Orientation and Mobility Specialist

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania • Dauphin County, PA

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Orientation and Mobility Specialist provides a full range of rehabilitation services to individuals who are blind or visually impaired through the Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services (BBVS), Harrisburg District Office. The role provides orientation and mobility training to help customers develop the skills to travel safely and independently in their homes and communities, supporting their ability to work and maintain independent lives. The position serves an assigned territory within Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, and York counties.

The specialist assesses customers by interviewing them, observing their current functioning, reviewing reports, and consulting with staff to develop individualized service plans. The specialist creates plans and instruction schedules, provides individual and group training in cane use and low-vision and electronic travel aids, monitors progress and adjusts instruction, advises families and community partners, and maintains electronic case records.

This is a full-time position of 37.5 hours per week, generally Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM with a 30-minute lunch. The schedule may be negotiable within a 7.5-hour workday, and an alternate work schedule may be available. Part-time telework may be available after successful completion of the training period, subject to telework requirements and change. The annual starting salary for candidates new to Commonwealth employment is $60,538.

Requirements

• Successfully complete the Commonwealth’s Orientation and Mobility Intern program; or have a bachelor’s or master’s degree or certificate from an approved college or university program in orientation and mobility that includes a practicum; or hold an active Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist certificate issued by ACVREP.
• Applicants completing a qualifying degree may be considered to have met the education requirement when within three months of graduation.
• Ability to perform the essential job functions.
• If claiming education toward the minimum requirements, provide college transcripts; unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• A conditional offer requires submission and approval of satisfactory criminal history clearances, including Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania Child Abuse history, and FBI fingerprint clearances.

Responsibilities

• Interview customers, observe their current level of functioning, review reports, and confer with staff to assess needs.
• Develop individualized service plans and schedules of instruction that support adjustment, learning, and rehabilitation.
• Provide individual and group instruction in cane use, low-vision and electronic travel aids, assistive technology, and travel strategies.
• Track customer progress and adjust instruction plans to ensure customers benefit from services.
• Guide families, staff, and community partners to improve service delivery, cultural awareness, and general understanding.
• Maintain accurate electronic case files, notes, and reports in required systems.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time