Orientation & Mobility Specialist @ Exceptional Children

General Definition of Work

The orientation & mobility specialist, under moderate supervision, performs intermediate level work with limited decision-making discretion working with visually impaired students to enable those students to travel and move in their environment with ease. Position utilizes a variety of techniques in evaluating the students' mobility and the instruction to improve their functioning in their surroundings. Develops a detailed plan based on generalized theory and resolves any problems that arise in their training program. Employee performs complex work to carry out Board of Education policies and procedures a specialist under the direction a Director of Exceptional Children.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Salary/Status

NC 16 Salary Non-Certified Schedule/Full-time, 10 months

Reports To

Director, Exceptional Children Services

Place of Work

The normal place of work is on the premises used by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. Charlotte- Mecklenburg Schools reserves the right to require you to work at such other place(s) as it may reasonably require from time to time. The Orientation & Mobility Specialist often works with students off-site to include residential neighborhoods, businesses, and modes of transportation.

Essential Functions

• Adhere to all state, federal, and local laws, policies, and procedures
• Evaluate, through testing and clinical observation, students' abilities to move about and to use mobility aids such as canes and sighted guides
• Interpret results of evaluations, and consult teachers and parents
• Provide individual instructional and counseling to students
• Provide guidance on the use of equipment and materials for the development of orientation and mobility skills, such as tactual maps, models, low vision aids, long canes, etc.
• Provide instruction in the areas of use of residual vision, skills of daily living such as procedures for interacting with the public, conduct during an emergency, shopping, etc.
• Participate in multi-disciplinary team meeting to develop IEPs
• Report progress of students to their parents and teachers
• Maintain clinical and administrative records
• Provide in-service to regular and general education personnel, sighted peers, and family members concerning the orientation and mobility needs of a student with a visual impairment and the appropriate methods for interacting with individuals who are visually impaired
• Participate in necessary professional development to maintain current/updated skills
• Create an inclusive environment with positive communication
• Perform related duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the principles, practices, and procedures of public school system policies and exceptional children
• Comprehensive knowledge of federal, state, and local regulatory requirements applicable to exceptional children
• Considerable knowledge of the restrictive effects of visual impairments
• Considerable knowledge of mobility theories, techniques and methodologies
• Skilled in the use of mobility equipment
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and carry out duties efficiently and within established timeframes
• Ability to respond appropriately to situations while maintaining a professional and personable demeanor
• Ability to reflect appropriate response to situations, while maintaining a professional and personal demeanor
• Ability to learn and use specialized tools, equipment or software related to business needs
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Ability to reason, make judgments, and maintain effective working relationships
• Ability to employ positive communication skills in all settings/mediums
• Ability to problem-solve utilizing sound judgment
• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding school system business
• Ability to analyze and interpret data to make data-driven decisions
• Ability to take initiative, work independently, and exercise sound judgement

Education and Experience

• Master's degree in Orientation & Mobility required
• Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) Certification preferred
• Equivalent combination of experience and education

Special Requirements

• Possess and maintain a valid driver's license or ability to provide own transportation.
• Travel to school district buildings and professional meetings