Orientation & Mobility Instructor

Department of Labor • Lewiston, ME

1d

About The Position

Our team is passionate about providing Orientation and Mobility services to children and adults who are Blind or low vision. We are seeking an O&M Specialist to join the team. The successful candidate will work closely with schools, families, and other blindness rehabilitation professionals and requires strong interpersonal, organizational, and collaborative skills. This position can be based out of Bangor, Augusta, Lewiston, or Portland offices. Frequent regional travel is necessary.

Requirements

• A Bachelors Degree in Orientation and Mobility and two (2) years of experience providing instruction in Orientation and Mobility -OR- a Masters Degree in Orientation and Mobility.

Nice To Haves

• Must have (or be eligible within six (6) months) ACVREP certification as an Orientation and Mobility Specialist.
• Dual certification O&M and CVRT, TVI, CRC or CLVT preferred.

Responsibilities

• Teaches children and adults who are blind or low vision to travel safely and independently using remaining senses in order to improve mobility.
• Determines feasibility of orientation and mobility training for clients, through evaluation of services available and expected results in order to set reasonable goals.
• Instructs in use of low vision aids, as it relates to mobility, through knowledge of devices and degree and type of impairment in order to explain and teach use and enhance safe client mobility.
• Counsels clients and family members on adjustment to visual impairment in order to assist client and family in adjustment process.
• Confers with social services providers and other professionals in order to provide and coordinate client services.
• Develops community awareness of Orientation & Mobility and Blind Rehabilitation services in order to enhance community awareness and assist in accommodating clients.

Benefits

• Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-95% of employee-only premiums ($11,196.96 - $12,514.32 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($387.92 annual value).
• Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 13.29% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS) for MSEA, or 18.09% for Confidential employees.
• State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package , covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness .

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees