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Jobs · Human Resources · Pennsylvania

Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist

Overbrook School for the Blind · Philadelphia, PA · 1 wk ago
On-siteHuman ResourcesFull-time

FLSA Classification: Exempt | Calendar Type: 10-month | Schedule: 8:00 AM–3:15 PM

About the Role

The Orientation and Mobility Specialist at Overbrook School for the Blind exudes a passion for the school, its students, and its employees. This position reports directly to the Therapy Coordinator. Overbrook School for the Blind (OSB) serves students who are blind or visually impaired, including those with additional disabilities (such as intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, hearing impairment, sensory issues, and specialized medical needs), providing a customized, individualized education based on state educational standards.

Responsibilities

  • Provide orientation and mobility services to individual and small groups of students across all instructional programs (Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle School, High School, and STRIDE).
  • Collaborate with the educational team, which may include the student, parent, teacher, program supervisor, paraeducator, occupational therapist, physical therapist, speech therapist, other O&M specialists, and school district or MAWA representatives.
  • Complete Orientation and Mobility evaluations focusing on long- and short-term student needs, new referrals, and designated IEP intervals.
  • Identify student strengths and needs, establish goals, and recommend service frequency to meet those goals.
  • Write measurable annual goals and short-term objectives; collect and use data to monitor progress and improve instruction.
  • Provide consultation and support to parents, teachers, therapists, and other personnel to reinforce O&M skills.
  • Instruct students in skills enabling independent, safe, and confident travel in familiar and unfamiliar environments, including school campus, residential settings, and public transportation.
  • Prepare sequential, meaningful instruction tailored to student needs, using motivational strategies as needed.
  • Use appropriate equipment and materials, such as adapted mobility devices, long canes, optical devices, tactile maps, GPS devices, and mainstream technologies.
  • Maintain records on evaluations, IEPs, data collection, progress reports, and service notes.
  • Communicate effectively in written and oral form using positive interpersonal skills.
  • Establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with all team members.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

  • Certified by ACVREP (Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professions) or NOMC (National Orientation and Mobility Certification).
  • Operational knowledge of accessible mainstream technologies.
  • Skilled in providing O&M instruction to students who are deafblind and those with multiple disabilities.
  • Skilled in providing instruction in the use of low vision aids.
  • Current driver’s license.
  • Basic computer skills.
  • Demonstrates good judgment and dependability.

Preferred Qualifications

  • 1–3 years of experience with special needs and/or visually impaired populations.
  • Experience working with school-age students.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

  • Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs with assistance; participate in 2-person lifts.
  • Work is primarily indoors, but some outdoor activities may be required.
  • Requires prolonged standing, walking, stooping, and squatting on a constant basis.
  • Work in a variety of environments, including school, residential settings, and public transportation.
  • Repetitive motion of fingers, hands, and wrists.
  • Employees are subject to accidents and/or injuries during the performance of essential functions.

Benefits

OSB offers a competitive salary and benefits package reflective of the applicant’s training and experience, including liberal financial support for the pursuit of advanced degrees.

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