Orientation and Mobility Instructor

Orientation and Mobility Instructor

The Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) is the state's lead division serving people with disabilities committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and racial justice. The mission of the Division is to assist individuals with disabilities in achieving their goals of employment, education, and independent living. This position instructs individuals who are Blind, Visually Impaired or Deaf Blind in orientation and mobility skills in the Bureau of Customer and Community Blind Services.

This position teaches principles of long cane technique and related elements and assists customers in the development of sensory skills to travel safely in familiar and unfamiliar surroundings and function independently in travel.

Demonstrates commitment to valuing diversity, equity, accessibility, and racial justice by contributing to an including working and learning environment.

The Division of Rehabilitation Services is seeking to hire a self-motivated and detail-oriented individual with good communication skills.

Essential Functions:

• Serves as Orientation and Mobility Instructor providing orientation and mobility instruction in an assigned geographical area in the Bureau of Customer and Community Blind Services.
• Manages caseload of customers who are Blind, Visually Impaired, or Deaf Blind.
• Establishes and nurtures effective working relationships with customers.
• Participates in staff meetings and assists with training for trainee staff.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires a master's degree in Orientation and Mobility from an accredited college or university.
• Requires certification as an Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS).
• Requires one-year (1) professional experience in orientation and mobility such as could be gained from completion of an agency-sponsored training program.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Two (2) years of professional experience assessing individuals needs and preparing a plan of services providing instruction in orientation and mobility skills to individuals who are visually impaired, blind, or Deaf Blind to live independently and/or gain competitive employment.
• Two (2) years of professional experience working with federal statutes related to rehabilitation programs such as the Rehabilitation Act and amendments, the Social Security Act, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Workforce Innovative Opportunities Act (WIOA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act, etc.
• Two (2) years of professional experience utilizing, reading and writing braille.
• Two (2) years of professional experience researching and remaining up to date on trends in orientation and mobility including accessibility, teaching techniques and adaptive technology.
• Two (2) years of professional experience establishing trusting relationships and communicating clearly and effectively with customers, family members, coworkers, providers, and employers.
• Two (2) years of professional experience researching and adopting an effective course of action as it relates to services, barriers and concerns for individuals who are visually impaired, blind, or Deaf Blind to reach their potential.

Conditions of Employment:

• Requires ability to travel to provide services in the customer's home, residential setting, or group setting as well as in the built environment.
• Requires ability to physically access the customer's home environment and/or work environment and use public transportation.
• Requires ability to visually assess the travel route for the safety of the customer.

Work Hours:

Mon-Fri, 8:30am-5pm, 1 hour unpaid lunch.

Headquarter

Location:

601 S High St, Belleville, Illinois, 62220 Division of Rehabilitation Services Customer and Community Blind Services Region 5 Work County:
St. Clair

Agency Contact: DHS.Hiring Unit

Posting Group:
Social Services

About the Agency:
The Illinois Department of Human Services serves families in need across Illinois. Our mission is providing equitable access to social services, supports, programs and resources to enhance the lives of all who we serve. We are committed to the core values of Human Dignity, Equity, Community, Urgency, Transparency and Kindness.