Specialist-Orientation & Mobility

Specialist Orientation & Mobility

Reports To:

Executive Director of Special Services

Wage:
Exempt

Pay Grade: AI 2

Primary

Purpose:

The orientation and mobility specialist assist students with visual impairments to achieve maximum independence through instruction in safe, efficient travel within the home, school and community. Services also include instruction in compensatory skills including daily living skills, self-advocacy, and recreation or leisure skills as related to orientation and mobility. All employees of SISD are expected to act with integrity, support organizational goals, communicate in a clear and respectful manner, championing the needs of our students and drive continuous improvement.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.

• Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS)

Preferred:

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university.

Special Knowledge/

Skills:

• Adequate knowledge of all aspects of total communication.

• Knowledge of evaluation, habilitation, and rehabilitation of hearing disorders and conditions.

• Ability to use accepted tests and measurements to assess hearing disorders and conditions.

Major

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Participate in the referral and assessment process of visually impaired students.

• Conduct evaluations of the orientation and mobility needs of visually impaired students.

Areas of evaluation may include the following:

• Orientation to the environment

• Techniques of effective and safe travel:

• Participate on the ARD committee including the following:

• Develop and implement an instructional plan based on identified student needs.

• Provide direct Orientation & Mobility instructional services to students with visual impairments and consultation to school staff, peers, and community.

• Order, distribute, and maintain canes and low vision devices related to travel.

• Team with vision teacher and other instructional and related services personnel.

• Consult with and advise school personnel on design and provision of safe efficient environments.

• Provide direct instructional services to students with visual impairments in accordance with the evaluation.

Working Conditions:

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: physical mobility, standing, prolonged sitting, some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, reaching/repetitive hand motions, and the ability to work with frequent interruptions. May be required to lift or position students with physical disabilities; control behavior through physical restraint; and assist non-ambulatory students. Exposure to biological hazards.

Mental demands:
Ability to maintain emotional control under stress; ability to solve problems and deal with a variety of situations; ability to interpret a variety of data, ability to be effective in both oral and written communication. Travel within the district as required.