What are the responsibilities and job description for the Itinerant Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist position at Perkins School for the Blind?
Perkins helps kids with disabilities find their place in the world. An international NGO, we are committed to delivering best-in-class education to children, providing immersive training and support to professionals and families, advocating for inclusion, and accelerating innovation for people with disabilities. At Perkins, we think courageously, act collaboratively, and we own our work. Join a supportive community committed to growth where your work makes a difference.
As our O&M Specialist, you will provide orientation and mobility instructional services for blind, visually impaired or multiple disability students. You will train visually impaired students to make maximum safe travel and develop functional independence in a variety of environments, while serving as a member of an interdisciplinary team to provide individual educational and pre-vocational programs for students.
Responsibilities:
Assesses individual needs of each student in all areas of independent daily living to establish realistic and appropriate goals and objectives design and implement programs for each student’s individual education plan (IEP)
Evaluates and reports on the progress of each student, attends scheduled staff meetings and IEPs, and confers effectively with parents.
Assists each student to develop his or her maximum safe travel potential, and develop functional independence in a variety of environments.
Serves as a member of a team in establishing realistic goals and objectives for each student; develops and implements programs and communicates results with the team to ensure continuity of appropriate program services.
Maintains suitable learning environment, including appropriate planning and organizational techniques; consults with appropriate support staff
Prepares written functional vision assessments when appropriate.
Performs other related duties and tasks as assigned.
Minimum Requirements:
Bachelors’ degree
ACVREP Certification as an Orientation and Mobility Instructor
Ability to complete and maintain First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Automated External Defibrillator (AED), and Crisis Prevention and Physical Intervention (CPPI) Certifications
Preference may be given to candidates with:
Master’s degree
Two years’ experience teaching students with visual impairments who may also have additional disabilities
Valid driver’s license and willingness to drive their own vehicles to visits - with mileage reimbursement or drive school vehicles including chair cars
We have benefits that put you first, including an employer contributing retirement plan, tuition reimbursement from day one, professional development for our employees, personal days, paid time off and paid sick leave. Our campus is quaint, charming and historical, a perfect mix of legacy and modern buildings. It is located in the heart of Watertown, adjacent to the Charles River and less than 1 mile from food & entertainment at Arsenal Yards.