ORIENTATION & MOBILITY SPECIALIST

Employment Opportunity

Orientation & Mobility Specialist

Job Description:

Provide Orientation and Mobility (O&M) instruction to referred individuals of all ages, who are blind/legally blind and reside, work or are enrolled in an education program within the eight counties of WNY to increase independence in accordance with the service plan.

Essential Functions:

• Provide Orientation and Mobility Instruction to individuals of all ages as referred to VIA
• Maximize the safety, functionality and independence of clients
• Assess the needs of the client, establish goals and lesson plans for achievement
• Document progress/outcomes and complete all reporting within established VIA and NYSCB contractual guidelines
• Maintain all electronic documentation in accordance with established guidelines for all assigned individuals
• Review all client information provided in NYSCB database and/or in client file
• Complete PAL applications
• Provide continuous and regular visits to meet identified goals and achieve successful outcomes
• Complete all reporting and data entry to both internal and external databases including case closure, in timely manner
• Order adaptive equipment in accordance with internal guidelines and seeking appropriate authorization from Assistant Director when applicable, dispense and train
• Communicate regularly and effectively with clients, teachers, parents, VIA and NYSCB staff to ensure successful outcomes
• Stay current on trends, adaptive equipment and assistive technology in the field
• Develop and implement curriculum for summer youth programs
• Attend conferences, seminars and trainings related to the provision of O&M and/or job development
• Conduct trainings as determined by Vice President or Assistant Director
• Maintain a basic knowledge of current Assistive Technology and stay current on knowledge and use of new adaptive equipment directly related to the provision of O&M
• Acquire appropriate CEUs in order to maintain certification
• Lead and/or participate in the development of special programs or projects at the direction of the Vice President or Assistant Director of Rehabilitation Services
• Attend and be prepared for all NYSCB, departmental and VIA agency meetings
• Act as Mandatory Reporter if necessary and complete annual on-line training certification
• Provide instruction to students attending Statler, Transitions, Onsite, YES or any VIA program as directed
• Sit on agency or external collaborating agency committees acting as a liaison to inform staff on external organizations/policies as well as keeping other agencies informed on VIA
• Participate and provide supervision to O&M student interns

Competencies:

• Proficient in MS Office: Word, Excel, Outlook and Internet along with general applications
• Demonstrate flexibility, patience and detail-orientation in completion of duties
• Demonstrate excellent internal and external customer service
• Caring and counseling skills with an ability to balance agency policy with the individual perceptions and sensitivity of clients
• Effectively work with individuals of diverse backgrounds
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in a fast paced environment
• Effectively communicate with colleagues, customers, vendors and/or outside agencies
• NYS driver’s license and reliable transportation OR the ability to travel effectively within assigned geographic area required, including the ability to transport equipment

Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in Orientation and Mobility or equivalent certificate program completion required
• ACVREP certification or eligibility to sit for the certification exam required

• Regularly lift and carry equipment of 15 pounds or more
• Regularly stoop and kneel
• Regularly sit for a minimum of 2 hours at a time
• Regularly stand for a minimum of 2 hours at a time
• Regularly walk outdoors for a minimum of 1 hour at a time
• Regularly perform repetitive motion of the wrists, hands and/or fingers
• Routinely crawl