2026-2027 Orientation and Mobility Specialist

Purpose Statement

The job of Orientation and Mobility Specialist is done for the purpose/s of assessing students' functional vision and orientation and mobility in order to identify long and short term needs; developing, implementing and modifying instructional plans to orient students with vision impairment to their environment and ensure safe, confident and independent mobility.

This job reports to Director of Special Services  

Essential Functions

• Assesses students orientation and mobility skills for the purpose of determining program eligibility and developing recommendations for treatment, appropriate assistive technology devices and/ or school placement.
• Collaborates with IEP Team members for IEP and Transition Plans for the purpose of ensuring student progress.
• Collaborates with IEP Team members for the purpose of tracking and monitoring the students progress.
• Fosters maximums independence for the purpose of ensuring students safety at all times and in all teaching environments.
• Instructs students, staff and parents in the use of technological aids appropriate to the students disability for the purpose of ensuring all materials are being used properly.
• Interprets medical reports for the purpose of providing information and/or ensuring that all treatment/intervention plans are appropriate.
• Observes students and conducts functional vision, orientation and mobility assessments for the purpose of identifying the needs of the students.
• Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.
• Prepares and uses equipment and materials for the purpose of developing the orientation and mobility skills such as tactual maps,modes, distance low vision aids and long canes.
• Researches resources and methods for the purpose of determining the appropriate approach for addressing students functional goals.
• Responds to inquiries for the purpose of providing information and/or referral as appropriate.
• Transports supplies and equipment to a variety of sites for the purpose of ensuring the availability of items as needed.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

SKILLS are required to perform multiple, highly complex, technical tasks with a need to occasionally upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: applying assessment instruments, operating equipment used in Orientation and Mobility instruction and preparing and maintaining accurate records.

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percents, and/or ratios; review and interpret highly technical information, write technical materials, and/or speak persuasively to implement desired actions; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions. Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: age appropriate activities; concepts of grammar and punctuation; health standards hazards; safety practices and procedures; stages of child development;abnormal development and medical diagnosis related to special education function categories; current Orientation and Mobility treatment intervention and pertinent codes, polices and regulations and/or laws.

ABILITY is required to schedule activities; gather and/or collate data; and use job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others; work with data utilizing defined and similar processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a wide diversity of individuals; work with a variety of data; and utilize a variety of job-related equipment. Problem solving is required to identify issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data frequently requires independent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is moderate. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adapting to changing work priorities; communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; information/data; maintaining effective working relationships and translating therapy data into meaningful educational activities.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision following standardized practices and/or methods; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; operating within a defined budget. utilization of some resources from other work units is often required to perform the job's functions. There is some opportunity to impact the organization’s services.

Work Environment

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 40% sitting, 30% walking, and 30% standing. This job is performed in a generally clean and healthy environment.

Experience

Job related experience is required.

Education

Bachelor's degree in job related area.

Equivalency

Required Testing

Continuing Educ. / Training

Certificates Licenses

Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP)

Clearances

Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance

FLSA Status

Exempt

Approval Date

3/22/2021

Salary Grade

Certificated

The purpose and utilization of job descriptions in Liberty Public School District #53 are to ensure the essential functions of each position are articulated in order to create a clear understanding of job expectations for the incumbent while also providing a framework through which the recruiting, hiring, and retaining of employees may be enhanced.