Orientation and Mobility Specialist, Deafblind Program

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 in the Deafblind Program, 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 providing individual educational and pre-vocational program for students. You are a valued member of our community! Essential Duties, Responsibilities and Expectations include the following. Assesses individual needs of each student in all areas of independent or daily living; establish realistic and appropriate goals and objectives design and implement programs for each student’s individual education plan (IEP) evaluate and report on the progress of each student; Attend scheduled staff meetings and IEPs; and Confer effectively with parents. Assist each student to develop his or her maximum safe travel potential, and develop functional independence in a variety of environments. Serve as a member of a team in establishing realistic goals and objectives for each student; Develop and implement programs and communicate results with team to ensure continuity of appropriate program services. Maintain suitable learning environment, including appropriate planning and organizational techniques; Consult with appropriate support staff. Prepare written functional vision assessments when appropriate. Perform other related duties and tasks as assigned. Supervisory Responsibilities This job has student supervisory responsibilities; on occasion, may supervise Teaching Assistants or interns. Education and/or Experience Bachelors’ degree from a recognized college or university; eligible for ACVREP Certification as an Orientation and Mobility Instructor; Masters degree preferred with two years experience teaching students with visual impairments who may also have additional disabilities; Ability to plan and conduct a system of continuous evaluation of each student’s progress; Knowledge of modern teaching techniques within the discipline; Valid driver’s license and willingness to drive school vehicles including chair cars; Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing; Ability to think clearly in stressful situations, a high stress tolerance and physical stamina required and flexibility of schedule. Certificates, Licenses, Registrations Eligible for ACVREP Certification as an Orientation and Mobility Instructor; First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Automated External Defibrillator (AED) certification required. If required, Crisis Prevention and Physical Intervention (CPPI) training will be offered during scheduled work time. 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. Generally, the essential functions performed are typical in a school environment and involves work with Special Needs students requiring lifting or exertion of up to 50 lbs. of force occasionally. Occasionally, essential functions routinely require stooping, kneeling, crouching and crawling. Workers are required to ascend and descend stairs, walk, bend, reach, and handle objects, travel independently, and use hands to operate tools and equipment specific to the discipline, computer and keyboard. Work requires expression or exchange of ideas and the ability to receive detailed information. Work requires ability to compare, compile, analyze, and coordinate data and information; ability to instructor train others; and ability to utilize effective interpersonal skills and behaviors. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 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.