[rehab] Orientation and Mobility Instructor Job Announcement

[Cervenka, Stacy@DOR]

The Society for the Blind in Sacramento, California is currently recruiting for an O and M instructor. Please distribute widely to anyone you think might be interested!

Stacy
Job Title:                                           Orientation & Mobility Instructor
Classification:                   Non-Exempt/Full-Time
Reports to:                                       Director of Programs

Society for the Blind, a 501(c) 3 not-for-profit organization located in Sacramento California, has been providing individuals living with blindness or low vision training, tools, and mentorship to promote empowerment and independence for over sixty years.  Our organization is currently seeking experienced, qualified candidates for an open Orientation & Mobility Instructor position.  A description of the job is provided below.  This position is full-time (40 hours per week), and it includes a competitive compensation and benefits package.  Interested applicants may email cover letters and resumes to Shane Snyder, Director of Programs, at ssnyder at societyfortheblind.org<mailto:ssnyder at societyfortheblind.org>.  The position will remain open until filled.  Thank you for your interest. No phone calls, please!

General Description: The essential function of the job is to teach students how to travel safely, efficiently, and independently in their homes, workplaces, community, and beyond.

Duties:
Instruction:
1.      Instruct students in the proper use of the long, white cane and other mobility aids to travel safely, efficiently, and independently.
2.      Introduce students to and teach them in the use of non-visual methods and strategies for orientation and mobility.
3.      Using the Structure Discovery Method, Provide real world opportunities to practice and reinforce non-visual skills and techniques for safe, efficient, and independent travel.
4.      Instruct students in how to safely, locate, detect, and negotiate stairways including ascending/descending, fall prevention/recovery, and checking for hazards.
5.      Conduct training in non-visual techniques for safely crossing both controlled and uncontrolled intersections including strategies for negotiating high traffic roadways.
6.      Teach students how to safely and effectively utilize public transportation, including:  route and trip planning; locating transit stops and transportation hubs; and boarding/exiting busses, trains, airplanes and other vehicles. Instruct students in how to safely and effectively negotiate escalators, elevators, revolving doors, and other challenges encountered when traveling.
7.      Teach students how to locate, use, and navigate safely and efficiently busy public facilities such as shopping malls, stadiums, airports, hospitals, college campuses, etc.
8.      Create tactile and auditory maps and instruct students in their proper use.

  1.  Evaluate students' functional, physical and mental capabilities, as related to mobility and orientation.
  2.  Determine individual students' need for physical conditioning.
  3.  Stay current in areas of responsibility.
  4.  Address and conduct workshops for interested groups as requested.

Documentation
1.      Maintain thorough, complete and timely ongoing weekly and monthly record    keeping of client services; including, but not limited to case notes, lesson notes, evaluations, progress reports, and correspondence.
2.      Documents immediately and thoroughly any student falls or other accidents that occur during training.

Team Building and Networking

  1.  Present client issues to supervisor and contribute to ongoing problem solving of such issues while maintaining appropriate confidentiality.
2.      Consult with other professionals, family members or other appropriate parties regarding the progress and problems of the students.
3.      Participate in individual case conferences and confer regularly with program staff on multi-disciplinary service team concerning client's program and adjustment to blindness or vision loss.

  1.  Maintain positive and professional relations with counselors of Department of Rehabilitation and other agencies as well as Society students, staff, and volunteers.
  2.  Coordinate effective client service with third-party counselors, such as Department of Rehabilitation.

Other Duties:

  1.  Attend all staff and department meetings
  2.  Adhere to all Society policies and procedures
  3.  Obtain training to enhance job requirements
  4.  Other duties as required

Qualifications:
1.      A minimum of two years working experience.

  1.  Master's Degree in Orientation & Mobility or related field.
  2.  COMS or NOMC certification in O&M instruction.
  3.  Ability to stand and walk for at least seven hours per day
  4.  Sufficient stamina to walk distances of up to two miles at a time
  5.  Ability to safely descend stairs backward and ahead of students to lend any necessary support and to help prevent falls.
  6.  Sufficient strength to support the weight of adult students in case of stumbling or falling.
  7.  Proficiency in English grammar, usage, and mechanics
  8.  Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
  9.  Strong computer skills, including proficiency in MS Office - Word, Excel, Outlook & Internet Explorer.




Stacy Cervenka, MRC
Advisory Committee Analyst
California Department of Rehabilitation
721 Capitol Mall
4th Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 558-5380
Email: stacy.cervenka at dor.ca.gov<mailto:stacy.cervenka at dor.ca.gov>