Urbana School District #116

TITLE:  Orientation and Mobility Specialist

LOCATION:  Based at Central Office and serves CASE Region

SUPERVISOR:  Assistant Superintendent for Special Services

JOB SUMMARY:  The Orientation and Mobility Specialist evaluates and teaches concepts, skills, and techniques necessary for a student with a vision impairment to travel safely and efficiently through many environments and under many environmental conditions and situations.  It is the O & M Specialists’ responsibility to assist the student in attaining independent travel skills commensurate with their age and abilities.  Services may be provided through direct or consultative contact.  

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.

• Evaluate students with vision impairments to determine their orientation and mobility needs in both the school and home community settings.
• Share and interpret evaluation results with teachers and parent.
• Develop IEP goals and participate in IEP meetings for students with vision impairments.
• Develop and implement an O&M program that meets eligible students’ needs from pre-cane skills through independent travel training.
• Provide parents and classroom teachers with information about mobility procedures and the student’s progress.
• Inform parents of new technology related to mobility available for persons with vision impairments.
• Evaluate students’ progress and needs on an on-going basis.
• Provide in-service training to personnel working with students who are vision impaired.
• Provide community agencies and groups with information regarding persons with vision impairments to better promote understanding and community needs.
• Work cooperatively with teachers for the vision impaired, general classroom teachers, and administrators in sharing information and developing appropriate programming for students.
• Participate in workshops and trainings to stay current with methods and technology for students with vision impairments.
• Perform other duties and assume responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS:  

EDUCATION

• B.S. or M.S. in Orientation and Mobility for Vision Impaired, Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation & Education Professionals (ACVREP) certified or certifiable

EXPERIENCE

• 3 years school-based experience with students with vision impairments preferred

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Highly organized
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Excellent problem-solver

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:  185 Day Contract

EVALUATION:  To be completed by Assistant Superintendent for Special Services in coordination with CASE directors of special education

START DATE:  As soon as possible.

NOTE: This is not a position within the collective bargaining unit and is not an administrative position.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

REVISED:  January 2017