Orientation And Mobility Specialist Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
• Current certification as an Orientation and Mobility Specialist through the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP).
• Hold or be eligible for appropriate Colorado educator/special services licensure with an endorsement as a School Orientation and Mobility Specialist.
• Knowledge of and ability to apply current instructional methods and techniques for teaching orientation and mobility skills.
• Knowledge of the Expanded Core Curriculum for students with visual impairments, including students with multiple disabilities.
• Ability to collect, maintain, and analyze student progress data related to individualized orientation and mobility goals.
• Knowledge of and ability to assess and effectively use relevant technology, including GPS navigation systems and other assistive technologies.
• Proficiency in common computer applications, including email, internet browsers, word processing, electronic calendars, presentation software, spreadsheets, and databases.
• Ability and willingness to maintain and develop technology skills independently or with available support.
• Ability to receive, respond constructively to, and incorporate feedback.
• Ability to work cooperatively and effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL), or a demonstrated commitment to developing proficiency at the Novice level, as measured through an appropriate assessment tool and in accordance with CSDB policy.

Nice To Haves

• Colorado educator licensure with an endorsement as a Special Education Specialist: Visually Impaired, or an equivalent endorsement.
• Experience working with children with visual impairments and/or additional disabilities in an educational setting.

Responsibilities

• Teach body awareness, laterality, directionality, spatial and environmental concepts, sensory development, foundational concepts, and orientation and mobility skills.
• Provide instruction on campus, in the surrounding community, and in students’ residential environments; instruction may occur during evening hours as needed.
• Provide individualized instruction in human guide techniques, direction-taking, squaring off, self-familiarization, protective techniques, cane skills, street crossings, number systems, public transportation, and optical aids according to student needs.
• Develop individualized short- and long-term goals and objectives and design activities that support student progress and achievement.
• Develop and maintain O&M service schedules for students identified as requiring instruction.
• Evaluate students’ current skill levels, collaborate with instructional staff to integrate classroom and O&M instruction, and coordinate services to minimize schedule disruptions.
• Participate in special education meetings and processes as appropriate.
• Maintain accurate, current student records; communicate with parents and guardians; and prepare quarterly student progress reports.
• Collaborate with related service providers and school personnel on school improvement initiatives, strategic planning, and co-curricular activities.
• Serve as an active, collaborative member of the Student Services Department and the Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind.
• Participate in departmental, team, school, and instructional meetings as required.
• Participate in professional development, training, and workshops to maintain and enhance professional knowledge and skills.
• Provide in-service training to school staff as appropriate.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical and dental plans
• Flexible retirement plans, including PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus pre-tax 401K and 457 plans
• Paid life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability coverage
• Employee wellness programs
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Health Savings Accounts
• 11 paid holidays per year
• Vacation and sick leave
• Flexible work schedule options
• Remote-work options
• Career advancement opportunities throughout the State system