Mobility Instructor (NY HELPS)

Duties Description

Provide orientation and mobility training to blind persons, working with children, adult, and elderly clients in their homes and neighborhoods.

Accept and screen referrals for mobility training from agencies and individuals. Develop and carry out individualized mobility training for each acceptable client.

Coordinate services with other agencies, including transportation, occupational therapy, and counseling.

Provide information about mobility procedures to clients, and follow up, after the completion of training, to determine whether further training or assistance is needed.

Additional duties will be discussed in detail during the interview.

Minimum Qualifications

Transfer: One year of permanent competitive or 55b/c service in this title.

Open to the Public: This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS).* The minimum qualifications through the NY HELPS are:

A master's or bachelor's degree with specialization in orientation and mobility (Be sure to note the date of your degree on your application);

Or

A bachelor's degree and successful completion of the following courses:

Anatomy of the Eye and Low Vision

Psycho-Social Aspects of Visual Impairment

Medical Aspects of Disability

Methods in Orientation and Mobility

Student Teaching in Orientation and Mobility*

• One (1) year of actual experience in providing rehabilitation teaching of the blind may be substituted for this course in student teaching.
  
  

This position may be designated 55 b/c and is subject to verification of applicant eligibility.

Additional Comments

• For the duration of the NY HELPS Program, this title may be filled via a non- competitive appointment, which means no examination is required but all candidates must meet the minimum qualifications of the title for which they apply.
  
  

At a future date (within one year of permanent appointment), it is expected employees hired under NY HELPS will have their non-competitive employment status converted to competitive status, without having to compete in an examination. Employees will then be afforded with all of the same rights and privileges of competitive class employees of New York State. While serving permanently in a NY HELPS title, employees may take part in any promotion examination for which they are qualified.

Background Investigation Requirements

• All prospective employees will be investigated through a Criminal Background Check (CBC), which includes State and federal Criminal History Record Checks. All convictions must be reported; conviction of a felony or misdemeanor, or any falsified or omitted information on the prospective appointee’s employment application, may bar appointment or result in removal after appointment. Each case will be determined on its own merits, consistent with the applicable provisions of State and federal laws, rules, and regulations. Prospective employees will be fingerprinted in order to obtain a record of their criminal history information, and may be required to pay any necessary fees.
• All prospective employees will be screened against the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment (SCR). Prospective employees will be required to pay any necessary fees.
• For Division of Juvenile Justice and Opportunities for Youth (DJJOY) prospective appointees will be checked against the Staff Exclusion List (SEL) maintained by the Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs. Prospective employees whose names appear on the SEL as having been found responsible for serious or repeated acts of abuse or neglect will be barred from appointment and may have their names removed from the eligible list(s) for the title(s) if applicable.
  
  

The Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) is an equal opportunity employer. OCFS does not discriminate based upon age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, military or veteran status, sex, disability (including pregnancy-related conditions), predisposing genetic characteristics, familial status, marital status or status as a victim of domestic violence, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We devote special attention to dismantling racial injustice and recognize that diversity in our workforce is critical to fulfilling our mission. We are committed to the diversity of our staff, and encourage applicants from marginalized communities to apply. In furtherance of Executive Order 31 and OCFS’s mission to have a diverse workforce, all people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. All applicants must be dedicated to working in and sustaining an environment of inclusion that affirms and celebrates the backgrounds, learned and lived expertise, whole identities, and individual perspectives of our staff. Applicants of all backgrounds and experiences are encouraged to self-identify during the application process.