Commonwealth of Virginia

Orientation & Mobility Specialist - #RCB00005

Commonwealth of Virginia  •  $60k/yr  •  Richmond, VA (Onsite)  •  5 days ago
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Job Description

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.

Commonwealth of Virginia

About Commonwealth of Virginia

The Commonwealth of Virginia is located in the South Atlantic region of the United States. It was the 10th state to be admitted to the Union on June 25, 1788. Home to approximately 8 million residents, Virginia is the 12th most populous state in the United States. The capital is Richmond, and its most populous city is Virginia Beach.

The narrative history of the Commonwealth of Virginia often begins with the founding of Jamestown in 1607, near what is now modern day Williamsburg, Virginia. Jamestown became the first permanent English settlement in the New World, and the Virginia General Assembly, established on July 30, 1619, is now recognized as the oldest legislative body in the western hemisphere. When Virginia became a royal colony in 1624, the robust tobacco trade that had been developing in Virginia helped establish the American colonies as a powerful economic force. During the American Revolution, Virginia witnessed the final surrender of British forces at Yorktown and later became known as the birthplace of many revolution-era figures and future American presidents, including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. To date, 8 United States presidents have been born in Virginia, more than in any other state.

The modern government of Virginia is nearly identical in structure to the federal government, and is divided into 3 branches, these being the executive, legislative, and judiciary branches. The Virginia General Assembly is comprised of the 100-member House of Delegates and the 40-member Senate. A governor and lieutenant governor are elected every 4 years. Governors cannot be elected to or serve consecutive terms. Virginia’s judicial system consists of the Supreme Court of Virginia and the Court of Appeals of Virginia, the Circuit Courts, and the lower General District Courts and the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Courts. Virginia has 13 electoral votes in presidential elections, and possesses 11 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Industry
Government & Public Safety
Company Size
1,001-5,000 employees
Headquarters
Richmond, VA
Year Founded
1776
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