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