Job Openings

San Diego Center for the Blind

02/14/2024

Job Title: Orientation & Mobility Specialist

Department: Vision Rehabilitation Program

Immediate Supervisor: Director of Vision Rehabilitation Program

Status: Full-time Exempt

Salary Range: $65,000 - $75,000

The Orientation & Mobility (O&M) Specialist plays a crucial role at SDCB. As an O&M Specialist, you will be responsible for empowering adults with vision loss to navigate and explore the world around them as safely and independently as possible. You will work closely with clients, developing personalized training programs to enhance their mobility skills, orientation, and overall quality of life to the best of their abilities. Additionally, you will collaborate with a team of dedicated professionals to contribute to the ongoing and holistic growth and success of our clients and organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1.    Comprehensively assess the client’s specific O&M abilities, needs, and goals through interviews, ongoing observations, medical records review, and consultations with other professionals.

2.    Develop a customized training program for clients based on assessment results and client goals; recommend mobility devices or other aids and issue appropriate cane(s) as needed.

3.    Deliver one-on-one instruction to clients, focusing on progressing towards the individual’s goals through on-site or off-site instruction, as well as determining when to terminate or extend training, as applicable.

4.    Collaborate with clients to discuss progress, address concerns, and modify training plans as needed. 

5.    Collaborate with Multidisciplinary Team to ensure best support for clients.

6.    Participate in team meetings, case conferences, and professional development activities to enhance knowledge and skills.

7.    Document all client assessments, progress reports, outcomes achieved, and training plans accurately and in a timely manner. 

8.    Provide general safety information or community resource information for individual clients or clients in group classes, as needed.

9.    Stay updated on the latest research, techniques, and technologies related to O&M via professional conferences, workshops, trainings, etc. Share knowledge and insights with colleagues and contribute to the organization's continuous improvement efforts.

10. Participate in municipal/government boards and community groups to advocate for people with visual impairments.

11. Provide in-service trainings for various organizations.

Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Orientation & Mobility from an accredited college or university.
• Certification as an Orientation & Mobility Specialist (COMS) by ACVREP.
  • Or in the process of completing this certification
• Solid understanding of visual impairments, including common eye conditions, their impact on mobility, and strategies for independent living.
• Excellent communication (both oral and written) and interpersonal skills to effectively engage with clients, families, and interdisciplinary teams.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to maintain accurate documentation and manage multiple cases simultaneously.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Occasional transport of clients for lessons in a vehicle provided by the instructor with appropriate, valid, insurance; mileage will be reimbursed monthly.
• Help with special events, as needed.
• Know all emergency procedures and adhere to the Illness and Injury Prevention Program.

Benefits:

SDCB provides a competitive benefits package with generous PTO, 35-hour work weeks, paid medical insurance with a wide variety of health coverage options, paid life insurance, and additional opportunities for enrollment in our SIMPLE IRA (Saving Incentive Match Plan).

Send a letter of interest and resume to ktaylor@sdcb.org. Subject: Orientation & Mobility Instructor Position-SDCB

Note: This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the Orientation & Mobility Specialist role. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of qualifications, duties, and responsibilities. Other tasks and duties may be assigned as required by the organization.

E_mail: ktaylor@sdcb.org

Phone: 619-583-1542, ext. 125

Cert: COMS

As an EOE/AA employer, SDCB will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant’s race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or protected Veteran status. SDCB values diversity and inclusion and welcomes diverse candidates to apply.