Job Title: Orientation &
Mobility Instructor
Classification: Non-Exempt/Full-Time
Reports to: Director of Programs
Society for the Blind, a 501(c) 3 not-for-profit organization located in
Sacramento California, has been providing individuals living with blindness
or low vision training, tools, and mentorship to promote empowerment and
independence for over sixty years. Our organization is currently seeking
experienced, qualified candidates for an open Orientation & Mobility
Instructor position. A description of the job is provided below. This
position is full-time (40 hours per week), and it includes a competitive
compensation and benefits package. Interested applicants may email cover
letters and resumes to Shane Snyder, Director of Programs, at
ssnyder at societyfortheblind.org .
The position will remain open until filled. Thank you for your interest. No
phone calls, please!
General Description: The essential function of the job is to teach students
how to travel safely, efficiently, and independently in their homes,
workplaces, community, and beyond.
Duties:
Instruction:
1. Instruct students in the proper use of the long, white cane and
other mobility aids to travel safely, efficiently, and independently.
2. Introduce students to and teach them in the use of non-visual
methods and strategies for orientation and mobility.
3. Using the Structure Discovery Method, Provide real world
opportunities to practice and reinforce non-visual skills and techniques for
safe, efficient, and independent travel.
4. Instruct students in how to safely, locate, detect, and negotiate
stairways including ascending/descending, fall prevention/recovery, and
checking for hazards.
5. Conduct training in non-visual techniques for safely crossing both
controlled and uncontrolled intersections including strategies for
negotiating high traffic roadways.
6. Teach students how to safely and effectively utilize public
transportation, including: route and trip planning; locating transit stops
and transportation hubs; and boarding/exiting busses, trains, airplanes and
other vehicles. Instruct students in how to safely and effectively negotiate
escalators, elevators, revolving doors, and other challenges encountered
when traveling.
7. Teach students how to locate, use, and navigate safely and
efficiently busy public facilities such as shopping malls, stadiums,
airports, hospitals, college campuses, etc.
8. Create tactile and auditory maps and instruct students in their
proper use.
9. Evaluate students' functional, physical and mental capabilities, as
related to mobility and orientation.
10. Determine individual students' need for physical conditioning.
11. Stay current in areas of responsibility.
12. Address and conduct workshops for interested groups as requested.
Documentation
1. Maintain thorough, complete and timely ongoing weekly and monthly
record keeping of client services; including, but not limited to case
notes, lesson notes, evaluations, progress reports, and correspondence.
2. Documents immediately and thoroughly any student falls or other
accidents that occur during training.
Team Building and Networking
1. Present client issues to supervisor and contribute to ongoing
problem solving of such issues while maintaining appropriate
confidentiality.
2. Consult with other professionals, family members or other
appropriate parties regarding the progress and problems of the students.
3. Participate in individual case conferences and confer regularly
with program staff on multi-disciplinary service team concerning client's
program and adjustment to blindness or vision loss.
4. Maintain positive and professional relations with counselors of
Department of Rehabilitation and other agencies as well as Society students,
staff, and volunteers.
5. Coordinate effective client service with third-party counselors,
such as Department of Rehabilitation.
Other Duties:
1. Attend all staff and department meetings
2. Adhere to all Society policies and procedures
3. Obtain training to enhance job requirements
4. Other duties as required
Qualifications:
1. A minimum of two years working experience.
2. Master's Degree in Orientation & Mobility or related field.
3. COMS or NOMC certification in O&M instruction.
4. Ability to stand and walk for at least seven hours per day
5. Sufficient stamina to walk distances of up to two miles at a time
6. Ability to safely descend stairs backward and ahead of students to
lend any necessary support and to help prevent falls.
7. Sufficient strength to support the weight of adult students in case
of stumbling or falling.
8. Proficiency in English grammar, usage, and mechanics
9. Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
10. Strong computer skills, including proficiency in MS Office - Word,
Excel, Outlook & Internet Explorer.
