AIDB is sensitive to the needs of Blind or Low Vision and Deaf or Hard of Hearing and will make reasonable accommodations for qualified applicants and employees that do not impose undue hardship and are not essential functions of the job. POSITION: Orientation and Mobility Specialist ? Alabama Freedom Center for the Blind (Based in Birmingham, AL) ABOUT ALABAMA INSTITUTE FOR DEAF AND BLIND The Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind (AIDB) is the world?s most comprehensive education, rehabilitation and service program serving individuals of all ages who are deaf, blind, deafblind and multiply-disabled and their families. Founded in 1858, AIDB serves more than 26,000 infants, toddlers, children, adults and seniors with hearing and vision loss throughout Alabama each year. Our services literally span a lifetime including five campuses in Talladega, eight regional centers located in Birmingham, Dothan, Huntsville, Mobile, Montgomery, Talladega, Tuscaloosa and Tuscumbia with programs that range from early and senior intervention, traditional and nontraditional education services in residential and outreach settings and a manufacturing facility that is the state?s largest employer of adults who are blind and deaf. ABOUT OUR LOCATION The Alabama Freedom Center for the Blind is located in downtown Birmingham in the Avondale area ? an area that is gaining acclaim with foodies and artists while boasting a thriving farmer?s market. Visit historic landmarks like Sloss Furnace, Civil Rights Institute, 16th Street Baptist Church, Alabama Theatre and Vulcan along with newer attractions such as Pepper Place, McWane Center and Alabama Adventure. The Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport is less than 15-minutes from the Center with Atlanta, Nashville and New Orleans an easy ride via car, bus or Amtrak. ABOUT THE ROLE The Alabama Freedom Center for the Blind is one of only eight Structured Discovery programs in the United States. Recently established, you would be part of a dynamic team committed to the philosophy that with the proper skills and training, our students can accomplish ? and exceed ? their dreams. Our employees are among the organizations? most valuable assets and resources an, collectively, we share compassion for leveling the playing field for all. Our Mission makes AIDB a unique place to work and opening the doors to opportunity is where it all begins! As the Alabama Freedom Center for the Blind O&M Specialist or Travel Instructor you will focus on students? long/short-term needs grounded in nonvisual instruction; cognitive problem solving; and concerted strategies for clarifying attitudes and raising expectations surrounding blindness. You will prepare lesson plans and instruct students in the development of skills and knowledge which will enable them to travel independently to the highest degree possible. Likewise, you will have the opportunity to share your expertise and student successes internally and externally state- and nation-wide. ABOUT YOU You will be vital to ensuring that AIDB?s culture of inclusion is reinforced and that students feel connected, recognized and proud to be a part of the organization. BASIC QUALIFICATIONS * Must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university in Orientation and Mobility or closely-related field ? OR ? Must have successfully completed a Structured Discovery Program and demonstrated knowledge of the Structured Discovery philosophy and how Travel instruction is integrated into core curriculum components. * Must be certified or certifiable in Orientation and Mobility by the National Blindness Professional Certification Board (NBPCB) who has established rigorous standards for certifying competent professionals who teach Orientation and Mobility skills using Structured Discovery Cane Travel (SDCT) methods and principles. The successful applicant will have earned the designation of National Orientation and Mobility Certification (NOMC) within the NBPCB. * Must have demonstrated knowledge of the Structured Discovery philosophy and means by which Orientation and Mobility is integrated as a core programmatic component. POSITION REQUIREMENTS * Must be able to work flexible hours. * Required extensive vicinity and occasional overnight travel. * Must demonstrate competency in BRAILLE by scoring 80% on the AIDB Braille Skills Assessment within the first twelve (12) months of employment. * Must demonstrate the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff; consumers and their families; program graduates; peer Orientation and Mobility Specialists; advisory groups; and agencies such as the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services along with contemporary Structured Discovery Programs. * Demonstrated maturity, self-motivation, and the ability to exercise sound judgment. * Must possess outstanding oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills. * Must possess or develop an understanding of cultures and needs of persons who are deaf, blind or deafblind, ensuring all actions and decisions demonstrate a respect for and value of persons with sensory loss. * Upon offer of employment, the ABI/FBI record check must be completed based on the Alabama Child Protection Act of 1999 pursuant to Act 2002-457. A non-refundable fee of $48.15 is required at the scheduled appointment. Suitable criteria must be confirmed by the Alabama State Department of Education prior to beginning to work. SALARY: $36,140 - $53,274 Scale MR Rank 5A (HS and Structured Discovery Program Completion) $39,250 - $59,530 Scale MR Rank 5B Bachelor?s Degree $41,110 - $62,307 Scale MR Rank 5M Master?s Degree Monthly Payroll (260 Days) Direct deposit is required. This is an exempt position, not subject to overtime or compensatory provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act. DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: June 3, 2020 This position is funded by a grant award, funded by revenue generated, necessary for compliance or provides direct service delivery. Apply at www.aidb.org http://www.aidb.org Edward C. Bell, Ph.D., CRC, NOMC, Director, Professional Development and Research Institute on Blindness Louisiana Tech University 600 Mayfield Ave / 210 Woodard Hall PO Box 3158 Ruston LA 71272 Office: 318.257.4554 Fax: 318.257.2259 ebell at latech.edu www.pdrib.com ************* "I am somehow less interested in the weight and convolutions of Einstein's brain than in the near certainty that people of equal talent have lived and died in cotton fields and sweatshops." -- Stephen Jay Gould From: Tai Tomasi Sent: Wednesday, May 20, 2020 11:43 AM To: 'Edward Bell' <ebell at pdrib.com> Cc: 'Jessica Edmiston' Subject: FW: R-3870 Orientation and Mobility Specialist- Alabama Freedom Center for the Blind Dr. Bell: Our job posting for O&M is up. Please distribute widely, and thanks!