Title: Orientation & Mobility Specialist - #RCB00005

State Role Title: Trainer and Instructor II

Hiring Range: Anticipated $60,000 - up to low $80,000 commensurate with experience

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Dept for Blind/Vision Impaired

Location: Rehab Ctn Blind & Vision Imprd

Agency Website: https://www.vrcbvi.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Come step into a dynamic role as an Orientation and Mobility Specialist at the Rehabilitation for the Blind & Vision Impaired, where you will be an integral part of an enthusiastic team. Join us in the exhilarating journey of transforming lives for a lifetime, where every step you take is a stride toward empowering individuals and shaping a brighter, more independent future!

Job Duties:

This position is subject to close 10 business days from the opening date, excluding state holidays.

VRCBVI provides quality individualized adjustment training services that will empower consumers to achieve their desired level of vocational, educational, and social independence and economic equality consistent with their abilities and informed choices.

We are seeking an Orientation & Mobility Specialist to provide orientation and mobility assessment and instruction to blind and visually impaired persons to enable them to maximize the ability to travel independently and safely in both familiar and unfamiliar areas, thus reducing one of their greatest impediments to personal independence and employment. To meet the expectations of this position, the incumbent must have access to personally identifiable and confidential information about agency consumers and/or agency staff.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Instruction
• Evaluation 
• Communication 
• Program Development 

Other duties and/or special projects as assigned.
Completes duties and/or projects as needed or directed by supervisor.

Minimum Qualifications:

The employee must possess the education and training in orientation and mobility and be certified by the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (COMS) or National Blindness Professional Certification Board (NOMC) or meet eligibility requirements to sit for exam within 6 months of hire.

Knowledge:

• Working knowledge of Orientation and Mobility (O&M) principles, techniques, and instructional methods for individuals who are blind, vision impaired, or deafblind.
• Knowledge of the functional implications of eye conditions and how they affect mobility.
• Knowledge of visual and non-visual travel techniques and their appropriate application. 
• Knowledge of environmental, educational, and vocational factors that influence O&M instruction.

Skills

• Skill in planning and delivering individualized O&M instruction aligned with personal and educational goals, including vocational objectives when appropriate.
• Skill in adapting instructional strategies based on student needs, progress, and learning styles.
• Skill in teaching problem-solving, environmental analysis, route planning, and information gathering skills for travel.
• Skill in building rapport and maintaining supportive, professional relationships during evaluation and instruction.
• Skill in using computer applications, including MS Office programs such as Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel.

Abilities:

• Ability to maintain accurate and timely documentation, including lesson plans, progress notes, reports, and evaluations. 
• Ability to teach safely and effectively in diverse travel environments, including residential, business, and urban settings. 
• Ability to monitor progress, provide constructive feedback, and modify instruction to support mastery and confidence. 
• Ability to work collaboratively with rehabilitation counselors, teachers, and interdisciplinary team members while independently managing caseloads and timelines.
  
  

Additional Considerations

N/A

Special Instructions

• This position has been designated a sensitive position under Va. Code § 2.2 1201.1. 
• A fingerprint based criminal history check will be required of the finalist.
• The selected candidate must complete a Statement of Personal Economic Interests as a condition of employment (Va. Code § 2.2 3114).

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during the application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact recruitment@dars.virginia.gov for assistance.

Minorities, Individuals with disabilities, Veterans, AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other National Service Alumni are encouraged to apply.

To Apply:

Equal Opportunity Employer State applications will only be accepted as submitted online by 11:55 p.m. on the closing date through the Commonwealth of Virginia’s New Recruitment Management System. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications and/or résumés will not be accepted. PageUp will provide you with confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé are submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Contact Information:

Name: Human Resources

Email: Recruitment@dars.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.