Orientation and Mobility Specialist School O&M

TheraPeds Partners is seeking a dedicated Orientation & Mobility Specialist (O&M) to join our team for a part-time, school-based opportunity in Springfield, Missouri for the 2026-2027 school year.

About the role

This is a part-time, on-site role serving a school located in Springfield, Missouri. The Orientation and Mobility Specialist (O&M) will provide direct services to students, conduct assessments, develop IEP plans, evaluate progress, and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams (therapists, educators, parents). The role requires strong communication and interpersonal skills, as well as a passion for working with students with special needs.

Details

• Part-time: 10 hours per week
• School year: 2026-2027, August through May/June
• Grades: K-12
• Location: Springfield, Missouri
• Setting: On-site, in-person

Guaranteed hours include designated documentation, planning, consultation, and administrative time. The caseload is manageable with support from both the school district and TheraPeds Partners.

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 students' functional mobility and travel needs
• Develop measurable, educationally relevant IEP goals and objectives based on assessment findings and individual student needs
• Provide 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
• Provide instruction in appropriate mobility techniques, including human guide, protective techniques, trailing, cane skills, and other strategies based on individual student needs
• Teach students to safely navigate classrooms, hallways, stairs, school campuses, transportation areas, community settings, and other environments relevant to their educational program
• 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 appropriate 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 individual 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 members of the educational team
• Provide consultation, education, and guidance to school staff and families regarding mobility, environmental access, and strategies that promote student independence
• Maintain confidentiality and follow applicable 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 required or eligibility to obtain certification, based on district requirements
• Appropriate Missouri educational licensure, certification, or authorization, as required for the position
• 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
• Knowledge of visual impairments and their impact on student access, mobility, orientation, and educational participation
• Ability to assess environmental accessibility and travel safety and recommend appropriate 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
• Proficient in the use of technology for documentation, communication, and educational purposes
• Ability to successfully complete required fingerprinting and background clearances
• Ability to collaborate effectively with students, families, educators, administrators, and multidisciplinary teams
• Demonstrated professionalism and ability to exercise a high level of tact, discretion, confidentiality, and sound judgment in internal and external communications

Physical Requirements

School-based Orientation & Mobility services are active and frequently provided throughout school campuses and community environments. The O&M Specialist must be able to safely travel with and provide instruction to students across a variety of indoor and outdoor environments.

• Prolonged walking and standing, sitting, bending, kneeling, reaching, navigating stairs and uneven surfaces
• Traveling outdoors in varying conditions
• Transitioning to and from the floor
• Lifting or assisting with students, materials, or mobility equipment as appropriate to the position

All responsibilities will be performed in accordance with assigned duties, district safety requirements, and applicable accommodations.

Pay

$75-$85/hour, based on experience, qualifications, and employment arrangement.

Benefits

Benefits and compensation are based on employment classification and eligibility.

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
• Access to the TheraPeds professional community

1099 independent contractor opportunities may include:

• Competitive contract rates
• Benefit Resources
• Flexibility associated with independent contractor status
• Access to professional and administrative resources through TheraPeds Partners
• Guaranteed hours
• Professional development and continuing education opportunities
• Ongoing clinical and administrative support
• Access to the TheraPeds professional community

Specific compensation, benefits, and terms will be outlined in the applicable employment or independent contractor agreement.

About TheraPeds Partners

At TheraPeds Partners, we believe school-based professionals do their best work when they feel supported, valued, and connected to the teams they serve. As a therapist-owned organization, we understand the realities of working in school-based practice. Our goal is to create strong partnerships between professionals and schools while providing the professional and administrative support needed for both students and providers to succeed.