Job Title: Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialist   

Wage/Hour Status: Exempt

Reports To: Director of Special Education 

Pay Grade: Commences with experience

Dept./School: Schools Assigned                                      Date Revised: August 2, 2010

Primary Purpose:

Assist 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 non-academic skills including: daily living skills, self-advocacy and recreation/leisure skills.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

Current Certification by The Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals Master's and/or Bachelor's Degree with a major in the field of Orientation & Mobility Instruction

Specific Knowledge Skills:

Knowledge of special needs of students with visual impairment

Knowledge of Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) process, IFSP Committee process, and Individual Educational Plan (IEP) goal setting process and implementation

General knowledge of curriculum and instruction

Knowledge of assessment as related to students with visual impairments

Experience:

At least one year of student teaching or approved internship

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

1. Participate in the referral and assessment of students with visual impairments as per district/co-op
2. Conduct evaluations a minimum of every three years of the orientation and mobility needs of students with visual impairments and prepare written reports in a timely manner. Areas of evaluation may include:

body image and movement

orientation to the environment concept development

techniques of effective and safe travel in familiar and unfamiliar indoor and outdoor areas

use of low vision devices

use of sighted guide and protective skills (when appropriate)

use of cane skills in familiar and unfamiliar areas (when appropriate) ability to orient oneself to familiar and unfamiliar areas

daily living skills recreation/leisure skills

1. Assist in conducting functional vision evaluations of students on

Student Growth and Development:

1. Work in conjunction with the VI teacher to develop IEP goals and objectives
2. Participate on ARD/IFSP Committee upon request to:

assist in developing appropriate IEP goals and objectives

recommend any modifications to program or specialized services needed based on the visual impairment

review progress and make recommendations for service

1. Develop and implement an instructional plan based on identified student

Classroom Management:

1. Travel to the infant's home to deliver services to student or consultation to VI teacher, parent and/or day care
2. Travel to assigned schools to deliver services to assigned

Communication:

1. Provide in-service to classroom teachers and/or classes where a visually impaired student is in
2. Provide assistance to district physical education staff regarding participation of students with visual impairments in physical education classes.
3. Communicate with other school district staff, staff of other agencies, or parents as necessary for successful implementation of the student's educational program.

Other:

1. Perform other duties as required for the successful completion of the
2. Function within the established policies and procedures of the school district/ coop
3. Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related
4. Keep informed of and comply with federal, state, district, and school regulations and policies for
5. Compile, maintain and file all reports, records, and other documents
6. Attend and participate in staff meetings and serve on committees as

Administration:

1. Comply with policies established by federal and state law, the State Board of Education, and the local management board.
2. Comply with all district and campus routines and
3. Maintain a positive and effective relationship with
4. Communicate effectively with colleagues, students, and

Professional:

1. Model behavior that is professional, ethical, and
2. Adhere to applicable state and federal confidentiality

1. Participate in professional development to improve skills related to job

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None

Working Conditions:

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Maintain emotional control under stress. Maintain flexibility under changing school conditions and schedule demands.

* Includes information from the Professional School Counselor Performance Evaluation Form and Job Description distributed by the Texas Education Agency, August 1996.