Orientation & Mobility Instructor-NorthEast Region

Commonwealth of Massachusetts•Boston, MA

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB) is searching for a mission-driven rehabilitation professional who is dedicated, motivated, and engaging to serve as a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS). As a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist, you will be supporting legally blind individuals to navigate safely and independently within their homes, workplace, and community. This position travels at least three days per week to provide services as assigned within the Northeast region of Massachusetts.

Requirements

COMS certification from the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation & Education Professionals (ACVREP).
Knowledge of the principles, techniques, and methods of case management.
Knowledge of the psychological, social, educational and health issues facing MCB consumers.
Ability to communicate effectively and provide supportive counseling to consumers and their families/support network.
Ability to serve diverse populations and familiarity with secondary disabilities in addition to blindness.
Ability to handle confidential information with an understanding of diversity and the importance of fostering an open and respectful work environment.
Capacity to learn and apply agency policies and procedures, including fiscal guidelines for purchasing services for consumers.
At least four years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience in social work, social casework, vocational counseling, employment counseling, rehabilitation counseling, or educational counseling.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of government and community agencies responsible for providing benefits and services to MCB consumers.
Demonstrated collaboration with other state agencies and school systems.
Experience in using electronic case management or similar client information systems.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Responsibilities

Assess consumers' travel needs, motivation, and visual and physical abilities and develop an individualized training program to increase safety and maximize independence and/or orientation to new environment(s).
Teach long cane skills, dog guide route orientation, use of electronic aids, use of public transportation, and other means.
Provide technical assistance regarding environmental and transportation access issues and provision of Orientation and Mobility services to consumers.
Participate in providing falls prevention training to older individuals who are blind.
Complete case documentation, perform electronic consumer tracking functions, and maintain case files.