Job Title: Combination TVI and COMS Specialist

Job Summary: The Combination Teacher of the Visually Impaired and Orientation and Mobility Specialist (TVI/O&M) is an integral member of the Vision Rehabilitation Services team, bringing unique expertise to the Lighthouse youth programs. They play a dual role in the provision of services to children of all ages 0-21, providing instruction that address the spectrum from early intervention through the expanded core curriculum. Requirements include passion for serving children with vision loss, desire to provide optimal services and support, critical thinking skills, strong advocacy skills, creativity, and a collaborative spirit. Must be willing to work with infants and toddlers and open to new learning opportunities.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Prepare infants and toddlers ages 0-2 for success by educating families and caregivers to build foundational skills, to encourage exploration, and to become informed advocates as an EarlySteps provider.
2. Teach pre-braille, pre-cane, and pre-technology skills to children with vision loss ages 3-5 to prepare them for the challenges of kindergarten in mainstream school environments.
3. Create and implement opportunities for students ages 5-21 that incorporate areas of the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) to include Assistive Technology, Compensatory Skills, Career Education, Recreation and Leisure, Orientation and Mobility, Sensory Efficiency, Social Skills, Self-Determination, and Independent Living Skills.
4. Participate in multidisciplinary team assessments of children and their families, for the development of integrated goals and outcomes for the IFSP and internal Lighthouse programs, addressing areas of early development, body image, travel skills, protective techniques, daily living skills and concept development.
5. Develop activities that facilitate unrestricted, independent movement and play.
6. Adapt O&M strategies to meet the needs of infants and young children.
7. Facilitate opportunities for parents of children with vision loss to find the support and resources needed to optimize their development and wellbeing. Maintain regular communication with parents.
8. Work in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team to provide optimal services and support to all Lighthouse clients and their families. Foster a team environment with effective communication and a coordinated approach to providing vision rehabilitation services.
9. Lead advocacy efforts to empower the parents of students with vision loss to initiate the IEP process and provide access to vision rehabilitation services in schools. Participate in community outreach, advocacy, and educational events to promote equity and inclusion for children and adults with vision loss in public spaces.
10. Submit assessments, daily notes, reports, and invoices by procedure to support reimbursement from all funding sources. Accurately document all services as determined by department policy to ensure timely invoicing and to maintain good communication with Lighthouse staff.
11. Accurately track and document mileage to be submitted monthly for reimbursement. **Up-to-date driver's license and car insurance required for reimbursement**
12. Supervise student interns as determined by university guidelines to ensure successful internships and to grow the field of Vision Rehabilitation.
13. Conduct self in accordance with the Lighthouse mission, vision, and values at all times.
14. Other duties as assigned by the Director of Vision Rehab Services.

Requirements
JOB QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Education: Certification as a TVI with at minimum a B.A. in education with state certification as a teacher.
2. Special Knowledge or Skills: Knowledge of the development of young children with visual impairments and related disabilities. Proficiency with Braille, Assistive technology for the blind, magnification, and adaptations for children with varying degrees of vision loss. Proficient skills for assessing and teaching Orientation and Mobility in various settings. Knowledge of disabilities and effects on functional skills. Excellent written and verbal communications. Proficient in use of Internet, email, and standard MS Office applications. Knowledge of early intervention strategies preferred but not required. Must be willing to complete training to gain knowledge and skills for working with infants and toddlers.
3. Experience: 1-2 years experience working with children who are blind or have low vision. Experience with early childhood mobility techniques and equipment.
4. Supervisory Responsibilities: Vision Rehabilitation student interns and volunteers as required.
5. Physical: Good physical health; Must be able to travel independently and supervise extracurricular programming as needed. Effectively manage outdoor activities during all seasons to promote safety. Able to travel throughout the facility to safely and effectively manage all work responsibilities, breaks and emergency evacuations, with or without a reasonable accommodation. Able to manage all self-cared needs and activities of daily living as required to support successful employment, with or without a reasonable accommodation. Able to walk long distances and manage public transportation systems independently. Able to manage transportation and training for off-site instruction around client homes and businesses. Must be energetic and able to function in a dynamic office setting. Must be able to tolerate driving in all conditions for extended periods to support travel between Lighthouse locations and throughout the New Orleans and Baton Rouge regions. Able to travel throughout the facility to safely and effectively manage all work responsibilities, breaks, and emergency evacuations, with or without a reasonable accommodation. Able to manage all self-care needs and activities of daily living as required to support successful employment, with or without a reasonable accommodation.
6. Personality Traits : Personable, responsive, and patient. Maintain professional appearance and attitude appropriate to the position. Ability to maintain confidentiality. Ability to respond to directions and suggestions. Ability to assume responsibility for project completion. Ability to work independently and with a team. Ability to maintain focus on work in a dynamic environment. Analytical thinker who can solve problems effectively and demonstrate good attention to detail.
7. Working Conditions: Client homes, daycare centers, playgrounds, and other public spaces. Indoor activities at Lighthouse facility. outdoor and sports activities with youth. Must be able to travel to multiple locations independently. Frequent travel required. Valid driver's license and clear driving record required, along with valid insurance.
8. Work Schedule: 40 hours per week. Flexible schedule to accommodate weekend or after school programs, when needed.
9. Background Check and Drug Test Required: Employment is contingent based upon satisfactory results.
This job description does not imply that these are the only duties to be performed. The incumbent in this position will perform such other tasks as may be required for the effective operation of the Division/Department upon request by his/her supervisor.