Orientation And Mobility Specialist

The Orientation and Mobility Specialist position provides individualized orientation and mobility assessments and training for consumers who are blind, visually impaired, and deaf-blind. Some Specialists provide instruction in specialized skill areas that will enable the consumers to achieve their independent living, travel, and employment goals. This position provides training and instruction services to those in Cherokee, Graham, Clay, Macon, Swain, Jackson, Haywood, Transylvania, Madison, Buncombe, Henderson, Yancey, McDowell, Avery, Mitchell, Rutherford, Polk, Burke, and Catawba Counties.

Job responsibilities include the following:

• Assess client's needs, goals, readiness and motivation to learn orientation and mobility skills
• Determine client's understanding of spatial and directional concepts
• Provide one-on-one instruction including concepts and techniques such as sensory/concept development, pre-cane skills, sighted guide, cane techniques, route planning/travel in a variety of situations, soliciting situations, use of public transportation, use of residual vision/low vision aids, orientation to electronic travel aids and preparation for travel
• Assess a consumer's need for mobility with regard to previous O & M training, residual vision, the individual needs of the consumer, the physical and mental condition of the consumer, and their motivation to be independent in this area
• Identify locomotor, auditory, visual, or other physical problems and refer consumer to appropriate specialist resources

In order to be considered for this position you must attach a copy of your transcripts

About NC Department of Health and Human Services: The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) serves the needs of the most vulnerable of North Carolinians and to accomplish this, we hire only the most dedicated and caring individuals. Finding qualified clinical professionals to treat and care for our clients is a continual challenge as demand for services grows and the availability of providers struggles to keep pace. We are seeking a motivated individual who is up for this challenge and is dedicated to our mission of providing North Carolinians with the very best in clinical care.

Compensation & Benefits:
The State of North Carolina offers excellent comprehensive benefits. Employees can participate in health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, and the NCFlex program (numerous high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis). Employees also receive paid vacation, sick, and community service leave. In addition, paid parental leave is available to eligible employees.
Visit website for State Benefits



To receive credit for all of your work history and credentials, you must list the information on the application form. Any information listed under the text resume section, or on an attachment will not be considered for qualifying credit. Qualified candidates must document on the application that they possess all of the following:
Please refer to the link below for information on meeting requirements:
https://oshr.nc.gov/work-for-nc/how-do-i-get-job

• In-depth knowledge of the restrictive effects of visual impairments, mobility theories, techniques and methodologies
• Demonstrated ability teaching consumers of all ages with an understanding of the unique needs of the various age ranges
• Knowledge of the variety of orientation and mobility devices
• Demonstrated skill in the use of mobility equipment
• Proven ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally

Management prefers:

• Certification by the Academy for Certification of Education and Rehabilitation Professionals (ACVREP) as an Orientation and Mobility Specialist

Physical requirements include:
Kneeling: Bending legs at knee to come to a rest on knee or knees
Reaching: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction
Standing: Particularly for sustained periods of time
Walking: Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or moving from one work site to another


Bachelor's degree in visual impairment field from an appropriately accredited institution and certification by the Academy for Certification of Education and Rehabilitation Professionals (ACVREP) as (1) Certified Low Vision Therapist (CLVT), or (2) Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist, or (3) Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS), or (4) Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist as needed for the area of assignment
OR
Bachelor's degree in a related field such as rehabilitation counseling or social work and three years of direct service experience with individuals who are blind or visually impaired and certification as indicated above as needed for the area of assignment

Applicants who do not possess certification are required to obtain certification within two years from the date of employment

Management has the option of choosing certification requirements based on the area of assignment in order to meet the needs of the clients and the program. Recruitment announcements should reflect only one of the certification requirementsThe North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Consideration for this vacancy, all applicants must complete an on-line application using this link,http://www.oshr.nc.gov/jobs/index.html. If multiple applications are submitted to an individual posting, only the most recent application received prior to the posting close date will be evaluated for the consideration.

Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information regarding the status of your application over the phone. To check the status of your application, please log in to your account. You will either receive a call to schedule an interview or an email notifying you when the job has been filled.

For technical issues with your application, please call the NeoGov Help Line at
855-524-5627. Applicants will be communicated with via email only for updates on the status of their application. If there are any questions about this posting other than your application status, please contact HR at 919-855-3517.Employment Type: Permanent Full-Time