What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Orientation and Mobility Instructor position at Helen Keller Services?
Since 1967, Helen Keller National Center (HKNC) has been committed to improving the lives of individuals who are DeafBlind or have a combined hearing and vision loss. HKNC is dedicated to working with each person to achieve their desired goals towards independence, employment, and quality of life, based on their talents, preferences and aspirations. We currently have an exciting full time career opportunity available to join the HKNC team as a Senior Mobility Instructor based out of our training building in Sands Point, NY. The Senior Mobility Instructor is responsible for assessing consumers' travel skills in various environments to help determine their instructional needs/preferences. Plans lessons based on assessment findings in content areas of the orientation and mobility curriculum employing appropriate tools, techniques, and communication preferences.
Hours: Monday-Friday FT 35 hours per week. 8:00 am - 3:45pm.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:
- Assesses each consumer’s training priorities
- Provide instruction in safe and efficient travel skills; specifically, indoor techniques including human guide, self-protection, and cane skills on campus to consumers. Lessons are given both day and evenings and the use of one's personal vehicle in transporting students during lesson's may be required.
- Evaluate progress of students and submits scheduled written reports (assessment, training and transition).
- Participate in weekly team meetings, community of practice (COP) meetings with O&M colleagues, student employment planning meetings, and full staff meetings.
- Keep abreast of and evaluate current O&M research, teaching methods and aids. If appropriate, recommend and implement these methods or aids into student programs and services.
- Suggest need for appropriate material and equipment.
- When assigned, provide in-service training for staff members and others regarding orientation and mobility training for DeafBlind individuals.
- Accompany and provide human guide and/or communication support for consumers and professional staff members when assigned. To accomplish this, it may be required to use personal vehicle on occasion.
REQUIRED EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
- Master's degree in Blind Rehabilitation with an emphasis in Orientation and Mobility required.
PREFERRED EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
- Two years’ experience teaching orientation and mobility preferred.
- Knowledge of braille and sign language preferred
Benefits:
- Fully Paid Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits*
- Paid Vacation time, Paid Sick Time, 2 Paid Personal Days
- 12 Paid Holidays
- Short Term Disability/ Life Insurance
- 403b Program with Employer Match
- Tuition Assistance
- Voluntary Ancillary Benefits
- Career Advancement Opportunities
*Candidates have the option to accept the position as a "No Frills" employee. No-frills positions receive an additional 10% premium on the hourly rate of pay, but do not participate in the Union Health Insurance Plan. Individuals seeking a No-frills position must show they have alternative insurance to be eligible.
