Job Openings

Kansas State School for the Blind

03/17/2021

Kansas State School for the Blind / Field Services Department                                                                 

POSITION TITLE:  Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (Wichita Region)

SALARY: Compensation commensurate with education and experience for a full-time 181-day school contract   

EMPLOYMENT DATE:  (Open Until Filled)

JOB DESCRIPTION: Provide KSSB Field Services direct service in the area of Orientation and Mobility.  Provide instruction, observations, assessments, and professional development related to O&M for LEAs, cooperatives, Tiny-K agencies, and parents who have a student(s) with a visual impairment.   A moderate amount of independent judgment is required in organization of schedule and management of calendar/time.  Must be a self-starter, and have a moderate degree of judgement to work without direct supervision.  Must have excellent time management skills.  

Maintain professional records, data, billing, and Google calendar up to date.  Keep Field Services department informed of all current and potential developments regarding critical needs in the area of Orientation and Mobility.  Knowledge of IEP process, multi-disciplinary approach, primary coach model.  Able to provide instruction on basic guide techniques to parents, IAs, district staff.   ACVREP Certification as COMS for at least one (1) year.   Other duties as assigned by immediate supervisor.

This position requires licensure as ACVREP Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist for a period of no less than one (1) year, and a valid driver’s license.  Or a newly ACVREP Certified COMS open to mentorship for a period of 1 - 2 years

Working independently under the direction of the Field Services Director, the incumbent will provide direct Orientation and Mobility Services in identified areas in Central and South Central Kansas.  In addition, this position will assist with low vision clinics, and other duties as assigned in regional area including supporting family engagement and agency sponsored events.   

Direct COMS services to rural areas in Central and South Central Kansas as determined by Director of Field Services.  Ability to conduct Orientation and Mobility Assessments and produce written report.  Ability to interpret functional vision, eye reports, medical documents and other reports unique to students who have a visual impairment.  Ability to produce written reports reflective of KSSB as a professional agency.  Ability to use current methods to obtain data, including inventories to determine service times.  Attend Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) and Individual Educational Plan (IEP) meetings and required staff meetings, via in-person, or through video consultations or conferences as requested by regional districts or KSSB.  Excellent communication skills.  Must have a valid driver’s license and be eligible to use rental vehicles.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

*Direct and consultative and assessment services in the area of Orientation and Mobility as determined by regional need.  Region is Central Kansas. 

*Participate in team meetings for assigned caseload of children/students who have a visual impairment, including those with additional disabilities.

*Provide information to LEAs, school personnel and parents, about local, regional, state, and national vision program resources for the home, school and community. 

*Provide information concerning recreational and summer programs to parents and students and assist with application forms and procedures. Such activities might include the Kansas School for the Blind’s ESY programs, boys and girls weekends, Braille Challenge, etc.

*Acquire and utilize information about current research and trends, development, and technology by attending conferences, workshops, and area meetings and by reading journals in the field of visual impairment.                                                                                                                                                                                  

*Provide KSSB’s service request procedures to appropriate personnel. 

Additional Duties and Responsibilities

*Consult with early interventionists/educators to provide information to incorporate the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) into the entire home/school and community settings, more specifically related to Orientation and Mobility. 

*Participate in regional Community of Practice. 

*Attend and assist with Agency Sponsored Signature Events. 

*Attend and assist with Regional Low Vision Clinics.  

*Assist with development and presentation of regional workshops

*Other duties as assigned. 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:  

*Bachelor’s degree in Education, Blind Rehabilitation, or other field of study w/ COMS Certification

*Master’s degree in Education, Blind Rehabilitation, or other field of study PREFERRED

*ACVREP Certification in Orientation and Mobility (COMS) for one (1) year experience PREFERRED

 *Must pass Federal and state criminal background checks

 *Current Kansas State Board of Education Certified TSVI is preferred but NOT required.

*Must possess valid Kansas driver’s license, or ability to obtain if from out of state.

*Must be able to drive rental vehicles and overnight stays are sometimes required.

Working Environment:     Educational/classroom environment or home communities.   Physical requirements may include standing, lifting, carrying, reaching, climbing, kneeling, squatting, or prolonged sitting while driving.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:  Experience working with school-age children with a visual impairment including those with additional unique learning needs, and / or deaf-blindness,   Experience working with infants and toddlers  Experience working with multi-disciplinary team.   Excellent communication and organizational skills,    Effective time management skills,  Ability to work effectively with diverse groups,   Ability to work independently with little supervision Ability to travel to regional area districts, and to other statewide agency supported events.   Ability to use technology for distance meetings, webinars, calendar, documents, etc.

Upon offer of employment background checks will be conducted via the KS Bureau of Investigation, KS Dept. of Children and Family Services(DCF), Dru Sjodin National Sexual Offender Registry and Backgrounds Plus. 

Also a Tuberculosis test & Health Certificate must be passed upon offer of employment (cost borne by employee). 

Teacher Application can be found at: https://kssb.net/employment/

CONTACT:  Tom Burdolski, Human Resources;

                     Phone: 913/305-3004  

                     Fax:913/621-2310

                     E-mail: tburdolski@kssdb.org

E_mail: tburdolski@kssdb.org

Phone: 9133053004

Cert: Multiple Certifications

Teacher Application can be found at: https://kssb.net/employment/