Orientation and Mobility Specialist School O&M

TheraPeds•Ellisville, MS

9h•$50 - $65•Onsite

About The Position

TheraPeds Partners is seeking a dedicated Orientation & Mobility Specialist (O&M) to join our team for a part-time, school-based opportunity in Ellisville, Mississippi for the 2026–2027 school year. This role involves helping students who are blind or visually impaired develop the skills, confidence, and independence needed to safely navigate their school and community environments. You will work with students, collaborating with families, educators, Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments, related-service providers, and other members of the educational team, with support from both the district and TheraPeds.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree required
Completion of a recognized Orientation & Mobility preparation program
Current Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) certification through ACVREP required or eligibility to obtain certification, based on district requirements
Appropriate Mississippi educational licensure, certification, or authorization, as required for the position
Experience working with children or school-aged students who are blind or visually impaired
Knowledge of orientation and mobility assessments, instructional methods, and evidence-based O&M practices
Knowledge of visual impairments and their impact on student access, mobility, orientation, and educational participation
Ability to assess environmental accessibility and travel safety and recommend appropriate modifications
Experience providing instruction in cane travel, orientation skills, environmental concepts, route planning, and safe independent travel
Ability to adapt instruction for students with multiple or additional disabilities
Understanding of IEPs, IDEA, special education processes, and educationally relevant O&M services
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Excellent organizational and time-management skills
Proficient in the use of technology for documentation, communication, and educational purposes
Ability to successfully complete required fingerprinting and background clearances
Ability to collaborate effectively with students, families, educators, administrators, and multidisciplinary teams
Demonstrated professionalism and ability to exercise a high level of tact, discretion, confidentiality, and sound judgment in internal and external communications

Nice To Haves

Graduate degree in Orientation & Mobility, Vision Studies, Special Education, or a related field preferred
1+ years of school-based experience preferred

Responsibilities

Providing individualized orientation and mobility instruction to students in one-on-one and small-group settings
Conducting comprehensive O&M assessments and evaluations to determine students' functional mobility and travel needs
Developing measurable, educationally relevant IEP goals and objectives based on assessment findings and individual student needs
Providing direct O&M services and implementing instruction identified in students' IEPs
Teaching concepts and skills related to orientation, spatial awareness, body awareness, environmental awareness, route planning, and independent travel
Providing instruction in appropriate mobility techniques, including human guide, protective techniques, trailing, cane skills, and other strategies based on individual student needs
Teaching students to safely navigate classrooms, hallways, stairs, school campuses, transportation areas, community settings, and other environments relevant to their educational program
Tailoring instruction based on each student's vision, age, developmental level, mobility needs, communication abilities, and additional disabilities
Assessing school campuses and educational environments for accessibility and travel safety
Identifying potential environmental barriers and recommending appropriate modifications to improve safe and independent access
Developing and recommending safe travel routes within school and community environments
Supporting students in developing problem-solving, self-advocacy, and independent travel skills
Monitoring student progress, collecting data, and adapting instructional strategies based on individual performance and changing needs
Completing timely and accurate evaluations, progress reports, IEP documentation, and other required records
Participating in IEP meetings, multidisciplinary team meetings, and student-support meetings
Providing case management as applicable to the assigned position
Collaborating with Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments (TVIs), special education and general education teachers, therapists, families, administrators, and other members of the educational team
Providing consultation, education, and guidance to school staff and families regarding mobility, environmental access, and strategies that promote student independence
Maintaining confidentiality and following applicable professional standards, district policies, and state and federal requirements