Orientation and Mobility Specialist

About the role

TheraPeds Partners is seeking a dedicated Orientation & Mobility Specialist (O&M) for a part‑time, school‑based position in Loveland, Ohio for the 2026‑2027 school year. The specialist will provide direct services to students who are blind or visually impaired, conduct assessments, develop IEP plans, evaluate progress, and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized orientation and mobility instruction to students in one‑on‑one and small‑group settings.
• Conduct comprehensive O&M assessments and evaluations to determine functional mobility and travel needs.
• Develop measurable, educationally relevant IEP goals and objectives based on assessment findings.
• Deliver direct O&M services and implement instruction identified in students' IEPs.
• Teach concepts and skills related to orientation, spatial awareness, body awareness, environmental awareness, route planning, and independent travel.
• Instruct in appropriate mobility techniques, including human guide, protective techniques, trailing, cane skills, and other strategies.
• Teach students to safely navigate classrooms, hallways, stairs, school campuses, transportation areas, community settings, and other relevant environments.
• Tailor instruction based on each student's vision, age, developmental level, mobility needs, communication abilities, and additional disabilities.
• Assess school campuses and educational environments for accessibility and travel safety.
• Identify potential environmental barriers and recommend modifications to improve safe and independent access.
• Develop and recommend safe travel routes within school and community environments.
• Support students in developing problem‑solving, self‑advocacy, and independent travel skills.
• Monitor student progress, collect data, and adapt instructional strategies based on performance and changing needs.
• Complete timely and accurate evaluations, progress reports, IEP documentation, and other required records.
• Participate in IEP meetings, multidisciplinary team meetings, and student‑support meetings.
• Collaborate with Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments (TVIs), special education and general education teachers, therapists, families, administrators, and other team members.
• Provide consultation, education, and guidance to school staff and families regarding mobility, environmental access, and strategies that promote student independence.
• Maintain confidentiality and follow professional standards, district policies, and state and federal requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; graduate degree in Orientation & Mobility, Vision Studies, Special Education, or a related field preferred.
• Completion of a recognized Orientation & Mobility preparation program.
• Current Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) certification through ACVREP or eligibility to obtain certification per district requirements.
• Appropriate Ohio educational licensure, certification, or authorization as required.
• Experience working with children or school‑aged students who are blind or visually impaired.
• 1+ years of school‑based experience preferred.
• Knowledge of orientation and mobility assessments, instructional methods, and evidence‑based O&M practices.
• Understanding of visual impairments and their impact on student access, mobility, orientation, and educational participation.
• Ability to assess environmental accessibility and recommend modifications.
• Experience providing instruction in cane travel, orientation skills, environmental concepts, route planning, and safe independent travel.
• Ability to adapt instruction for students with multiple or additional disabilities.
• Understanding of IEPs, IDEA, special education processes, and educationally relevant O&M services.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organizational and time‑management skills.
• Proficiency with technology for documentation, communication, and educational purposes.
• Ability to complete required fingerprinting and background clearances.
• Demonstrated professionalism, tact, discretion, confidentiality, and sound judgment.
• Physical ability to travel with and provide instruction to students across indoor and outdoor environments, including prolonged walking, standing, bending, kneeling, navigating stairs, and lifting or assisting with students, materials, or equipment.

Pay

Hourly rate: $55‑$75, based on experience, qualifications, and employment arrangement. Weekly compensation may be up to approximately $1,700, including guaranteed hours for documentation, planning, consultation, and administrative time.

Schedule

Part‑time: 20 hours per week (full‑time also available). School year 2026‑2027, August through May/June. Serves grades K‑12. On‑site, in‑person position in Loveland, Ohio.

Benefits

W‑2 employees may be eligible for competitive hourly compensation, medical, dental, and vision benefits, 401(k), guaranteed hours, professional development and continuing education opportunities, ongoing clinical and administrative support, and access to the TheraPeds professional community.

1099 independent contractors may receive competitive contract rates, flexibility associated with contractor status, access to professional and administrative resources through TheraPeds Partners, guaranteed hours, professional development and continuing education opportunities, ongoing clinical and administrative support, and access to the TheraPeds professional community.