Job Description
ORIENTATION AND MOBILITY SPECIALIST -
DEPARTMENT: Rehabilitation Department
REPORTS TO: Senior Manager of Rehabilitation Clinical Services
SALARY - WITHOUT CERTIFICATION: $55,000 – $60,435.00 (BOE)
WITH CERTIFICATION: $57,000 – $62,635.00 (BOE)
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE -
Teaches safe and effective orientation and mobility skills which enable consumers who are blind and visually impaired to achieve their highest level of functioning.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS -
Requires a high level of professionalism, confidentiality, communication, teamwork, creativity, problem solving, dexterity, planning and organizational skills. Requires excellent teaching skills and the ability to get along well with a wide variety of personalities.
KEY JOB ELEMENTS -
Effectively teaches orientation and mobility in a timely manner including indoor mobility, cane skills, outdoor travel, self-protective techniques and sighted guide. Instruction also includes body and environmental concepts and low vision related services.
Conducts comprehensive orientation and mobility evaluations and assessments; develops and implements personalized lesson plans.
Completes all required documentation in a timely manner.
Develops weekly schedules to achieve hourly expectations with a cost-effective approach.
Consults, refers and networks with primary care givers, CBVH/VESID personnel, associated professionals and staff.
Conducts community presentations and represents at meetings as assigned by supervisor.
Conducts programs and assist staff with the Adaptive Sports and Recreation Program including Camp Abilities.
Provide follow-up at camper's school districts as it relates to adaptive physical education.
Adapts to change and completes other duties as assigned.
Consistently achieves annual performance objectives.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES -
Supervises Orientation and Mobility Assistants or interns as assigned by supervisor. Oversees the provision of orientation and mobility services to vocational rehabilitation consumers.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS -
Must have ability to effectively present information, and respond to questions from consumers, professionals and the general public. Must have ability to give explicit visual cues according to the consumer's visual status and develop the consumer’s confidence. Requires excellent listening skills.
COMPUTER/TECHNICAL SKILLS -
General computer knowledge helpful. Must be knowledgeable in Grade 1 Braille, map development and reading, orthopedic prosthetic and cane techniques. Must have excellent knowledge regarding adaptive equipment and low vision aids.
REASONING ABILITY -
Must have ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS -
Frequently required to talk or hear. Must have stamina for indoor/outdoor travel training. Occasionally must lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform key job elements.
WORK ENVIRONMENT -
Extensive travel required. Instruction may occur in a variety of environments including consumer’s home or school, office, or the community.
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE -
Master's degree or bachelor's degree in Orientation and Mobility Teaching from accredited college or university; AER certified preferred and/or AER certifiable. Experience preferred. Must meet CBVH contractual personnel standards
ABOUT THE AREA - Syracuse is close to Onondaga Lake with unique shops, spectacular restaurants, lovely lakeshore trails. Near the largest state fair, the New York State Fair and many well-known universities and colleges. Explore a world of art, theater, music, photography, history, nature and play in Rochester, New York. From standing in the parlor where Susan B. Anthony was arrested to listening to great jazz on the streets. Rochester is located on the Southern shore of Lake Ontario and sits at the center of the historic Erie Canal. Only a 90-minute drive to Niagara Falls, 1.5 hours to the Finger Lakes wine country and 6 hours to New York City. World class events such as the International Jazz Festival and the Highland Park Lilac Festival, PGA and LPGA championships, etc. attract nearly two million visitors each year. The George Eastman Museum, the National Museum of Play at the Strong and the National Toy Hall of fame are popular with all ages. This beautiful area abounds with state and local parks which offer summer and winter sports, camping, etc.