Orientation and Mobility Instructor

About the role

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. This position instructs individuals who are Blind, Visually Impaired, or DeafBlind in orientation and mobility skills in the Bureau of Customer and Community Blind Services. The role teaches principles of long cane technique and related elements and assists customers in developing sensory skills to travel safely in familiar and unfamiliar surroundings and function independently in travel. The position demonstrates commitment to valuing diversity, equity, accessibility, and racial justice by contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide orientation and mobility instruction in an assigned geographical area in the Bureau of Customer and Community Blind Services.
• Manage a caseload of customers who are Blind, Visually Impaired, or DeafBlind.
• Establish and nurture effective working relationships with customers.
• Participate in staff meetings and assist with training for trainee staff.
• Perform other duties as required or assigned that are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Orientation and Mobility from an accredited college or university.
• Certification as an Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS).
• One year of professional experience in orientation and mobility such as could be gained from completion of an agency-sponsored training program.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two 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 DeafBlind to live independently and/or gain competitive employment.
• Two 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 Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
• Two years of professional experience utilizing, reading, and writing braille.
• Two years of professional experience researching and remaining up to date on trends in orientation and mobility including accessibility, teaching techniques, and adaptive technology.
• Two years of professional experience establishing trusting relationships and

Work Schedule

• Full-time position.
• Monday–Friday, 8:30 am–5:00 pm, with a one-hour unpaid lunch.

Salary

• Anticipated salary effective July 1, 2026: $6,460–$9,337 per month ($77,520–$112,044 per year).

Location

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