Orientation and Mobility Specialist (25-26 school year)

Position Title: Orientation and Mobility Specialist

Reports to: Director of Special Education Compliance and Effective Practices

Terms of Employment: Based upon student needs

Job Goal:

• To provide orientation and safe travel skills at a developmentally appropriate level to visually impaired students.
• To orient staff and train staff to follow through on appropriate safe travel skills within the classroom and school.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's and/or Master's degree
• Valid Certification in Blind and Partially Seeing with O & M Endorsement, Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP), or AER Certification
• In addition to the above qualifications, it would be preferred for the applicant to also be eligible for or possess a valid MO teaching credential in one of the following areas of specialty: Education Specialist in Visual Impairment or Specialist Instruction in Visually Handicapped.
• Knowledge of the design and implementation of effective teaching methods, practices and techniques for blind and low-vision students.
• Working knowledge of orientation and travel skills from preschool through high school; including adapted mobility devices, long cane, public transportation, etc.
• Ability to work well with all staff
• Commitment to professional development

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide appropriate, individualized instruction to each student on the caseload
• Modify and individualize programs for the purpose of helping students to fully participate in directed learning activities
• Develop lesson plans and schedules that meet the goals of each student
• Provide consultation and assistance to vision staff as to skills to implement in the classroom
• Establish open, frequent communication with parents, and all related service staff
• Make recommendations for time needed to accomplish student IEP goals
• Ability to teach techniques to train eccentric viewing and utilization of appropriate low vision devices necessary for orientation or travel
• Ability to coordinate and/or direct the work of instructional assistants, provide guidance to classroom teachers and function as a member of an education team. Being flexible and receptive to change.
• Ability to travel within the JC schools area to provide support services.
• Modify and individualize programs for the purpose of helping students to fully participate in directed learning activities. Manage a caseload of students, provide appropriate grade level instruction and conduct assessments.
• Assisting students to understand impact of vision and to make safe travel decisions
• Follow through on team developed goals
• Participate in appropriate staff meetings as requested
• Establish and maintain a positive atmosphere in working with staff in order that this atmosphere will be carried over for the student
• Perform orientation and mobility evaluations that focus on long and short term needs of the student for new referrals and at intervals as designated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
• Identify the needs and strengths of the student and an estimate of the length and frequency of service necessary to meet determined needs and include such information in the assessment report
• Contribute to other appropriate portions of the IEP, such as goals, progress, and recommendations
• Communicate effectively with parents, case managers, and administration

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Abide by state statutes, school board policies and regulations.
• Attend meetings and perform duties as assigned by administrators or supervisors.
• Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and correct records as required by law, district policy and administrative regulation.
• Serve on committees as assigned.
• Remain current on instructional practices in education. (e.g. instructional technology, curriculum)
• Adhere with all relevant health and safety standards and policies of the Jefferson City School District.

Contact Information:

Human Resources

315 E Dunklin Street

Jefferson City MO 65101

573-659-3013

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION

Applicants for admission or employment, students, parents of elementary and secondary school students, employees, sources of referral and applicants for employment, and all professional organizations that have entered into agreements with our School District are hereby notified that our School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, or disability in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs and activities.