Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist

Special Education Department – Temporary, Short-Term Position

for April, May & June 2024

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists (COMS) will serve children of St. Clair County of all age-ranges (birth through 26), and will coordinate a comprehensive program in accordance with state and national Orientation and Mobility standards, curriculum, and evidence-based practices. The O & M Specialist will provide sequential instruction to individuals with visual impairments in the use of their remaining senses to learn life skill concepts, determine their position within the environment, and in techniques for safe movement from one place to another.   Service hours will be determined by students’ needs as outlined in each student’s IEP.  Services may be provided during either the school year or summer months as part of a compensatory education plan.  

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree in Orientation and Mobility from an accredited college or university
• Certified or certifiable by the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation & Education Professionals (ACVREP)
• Two years experience with Orientation and Mobility instruction preferred
• Certification required to provide services as a Teacher Consultant for the Visually Impaired highly desirable.
• Must have a valid Michigan driver’s license
• Must be able to lift students and manipulate wheelchair bound students.
• Must be physically able to lift 50 pounds, bend, stoop, push, pull, and twist.
• CPR and First Aid training preferred
• Regular predictable attendance is an essential function of this position

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Evaluate, plan, coordinate, and implement individualized programs of instruction in all areas of orientation and mobility for students with visual impairments and possibly other concurrent health conditions
• Work with each student’s team to determine the long-term plan for the student, and write observable, measurable goals leading toward progress of specific outcomes.
• Provide instruction of skills that include, but are not limited to: concept development, motor development, including motor skills, sensory development skills, low vision skills, human guide techniques, protective techniques, locating dropped objects, trailing, squaring-off, cane techniques, soliciting/declining assistance, following directions, utilizing landmarks, search patterns, compass directions, route planning, analysis and identification of intersections and traffic patterns, use of traffic control devices, techniques for crossing streets, techniques for travel in indoor environments, outdoor residential, small and large business districts, mall travel, and rural areas, problem solving skills, use of public transportation, and instructional use of low vision devices. Instruction may also include life skills concepts.
• Provides orientation and mobility training in various environments focused on assisting the students in achieving their individualized goals and reaching independence
• Participate in Multidisciplinary Evaluation Team (MET) evaluations and meetings, IEPT meetings, service delivery and record keeping processes as may be required in the absence of the regularly assigned Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist.
• Be available and actively participate in consultation and collaboration with members of the student’s IEP team
• Serves as a resource for staff and families to provide training and assistance as they support the student and reinforce and incorporate the concepts and skills in daily practice
• Work with RESA and district administration and staff to meet all RESA and district procedures and requirements
• Act as a liaison with MDE-LIO whenever this resource is needed to meet the needs of the student
• Rely on data to monitor progress on goals, recommend appropriate equipment and identify training needs and adjusts instruction and support as needed
• Utilize required databases to meet legal and organizational requirements, including data entry, Medicaid billing, IEP development, and progress reporting
• Complete all required documentation accurately and within all required or imposed timelines
• Display strong interpersonal skills
• Communicate effectively in both verbal and written form
• Demonstrate self-motivation, self-management skills, and the ability to work independently
• Follow the requirements and expectations for confidentiality at all times
• Maintain professionalism at all times and when working with families, school personnel and community agencies
• Stay current in practices related to orientation and mobility, medical aspects of vision loss, and devices available for people with vision loss

THIS LIST OF ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES IS NOT EXHAUSTIVE AND MAY BE SUPPLEMENTED AS NECESSARY.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Employment Date:           Pending Board approval and successful completion of

drug screening and background checks.

Salary Range:        Negotiated rate based upon current IEA collective bargaining agreement salary schedule and relevant experience.

Work Day:    Part-time temporary; hours based upon mutually agreed upon days and hours in order to meet the needs of St. Clair County students with this service in their IEPs.  Staff hours will fluctuate based on the needs of the students and may be completed during the identified period or in the summer months as part of a compensatory education plan.

Fringes:                 Mandatory benefits

PROCEDURE:

Complete an on-line application at www.sccresa.org.  Additional information available by contacting:

Nikki Sygit, HR Manager

St. Clair County RESA

499 Range Road

Marysville, Michigan 48040

810-455-4052