Classification: Exempt                                       Travel: up to 60%

Job Summary:

The Orientation & Mobility Specialist provides vision therapy and rehabilitation services to employees and consumers with visual impairments to improve their functioning in mobility and activities of daily living.  

JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide O&M services to the visually impaired of all ages
• Maintain a caseload of all those seeking O&M services
• Conduct initial and on-going assessment of orientation and mobility skills for visually impaired employees and consumers
• Assess visually impaired employees/consumers functioning in areas such as vision, orientation and mobility skills, social and emotional issues, cognition, physical abilities, and personal goals
• Identify and discuss mobility/travel goals and objectives with visually impaired employees and consumers
• Teach visually impaired employees and consumers to travel safely, efficiently, and independently using a variety of O&M skills and techniques
• Teach appropriate cane skills/techniques including cane use with a guide, diagonal techniques, constant contact technique, and two-point touch technique
• Teach on the use of mobility devices and equipment, such as tactile maps, optical devices, pre-canes/adaptive mobility devices (AMDs), electronic travel aids (ETAs), GPS devices, and long canes for the development of O&M skills
• Write reports and complete forms to document assessments, training, progress, goals, and follow-up outcomes
• Provide O&M contract services to those under Texas Workforce Commission, San Antonio Independent Living Services, Veterans Affairs, and the local school districts
• Conduct presentations in the community, such as awareness and in-service training, to educate community and staff about O&M Program services
• Embodies and demonstrates the Company Values of Be a Team, Be Limitless, Be People-Centered, Be Resilient, and Be Trustworthy.
• Other Duties as assigned

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor Degree in Orientation & Mobility, Special Education, Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, or related field
• Master’s Degree preferred
• ACVREP Certification required (must be obtained within 90 days of hire, or completion of internship); certification must be kept active and in good standing
• Minimum of one year experience working with blind and visually impaired individuals
• Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effectiveness/outcomes
• Knowledge of eye diseases

SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including ability to work and communicate with professionals, parents and children that have a visual impairment and/or other disabilities
• Strong public speaking skills
• Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines
• Ability to work independently, and as a team

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to lift up to 15 lbs.
• Must be able to stand for long periods of time.
• Must be able to conduct repetitive motions on a daily basis.

This job description does not imply these are the only duties to be performed.  The incumbent in this position will perform such other tasks as may be required for the effective operations of the Division/Department upon request by his/her supervisor.

San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind is a non-profit organization and an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer: minorities/females/disabled/vets