Vision Rehabilitation Therapist - Orientation & Mobility Instructor

The Chicago Lighthouse • Chicago, IL

441d • $75,000 - $90,000

About The Position

The Vision Rehabilitation Therapist - Orientation & Mobility Instructor is responsible for instructing students in essential orientation and mobility skills, including white cane techniques, to promote safe and independent travel. This role involves evaluating individual needs, developing tailored programs, and providing training in independent living skills, communication, and advocacy. The instructor will also collaborate with other staff and maintain records while ensuring the safety of clients during training sessions.

Requirements

• Master's Degree in Vision Rehabilitation Therapy - Orientation and Mobility required.
• ACVREP certification as an orientation and mobility specialist and Vocational Rehabilitation Therapist required.
• Knowledge of city and suburban transportation systems required.
• Ability to work flexible hours to meet client needs and willingness to travel within the Chicago metropolitan area required.

Nice To Haves

• Previous teaching experience preferred.
• Knowledge of sign language preferred.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate the orientation and mobility needs of assigned students and others referred for services.
• Plan and implement individually designed programs to teach orientation and mobility skills, develop self-confidence, and increase knowledge of frequently traveled areas.
• Provide basic communication skills and teach advocacy skills.
• Conduct assessments to determine the need for assistive devices and train clients on these devices.
• Train clients on basic independent living skills and provide community resources.
• Take responsibility for the physical safety of persons receiving services during training.
• Teach appropriate white cane techniques as needed.
• Collaborate with teaching and consulting staff to maintain records and write reports on clients.
• Provide funding sources with assessments and progress notes.
• Review referrals and Community Rehabilitation Providers to ensure services match authorizations.
• Serve as a consultant to other agency staff regarding mobility concerns.
• Orient new staff to sighted guide techniques and simulation of blindness.
• Track and document hours of service and submit time logs to accounting.
• Maintain contact with various referral sources to keep an active case load.
• Meet monthly hours needed to ensure program goals are met.
• Participate in the professional field and analyze trends and innovations for program integration.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• 10 days paid vacation
• 12 paid holidays
• 6 sick days accrued over the year
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance (65% covered by the Chicago Lighthouse)
• Short/long term disability
• Life insurance 2x salary
• Employee recognition events
• Company matched 401(k) plan
• Reasonably priced delicious food options on site (except at Glenview location)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Master's degree