Orientation and Mobility Specialist
Description of Work
This position provides essential rehabilitation services that help individuals who are blind or visually impaired build skills for confident and independent living. As an Orientation and Mobility Specialist, you will perform the following duties:
- Evaluation and Planning: Evaluate customer abilities and needs to develop individualized instructional plans.
- Instruction Delivery: Provide one-on-one or group lessons using experience-based learning and guided practice.
- Equipment Selection: Choose appropriate canes, travel aids, and technology to support safe independent travel.
- Progress Monitoring: Review customer development to ensure steady improvement and successful outcomes.
- Support and Counseling: Offer guidance to customers and families to reinforce skills and encourage independence.
- Professional Development: Stay current on Orientation and Mobility techniques and participate in trainings to strengthen practice.
Qualifications Required
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements: Successful completion of the commonwealth’s Orientation and Mobility Intern program; or Possession of an active Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist certificate issued by the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP); or A bachelor’s or master’s degree or certificate from an approved college or university program in orientation and mobility that includes a practicum. Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree.
Other Requirements: PA residency requirement is currently waived for this title. You must be able to perform essential job functions.
Work Schedule and Additional Information
Full-time employment. Work hours are negotiable, Monday - Friday, with a 30 or 60-minute lunch depending on work hours. AWS (alternate work schedule) may be available. Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, upon successful completion of the training period. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Erie. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time.
Pay and Benefits
Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $60,538.00 (before taxes).
How to Apply
Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education). If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted. Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.