Orientation Mobility Specialist

Pay Grade: 840 (Min $343.43 per day)
Work Days:  185

Primary Purpose:
The Orientation and Mobility Instructor (O&M) provides instruction for the Visually Impaired (VI) individual in the student's school, home or environmental setting, in order for the student to learn the skills necessary for safe, and independent travel.

Qualifications:
Education/Certification:

• Bachelor's Degree
• Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Current knowledge in the area of Orientation and Mobility

Experience:

• 3 years of experience in the field of Orientation and Mobility

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

• Assume responsibility for the organization and operation of work within the area of supporting students and staff working with special education students following federal program guidelines as directed by the district and as specified in 34 Code of Federal Regulations �300.208 (a)(1)
• Evaluate the effectiveness of current instructional practices
• Collaborate with the Special Education Leadership Team, the Curriculum Coordinators, and campus staff regarding any instructional changes that need to take place on campuses
• Provide consultation to special and general education teachers in implementing strategies
• Provide training and follow-up activities on the topic of curriculum and instruction
• Facilitate the implementation of new materials, methodologies, philosophies, and innovations using those, which meet the needs of students served

Professional Growth and Development

• Assume responsibility for the organization and operation of work within the area of supporting students and staff working with special education students following federal program guidelines as directed by the district and as specified in 34 Code of Federal Regulations �300.208 (a)(1).
• Screen or evaluation newly identified visually impaired students and those visually impaired students who demonstrate difficulty with independent travel
• Re-evaluations as needed
• Identify appropriate training skills or concepts for student's travel needs.
• Develop Orientation and Mobility goals and objectives to meet individual student needs.
• Identify and adapt training environments for optimum learning of skills.
• Adapt the Orientation and Mobility curriculum to meet individual student needs academic and development level and chronological
• Provide direct instructional services with Visually Impaired students as outlined on the IEP in the following areas as needed:
• Gross Motor Skills, Sensory Discrimination and Interpretation, Spatial Awareness ,Body Awareness, Self-Protection,
• Use of pre-can devices, Long cane techniques, Cane technique modifications, Low vision techniques, Sighted guides, Pre-can orientation concepts, Residential Travel/Commercial Travel/Transitional Travel
• Consultation Services: Classroom Teachers, Texas Commission for the Blind, Low vision Specialists/Ophthalmologists, Parents, Other parents of the vision services team, Other school district personnel
• Transport students to appropriate areas for instruction
• Follow all rules, regulations, and policies of Plano ISD and follow directives from superiors
• Follow attendance policy as assigned by supervisor
• Perform other functions that may be assigned by the Administration and/or supervisor
• 
  Working Conditions:
  Mental Demands:
  Ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written); interpret policy, procedures, and data; coordinate district functions; maintain emotional control under stress
  
  Physical Demands/Environmental Factors: 
  Frequent district-wide travel; occasional prolonged and irregular hours.
• Work with frequent interruptions.
• Frequent standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, pushing and pulling.
• Prolonged use of computer and repetitive hand motions.
• Occasional lifting up to 50 pounds
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  SM021826