Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist: Temporary Position - Ottawa Area Intermediate School District : Job Details

Position Type: Other Support/SpecialistDate Posted: 5/14/2024Location: Special Needs/Various LocationsDate Available: August 2024Closing Date: ASAPJOB TITLE: Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialist (Temporary) REPORTS TO: Supervisor of Low Incidence Services and Director of Special Education FLSA STATUS: Exempt CONTRACTED SERVICES: 12 weeks in lengthSUMMARY Orientation and Mobility (O&M) is part of the educational process that prepares students with visual impairments to travel independently and safely. The Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) travels to the students' assigned schools and/or home to provide direct and/or consultative services relating to the visual impairment. O&M services enable the students to travel safely, efficiently, and independently in their home, school, and community environments. The students range in age from birth through 26 years. While the position will be housed at the Ottawa Area Center, multiple local districts will be served and will require travel throughout Ottawa County.QUALIFICATIONS & EDUCATION Bachelor's and/or Master's degree in Orientation and Mobility from an Association for Education and Rehabilitation of Blind and Visually Impaired (AER) accredited university or college Valid Orientation & Mobility Specialist Certificate (COMS) from the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP) Three years of related experience preferred. ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES Participates as a member of the multidisciplinary team for the purpose of meeting the orientation and mobility needs of children and students ages 0-26. Perform orientation and mobility evaluations that focus on long- and short-term needs of the student for new referrals and at intervals (annually). Utilize O&M assessment tools to identify needs and strengths of the student and an estimate of the length and frequency of service necessary to meet determined needs. Provide consultation and support services to parents, educators, classroom teachers, and other school personnel to assist in home and classroom modifications to ensure reinforcement of appropriate O&M skills to encourage the student to travel independently. Provide appropriate, individualized instruction to each student on their caseload. Establish open, frequent communication with district special education administration and all related service providers. Accepts and reviews referrals in accordance with established Special Education Consultation Request procedures. Prepares written service delivery plan for member district and OAISD operated program to document a plan for training/coaching/technical assistance, implementation, and timeline of request closeout. Plans and records monthly work schedule in an electronic calendar (Outlook) at least 30 days in advance and record any changes to ensure timely response to member district and OAISD operated program requests. Develops and maintains positive working relationships with member district and OAISD operated program special education directors, Superintendents, building administration, IEP teams, parents, and students. All other duties as assigned. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Knowledge of Federal IDEA regulations and State special education law and compliance procedures. Knowledge and expertise in the area of IEP process and procedures. Knowledge of Braille. Ability to teach tactile maps. Ability to teach techniques to train eccentric viewing and utilization of appropriate low vision devices necessary for orientation or travel. Ability to assist students in understanding their impact of vision and how to make safe travel decisions. Ability to maintain confidentiality, meet deadlines and schedules Ability to work independently, problem-solve, and find solutions to challenging situations. Skills with computers, including a broad range of assistive technology resources, Google Drive, Outlook Calendar/Email. Strong written and oral communication skills. Ability to collaborate effectively with students, parents, and other professionals. Ability to maintain regular and consistent attendance. Ability to function as a positive, contributing member of an educational team. Ability to train and present information to educators and administrators. Ability to prepare and provide coaching, technical assistance, and professional development and learning to various audiences. PHYSICAL DEMANDS This position requires regular speaking and listening. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, walk, and stand. The employee is occasionally required to bend and or twist at the trunk more than the average person. The employee is continuously repeating the same hand, arm, or finger motion many times. The employee must occasionally lift and or move up to 35 pounds. The ability to travel to other buildings is required. WORK ENVIRONMENT Work is performed in an office or school environment and involves continuous contact with staff, and representatives of other agencies. The noise level in the work environment is quiet to loud depending upon the activity in the particular part of the day. The employee may be required to be outdoors for short periods of time, to and from buildings, and therefore subject to varying weather conditions, for purposes of accomplishing the essential duties of this job. COMPENSATION: Hourly or daily rate to be determined based on the qualified candidate's experience and expertise.