Job Description

As part of its mission, Alphapointe provides preferential hiring to people with vision impairments (legally blind).

Alphapointe is a non-profit agency whose mission is to empower people with vision loss to achieve their goals and aspirations. Alphapointe offers a great working environment that's both challenging and satisfying as well as an array of benefits including medical, dental, vision and life insurance, short and long term disability, vacation and sick time, paid holidays and flexible spending options as well as a generous 401(k).

Job Summary: The Orientation and Mobility Specialist prepares individuals with visual impairments to travel independently. The O & M Specialist will assist individuals to achieve maximum independence through instruction in safe, independent, and efficient travel in both familiar and unfamiliar environments.

Essential Functions:

The essential functions of the Orientation & Mobility Specialist position consist primarily of, but are not limited to, the following:

• Perform orientation and mobility evaluations that focus on short and long term needs of the individual.
• Design and implement a training program based on client-centered goals and evaluations.
• Complete assessment reports that include the needs and strengths of the consumer and an estimate of the length and frequency of service necessary to meet identified needs.
• Provides individual and group instruction in safe travels techniques for clients with visual impairments.
• Cover a range of environments including residential, commercial, public transit, rideshare, elevators and escalators.
• Prepare daily logs and detailed written recommendations for the equipment and/or services that are appropriate to the client’s needs and program plan.
• Maintains and delivers a four-week training module that is accessible to substitute instructors.
• Develops supplemental learning materials such as tactile maps, route recordings, or audio orientation guides.
• Maintain adequate records and progress reports on each individual.
• Provide consultation and support services to individuals, family and friends; provide outreach, information, training, and/or act as a resource to other community organizations.
• Provide supervised training for Orientation & Mobility, Rehabilitation Teacher, and Rehabilitation Counselor interns.
• Serve on a multi-disciplinary team to determine client independent program plans and progress in the Rehabilitation Center Program.
• Maintains list of community resources to make appropriate referrals as needed.
• Stays current in the field by maintaining certification and continued education through conferences and workshops; as well as provide training to other professionals.
• Document student progress, assessments and service plans in Athena.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree is required. Master’s Degree is preferred.
• Experience working in a team environment.
• Ability to travel independently between sites is preferred.

Knowledge and Skill Requirements:

• In-depth knowledge of principles, methodologies, tools, techniques, and equipment used for providing O&M to individuals who are blind or visually impaired.
• Knowledge of state and federal laws, rules and regulations that are applicable.
• Knowledge of physical and psychosocial adjustments to the loss of vision.
• Knowledge of low vision aids.
• Ability to accurately evaluate the O&M skill level of people who are blind or visually impaired.
• Ability to accurately maintain case management files and case reporting.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally, both orally and in writing, to meet the needs of the organization and individuals receiving services.
• Ability to problem solve and utilize necessary resources.
• Ability to exercise discretion, confidentiality, and independent judgement.
• Self-motivated; require minimal supervision.
• Effective listening skills.
• Ability to work in a team-oriented environment.
• Ability to organize workflow, set priorities, and accomplish tasks in a timely manner.

Working Conditions:

• Considerable travel in community.
• Work outdoors in all weather conditions.

Alphapointe is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran

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