Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist

SUMMARY: The Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) assists students with visual impairments to achieve maximum independence through instruction in safe, efficient travel within the home, school, and community. Services also include instruction in compensatory skills including daily living skills, self-advocacy, and recreation or leisure skills as related to orientation and mobility. Students may be functionally blind or have low vision. Community-based instruction is a critical component of the orientation and mobility program.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES. Other duties may be assigned.

• Participate in the referral and assessment process of visually impaired students
• Conduct evaluations of the orientation and mobility needs of visually impaired students. Areas of evaluation may include: concept development, orientation to the environment, techniques of effective and safe travel, use of low vision devices, sensory development, self-advocacy, personal safety, efficient use of vision for travel
• Develop appropriate IEP/IFSP O&M goals and objectives
• Recommend any modifications to program or specialized services needed based on the visual impairment.
• Develop and implement an instructional plan based on identified student needs
• Provide direct O&M instructional services to students with visual impairments and consultation with school staff, peers, and community
• Order, distribute, and maintain canes and low-vision devices related to travel
• Use ongoing, criterion-based assessment to monitor and report on the progress of students receiving instruction.
• Consult with staff, other professionals, and parents regarding orientation and mobility programs, individual student needs, and individual student progress.
• Conduct in-service programs for staff, families, or communities.
• Perform duties directly related to orientation and mobility instruction including daily lesson plans, objectives, and progress monitoring.
• Consult with and advise school personnel on the design and provision of safe and efficient environments
• Provide direct instructional services to students with visual impairment in accordance with the evaluation.
• Maintain appropriate paperwork and documentation of services

• Maintain a valid state driver’s license and ability to drive without advanced notice

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Supervises students when in an individual or group setting.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor's or Masters degree in Orientation and Mobility.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

Current certification (Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist - COMS) with the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP).

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports and professional correspondence. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of staff, teachers, parents, and the general public.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:  

Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

REASONING ABILITY:  

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

OTHER SKILLS and ABILITIES:  Ability to apply knowledge of current research and theory to instructional program; ability to plan and implement lessons based on academic standards and individual objectives that meet the needs and abilities of students to whom assigned.  Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, peers, parents, and community; ability to speak clearly and concisely in written or oral communication. Competent in the use of computer technology.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently walking and standing while performing the duties of this job. The employee may frequently bend or twist at the neck and back while performing the duties of this job.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include peripheral vision and close vision such as to read typewritten material.  The employee may occasionally lift up to 25 pounds such as student equipment and wheelchairs.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.  The employee is frequently required to interact with, students, parents, the public, and other professional staff.  The employee is directly responsible for the safety, well-being, and achievement of students. Driving is required. The employee must be able to maintain a vehicle and appropriate licenses to drive.