Job Openings

Division fTt Blind and Visually Impaired

01/31/2023

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Orientation and Mobility Instructor

Portland, Maine, United States | Healthcare | Full-time

Apply by: Feb. 15, 2023

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Department of Labor - Bureau of Rehabilitation Services - Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Opening Date: January 18, 2023

Closing Date: February 15, 2023

Job Class Code: 3015
Grade: 23 (Professional/Technical)
Salary: $45,136 – $60,881
Location: Portland, ME

This position provides Orientation and Mobility services to children and adults who are Blind or Visually Impaired (often with additional disabilities) in Cumberland and York Counties. This is professional services work instructing individuals with blindness or visual impairments of all ages in methods of safe and independent travel. This position works closely with schools, families, and other blindness rehabilitation professionals and requires strong interpersonal, organizational and collaborative skills. This position is located in the Portland Career Center. Frequent regional travel is necessary.

Primary responsibilities include:

Determines feasibility of orientation and mobility training for clients, through evaluation of services available and expected results to set reasonable goals.
Assesses and instructs infants, children and adults who are blind or visually impaired in areas such as concept development and spatial awareness using knowledge of blind rehabilitation techniques in order to improve client’s orientation and ability to interpret the environment around them.
Teaches children and adults who are blind or visually impaired to travel safely and independently using remaining senses to improve mobility.
Confers with community providers (DOE, DHHS, CDS, DVR) and blindness professionals (TVI, VRT, BRS, VRC) and other related professionals (OT, PT) to provide and coordinate referrals, & client services.
Provides services for potentially eligible, Pre-employment transition services and the transition services for youth with blindness and visual impairments as outlined in the state and federal laws and policies.
Writes evaluation & reports, plan, & case notes to document client needs.

To be successful in the position, you must have knowledge of and experience in:

Medical and psychological/social aspects of rehabilitation of persons who are blind or visually impaired.
Kinesiology, Audition and other senses.
Concept and sensory development.
Ability to work independently, with a team, and manage multiple tasks .

Minimum qualifications:

Masters degree in Orientation & Mobility - OR - Bachelors degree in Orientation & Mobility and two (2) years of experience providing instruction in Orientation & Mobility.
Must have (or be eligible within six (6) months) certification as an Orientation and Mobility Specialist.

Preference will be given to those applicants:

Dual certification O&M and CVRT, TVI, CRC or CLVT preferred.

Contact information:

Questions about this position should be directed to Judy Wolfe at Judy.H.Wolfe@maine.gov.

Application Instructions:

Interested applicants need to apply online by selecting the "Apply for this opening" button along with uploading a cover letter, current resume, and copies of any transcripts or certifications you wish to have considered while evaluating your application. In order for us to properly determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for any posting, you must be sure your resume includes month and year for any experience listed along with the duties and responsibilities associated with each particular time period. Any experience that was not full-time employment should be identified as such.

If you require a paper application, please download and print one here https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-jobs/application-process or contact our office at 207-623-6700. Paper applications for this posting should be submitted along with cover letter and resume before the closing date to Security & Employment Service Center, 45 Commerce Drive, Augusta, ME 04330 or faxed to 207-287-2018. Be sure title of the job you are applying for is included. Applications cannot be accepted after the posting closing date.

Benefits of working for the State of Maine:

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

Work-Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($10,150.80-$11,942.16 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.
Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($350.40 annual value).
Retirement Plan – The State of Maine contributes 13.16% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.
Gym Membership Reimbursement – Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts – Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness – The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office.
Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive four weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
Voluntary Deferred Compensation – Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.
Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

Maine State Government is an Equal Opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

E_mail: judy.h.wolfe@maine.gov

Phone: 207-212-1603

Cert: COMS