ORIENTATION & MOBILITY SPECIALIST - Visually Impaired Advancement : Job Details

Employment OpportunityOrientation & Mobility SpecialistJob Description: Provide Orientation and Mobility (O&M) instruction to referred individuals of all ages, who are blind/legally blind and reside, work or are enrolled in an education program within the eight counties of WNY to increase independence in accordance with the service plan. Essential Functions:

• Provide Orientation and Mobility Instruction to individuals of all ages as referred to VIA
• Maximize the safety, functionality and independence of clients
• Assess the needs of the client, establish goals and lesson plans for achievement
• Document progress/outcomes and complete all reporting within established VIA and NYSCB contractual guidelines
• Maintain all electronic documentation in accordance with established guidelines for all assigned individuals
• Review all client information provided in NYSCB database and/or in client file
• Complete PAL applications
• Provide continuous and regular visits to meet identified goals and achieve successful outcomes
• Complete all reporting and data entry to both internal and external databases including case closure, in timely manner
• Order adaptive equipment in accordance with internal guidelines and seeking appropriate authorization from Assistant Director when applicable, dispense and train
• Communicate regularly and effectively with clients, teachers, parents, VIA and NYSCB staff to ensure successful outcomes
• Stay current on trends, adaptive equipment and assistive technology in the field
• Develop and implement curriculum for summer youth programs
• Attend conferences, seminars and trainings related to the provision of O&M and/or job development
• Conduct trainings as determined by Vice President or Assistant Director
• Maintain a basic knowledge of current Assistive Technology and stay current on knowledge and use of new adaptive equipment directly related to the provision of O&M
• Acquire appropriate CEUs in order to maintain certification
• Lead and/or participate in the development of special programs or projects at the direction of the Vice President or Assistant Director of Rehabilitation Services
• Attend and be prepared for all NYSCB, departmental and VIA agency meetings
• Act as Mandatory Reporter if necessary and complete annual on-line training certification
• Provide instruction to students attending Statler, Transitions, Onsite, YES or any VIA program as directed
• Sit on agency or external collaborating agency committees acting as a liaison to inform staff on external organizations/policies as well as keeping other agencies informed on VIA
• Participate and provide supervision to O&M student interns

Competencies:

• Proficient in MS Office: Word, Excel, Outlook and Internet along with general applications
• Demonstrate flexibility, patience and detail-orientation in completion of duties
• Demonstrate excellent internal and external customer service
• Caring and counseling skills with an ability to balance agency policy with the individual perceptions and sensitivity of clients
• Effectively work with individuals of diverse backgrounds
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in a fast paced environment
• Effectively communicate with colleagues, customers, vendors and/or outside agencies
• NYS driver's license and reliable transportation OR the ability to travel effectively within assigned geographic area required, including the ability to transport equipment

Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in Orientation and Mobility or equivalent certificate program completion required
• ACVREP certification or eligibility to sit for the certification exam required

• Regularly lift and carry equipment of 15 pounds or more
• Regularly stoop and kneel
• Regularly sit for a minimum of 2 hours at a time
• Regularly stand for a minimum of 2 hours at a time
• Regularly walk outdoors for a minimum of 1 hour at a time
• Regularly perform repetitive motion of the wrists, hands and/or fingers
• Routinely crawl

VIA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and as such affirms the right of every person to participate in all aspects of employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic. If you are interested in applying for employment and need special assistance or an accommodation to apply for a posted position, contact our Human Resources department via phone at (716)###-####. VIA is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of any legally protected status or characteristic. Race/Color/Gender/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Veteran.