ROMN0232685-0000
2022-09-01T00:00:00
2022-06-23T00:00:00
The Rome City School District is actively recruiting for an orientation and mobility specialist.ORIENTATION AND MOBILITY SPECIALIST DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: This position, located at BOCES or a school district, is responsible for providing training in orientation and mobility skills and techniques to visually impaired students to enable them to attain systematic orientation and safe movement within their environments in school, home and the community. Duties include assessing student needs and consulting with parents and staff to assist with environmental modifications, adaptations and considerations and ensuring independent travel in all settings. The employee reports directly to and works under the general supervision of a district Special Education administrator. Supervision is not usually a duty of this position. Does related work as required. TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: Illustrative only: • Conducts assessments to determine current skill levels and specific training needs; • Works with individuals, families, schools and community agencies to establish opportunities for individuals with vision impairments to become more independent in their orientation and mobility skills allowing them to independently maneuver in a variety of settings and environments; • Works with school personnel to create Individual Education Plans (IEP) that include orientation and mobility goals and objectives; • Develops sequential and meaningful training geared towards students’ assessed needs, Individual Education Plan (IEP), and functional and motivational levels; • Trains students in spatial and environmental concepts and use of information received by the senses (ex. sound, temperature, vibrations) to establish, maintain, or regain orientation and line of travel (ex. using sound at a traffic light to cross the street); • Consults regularly with parents and classroom, physical education and special education teachers to assist with classroom environmental modifications, and adaptations to reinforce appropriate orientation and mobility skills; • Conducts field mobility training related to traveling in home, residential, business, downtown and/or rural areas, including use of public transportation; • Teaches orientation and mobility concepts through various sensory mediums; • Conducts comprehensive training for development of remaining senses, including functions of auditory, tactual, olfactory, and kinesthetic senses, in addition to visualization, cognitive development, and the integration of spatial relationships for optimal orientation within any environment; • Provides training in uses of basic sighted guide techniques, indoor protective techniques, tactile maps, and long canes (supplement visual travel skills or use as a tool for safely negotiating the environment) and for the development of orientation and mobility skills; • Provides training in optimal usage of residual vision including use of prescribed distance low vision devices; Consults with resource experts in medical and other professional fields to determine assessments and recommendations regarding students' educational placement and programming; • Prepares brief narrative assessment reports regarding students' orientation and mobility training needs including needs and strengths of students and approximate length and frequency of required services. FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONNAL CHARATERISTICS: • Thorough knowledge of appropriate methods and procedures for interacting with the visually impaired in order to foster maximum independence and safety; • Good knowledge of effective skills and techniques of orientation and mobility training; • Good knowledge of gross and fine motor skills related to independent travel and mobility; SCHOOL DISTRICT COMPETITIVE CLASSIFICATION ORIENTATION AND MOBILITY SPECIALIST FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONNAL CHARATERISTICS: • Good knowledge of body imagery, laterality, environment concepts, sensory awareness, stimulation and training, spatial concepts, compass direction concepts, sighted guide procedures, basic protective and information gathering techniques, orientation skills, map skills, cane skills, use of residual vision and low vision devices related to travel; • Ability to conduct comprehensive classroom and field site orientation and mobility training; • Ability to prepare clear and accurate records and reports; • Ability to establish and maintain successful professional relationships with people; • Ability to communicate orally and in writing; • Good judgment; • Good observation skills; • Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: EITHER: A.) Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a Bachelor’s degree, or higher, in Orientation and Mobility; OR B.) Graduation from high school or possession of an equivalency diploma, or higher, AND possession of a valid certification as a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) from the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP), or a National Orientation and Mobility Certification (NOMC) from the National Blindness Professional Certification Board (NBPCB) (Copy of certification must be submitted at time of application). SThe Rome City School District offers competitive salary and benefits.
Therapist
Rome
Mohawk Valley
Annual wage
Contract