Title: Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialist

Supervisor:  Vision Supervisor and Director, Related Services

Summary/Objective: Perform work associated with providing intervention and support to children who are blind/visually impaired in partnership with school districts by providing evaluation services, direct services using evidence based interventions and skilled techniques, consultative services to school personnel and families, support to educational staff, and collaboration with team members in assessment and delivery of Orientation and Mobility skills.  These services enable the students to travel safely, efficiently, and independently in their home, school, and community environments.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Dual ACVREP certification and ODE licensure as Intervention Specialist - Visually Impaired P-12

Minimum Qualifications:

• Hold a valid Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP) certification 
• Minimum Bachelor’s degree  from an accredited college or university
• Secure and maintain a valid Ohio Pupil Service License: Orientation and Mobility Specialist 
• Hold or complete a current Ohio BCI and Federal Background check free of disqualifying infractions
• Comply with drug-free workplace rules and board policies
• Participate (and pass where applicable) in all required training, including but not limited to: Bloodborne Pathogens, Crisis Intervention, Educator Ethics, etc.
• Embody high ethical standards, integrity, and accept responsibility for decisions and conduct
• Adhere to the Stark County Educational Service Center (SCESC) Governing Board policies/administrative guidelines/staff handbook, policies of the assigned district/worksite, and the to the Licensure Code of Professional Conduct for Educators
• Promote the proper use, care, and security of SCESC property and report misconduct, vandalism, equipment malfunctions, and other concerns
• Advance the professional image of the SCESC and affiliate districts
• Establish and maintain professional relationships with coworkers and colleagues promoting a cohesive work environment
• Ensure safety of students
• Report suspected child abuse and/or neglect to supervisor and/or civil authorities as required by law
• Maintain confidentiality of student related information

Essential Functions:

• Maintain compliance with ODE, MSP, districts, and ESC requirements and timelines in relation to evaluations, assessments, treatments, communications, and documentation in paper and electronic formats
• Performs initial and ongoing assessments, evaluations, and interpretations for visually impaired students
• Shares responsibility with classroom teachers in the identification of instructional areas in which the student requires assistance
• Develops appropriate goals and objectives based on student need, for inclusion in the IEP
• Attends IEP meetings for students with visual impairments
• Prepares and provides sequential instruction in the development and maintenance of skills to meet the student's unique educational needs as indicated in the following areas:   

   Concept development

         Gross motor skills

         Visual efficiency skills (with and without optical devices)

         Sensory efficiency skills

         Cane skills, including adaptive mobility devices

         Map skills

         Social skills

         Self-determination

         Independent living skills

         Recreational leisure skills

         Outdoor travel skills

         Residential, commercial & public transportation

         Personal safety

• Collaborate with teachers and other school personnel to make environmental adjustments and transfer students newly learned skills and/or intervention strategies for supported learning in the classroom
• Assures that needed equipment are provided in a timely manner to ensure the student's maximum participation in all classroom activities
• Provides education/training and coordinates/consults with community professionals, school personnel, students, and parents regarding the unique educational needs and services/supports of visually impaired students
• Communicates and cooperates effectively, professionally, and respectfully with students, families, colleagues, and school/community professionals
• Contributes to team effort by integrating individual responsibility with other team member responsibilities
• Assist with the planning, development, and implementation of grant programs upon request in consultation with appropriate county/district personne.
• Attend and participate in designated Stark County Educational Service Center staff and department meetings
• Demonstrates commitment to continuous learning and self-improvement by reading and attending such meetings, conventions, and conferences as are necessary to keep abreast of the latest research, developments and technology as they pertain to visually impaired students
• Perform other specific duties as assigned

Work Environment:  The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing essential job functions.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Working Conditions:  Promote safety, exercise caution, and comply with safety regulations and district/educational service center policies/procedures when involved in the following situations:

• Risk of exposure to blood-borne pathogens, bodily fluids, and/or communicable diseases
• Potential for adverse contact by aggressive students
• Exposure to adverse weather conditions and temperature extremes
• Balancing, bending, crouching, kneeling, reaching and standing
• Lifting, carrying, and moving work-related supplies and/or equipment including lifting up to 50 pounds
• Operate and/or ride in a vehicle
• Work at various heights, in confined spaces, and/or invariable/diminished lighting
• Report misconduct or violations of policy and procedures to the direct supervisor, appropriate administrator or legal authority (mandating reporting)

Performance Evaluation:

Job performance is evaluated according to the policy and procedures adopted by the Stark County Educational Service Center Governing Board.

The Stark County Educational Service Center is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, age, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, gender, religion, marital status, military status, or disability.  Individuals are selected for employment based only on merit and qualifications directly related to professional competence. This job description is not intended to be a complete list of required duties and it is understood by the employee that other related and reasonable duties will be required if requested by an immediate supervisor or administrative staff member.  This document is subject to change in response to student need, staff factors, funding variables, modified operating procedures, program/curriculum changes, and unforeseen events.  The employee is expected to follow all policies and procedures in accordance with the Stark County Educational Service Center and district or department assignment.

Acknowledgement:

My signature below signifies that I have reviewed the contents of my job description and that I am aware of the requirements of my position.

Employee Date

Supervisor Date