the consumers to achieve their independent living, travel, and employment goals.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in visual impairment field from an appropriately accredited institution and certification by the Academy for Certification of Education and Rehabilitation Professionals (ACVREP) as (1) Certified Low Vision Therapist (CLVT), or (2) Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist, or (3) Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS), or (4) 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 and three years of direct service experience with individuals who are blind or visually impaired and certification as indicated above as needed for the area of assignment.
• Applicants who do not possess certification are required to obtain certification within two years from the date of employment.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of or experience working with people who are visually impaired or blind
• Knowledge of or experience in orientation and mobility
• Knowledge of or experience in cane travel and/or techniques

Responsibilities

• Assess client's needs, goals, readiness and motivation to learn orientation and mobility skills
• Determine client's understanding of spatial and directional concepts
• Provide one-on-one instruction including concepts and techniques such as sensory/concept development, pre-cane skills, sighted guide, cane techniques, route planning/travel in a variety of situations, soliciting situations, use of public transportation, use of residual vision/low vision aids, orientation to electronic travel aids and preparation for travel
• Assess a consumer's need for mobility regarding previous O & M training, residual vision, the individual needs of the consumer, the physical and mental condition of the consumer, and their motivation to be independent in this area
• Identify locomotor, auditory, visual, or other physical problems and refer consumer to appropriate specialist resources.

Benefits

• The State of North Carolina offers excellent comprehensive benefits.
• Employees can participate in health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, and the NCFlex program (numerous high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis).
• Employees also receive paid vacation, sick, and community service leave.
• In addition, paid parental leave is available to eligible employees.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level