Orientation and Mobility Instructor; Austin

For Texas to be GREAT, we need the best and brightest talent like you! The public vocational rehabilitation (VR) program administered through the Texas Workforce Commission helps people with disabilities prepare for, obtain, retain, and advance in employment. According to the Department of Labor, the unemployment rate for people with disabilities was 12.6% in 2020. This jobless rate continues to be much higher than the rate for those without disabilities.

• If you want to find meaningful work and contribute to a powerful mission. For more than 100 years VR has been helping individuals with disabilities achieve their employment goals!
• If you are looking for career and advancement opportunities. 38% of employees in VR have 15+ years of seniority. There are various positions with career ladders and opportunities to specialize in areas of interest:
  Autism, Blind & Visual Impairments, Deaf & Hard of Hearing, Brain Injury, Foster Youth, Transition Students, Veterans.
• If you need a comprehensive benefits package that offers competitive pay & benefits from health plans, life insurance, retirement programs, paid leave and holidays, and longevity pay.
• If you have direct VR Counseling work experience, receive higher starting salary.
• If you are interested in a flexible work schedule with teleworking as an option.
• If you want to advance your education with our tuition assistance program.
• FREE CEUs to maintain CRC credentials and reimbursement for CRC & LPC renewals.

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is seeking to fill an Orientation and Mobility Instructor to join the Orientation and Mobility Department team. This position is located at the Criss Cole Rehabilitation Center (CCRC), 4800 North Lamar, Austin, TX.

TWC is not considering applications from individuals who require sponsorship for an employment visa, including those with H1B visas or those currently on student or postgraduate visas. You must be a Texas resident to work for the Texas Workforce Commission or willing to relocate to Texas.

• Competitive starting salary: $4,583.33 - $5,746.66 per month
• Defined Retirement Benefit Plan
• Optional 401(k) and 457 accounts
• Medical Insurance – The state pays 100% of the health plan premium for eligible full‑time employees and 50% for eligible dependents. Eligible part‑time employees receive 50% state contribution for themselves and 25% for dependents. Employees pay the remainder of the premium by paycheck deduction before taxes.
• Optional benefits such as dental, vision, and life insurance
• 8 hours sick leave per month
• 8 hours vacation leave per month with potential to earn more with longevity
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services
• Additional benefits for active employees: https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

The Orientation and Mobility (O&M) Instructor II‑IV performs routine to highly complex instructional or training work at the Criss Cole Rehabilitation Center. Responsibilities include planning, organizing, and conducting educational and training programs and coordinating, developing, and evaluating instruction for blind or visually impaired students’ habilitative or rehabilitative needs. Must provide self‑help/self‑care and vocational instruction to help customers achieve independent living and employment goals.

Works under moderate to limited supervision with limited to moderate latitude for initiative and judgment.

• Provides individual or group instruction in travel skills, emotional adjustment to blindness, independent living skills, communication skills, self‑help, self‑care, and vocational training using non‑visual and alternative teaching techniques.
• Assists customers in developing, achieving, and maintaining essential independent living and employment objectives.
• Assists in developing referral sources, completing mandatory case documentation of teaching services.
• Provides consultative services and technical assistance to team members in evaluating and developing the customers’ individual rehabilitation plan.
• Delivers non‑visual and alternative technique training in group or individual sessions.
• Responds to customer…