Orientation and Mobility (O+M) Specialist 2024-2025

Position Type:
Related Services/Visually Impaired
Date Posted:
10/1/2023
Location:
Center for Education Services
Closing Date:
7/15/2024
Orientation and Mobility (O+M) Specialist
LOCATION: Center for Education Services
TERMS: Unit I Salary Scale, 3.75 Hours Per Day, .25 FTE, 10-Month work year
ROLE OVERVIEW: Under the direct supervision of the Coordinator of Related Services or Building Principal, the Orientation and Mobility (O+M) Specialist provides service to blind or visually impaired students to enable those students to attain systematic orientation to and safe movement within their environments in school, home, and community.
The Orientation and Mobility specialist works in collaboration with Teachers of students with Visual Impairment (TVI) as an integral part of WCPS Vision Services staff and the Department of Special Education. The role of the Orientation and Mobility specialist within Washington County Public Schools (WCPS) is to provide direct and in-direct services and supports for students, staff, and families who may be a part of or aligned closely with the Blind/Low Vision/Visually Impaired community.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Complete all requirements of a university-based program in Orientation and Mobility, including a supervised internship or externship in Orientation and Mobility.
• Hold a certificate as a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) from the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP) and hold National Orientation and Mobility Certification (NOMC) from the National Blindness Professional Certification Board (NBPCB).
• Experience with and/or formal training in working with Blind/Low Vision/Visually Impaired students.
• Ability to work with Blind/Low Vision/ Visually impaired students, their teachers, and support network.
• Positive interpersonal and communication skills with students, staff, and families.
• Understanding of the goals of Washington County Public Schools and a commitment to their achievement.
• Knowledge of materials in the field of Orientation and Mobility.
• Knowledge and use of technology for instruction of students with visual impairments.
• Excellent oral and written communications and human relations skills.
• Knowledge of current research and its application in the field of specialization.
• Regular, on-time, and predictable attendance are an essential function of this position.
• Able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodations.

PREFERRED QUALIFICIATIONS:

• Ability to read, conduct, and implement services based on O+M assessment.
• Experience with serving Blind/Low Vision/Visually Impaired students with Orientation + Mobility.
• Advanced Degree in Special Education with Orientation + Mobility endorsement.
• Understanding of the teaching/learning/assessment process for students who receive Orientation + Mobility services.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Adherence to WCPS policies and regulations on professionalism for all staff.
• Work collaboratively with internal and external members of WCPS; as well as serve on special committees that service students who have Visual Impairments.
• Complete O+M screenings and assessments and draft reports with service recommendations.
• Teach students, as appropriate, spatial and environmental concepts and use of information received by the senses (such as sound, temperature, and vibrations) to establish, maintain, or regain Orientation and line of travel (e.g., using sound at a traffic light to cross the street).
• Identify, conduct, and access resources required for students to access learning environment.
• Provide O+M direct and in-direct services for children with blindness/low vision as required by their IEP.
• Support training for staff who work with children with visual impairments.
• Plan and provide appropriate learning experiences for students, with high expectations for all students.
• Accurately maintain records, appropriate documentation, and communication with TVI, building leadership, administration, and families.
• Provide for O+M needs and interests of students with the aid of appropriate and effective O+M planning.
• Supervise students in a variety of school-related settings, modalities, and platforms.
• Create a learning environment that is conducive to support excellence as aligned with the goals of WCPS.
• Demonstrate courteous and professional demeanor to all stakeholders of Washington County Public Schools.
• Apply ethical standards in professional relationships with all WCPS students, staff, families and community members.
• Develop and implement an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) and or Individualized Education Program (IEP) with the parent and family to address the child's visual needs in the home environment.
• Monitor appropriate use and care of equipment, materials, and facilities.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

EVALUATION: Performance of this position will be evaluated in accordance with the provisions of the Board's policy on evaluation of professional personnel.