Job Title: Orientation & Mobility Instructor
Classification: Non-Exempt/Full-Time
The Society for the Blind, located in Sacramento, California, is a 501c (3) non-profit agency dedicated to empowering individuals who are blind or have low vision to live productively and independently by building confidence through training, tools and mentorship. To do this, the Society employs over 40 individuals who support and provide multiple services, including instruction in independent travel, computers and adaptive technology, Braille, and daily living skills such as cooking and home repair. The Society also administers a low vision clinic, a retail store, an access news telephone service, and senior, youth and career development programs. Society for the Blind is an equal opportunity employer.
General Description: The essential function of the job is to teach clients how to maneuver and utilize Orientation & Mobility aids, methods and services intended to assist in the development of the client’s independence and personal skills.
Duties:
Instruction:
1. Provide instruction in Orientation & Mobility to clients using the standard methods and techniques of the long cane.
2. Instruct clients in the use of certified low vision and electric mobility aids.
3. Provide instruction in problem solving, direction finding and structured discovery of the travel environment.
4. Orient clients to their physical environment through maximum development and utilization of their remaining senses.
5. Conduct training on city streets. Instruction is to include, but not limited to the use of public transportation, escalators, elevators, revolving doors and other features found in traveling.
6. Prepare tactual and auditory maps and instruct clients in their proper use.
7. Evaluate clients' functional, physical and mental capabilities, as related to mobility and orientation.
8. Determine individual clients’ need for physical conditioning.
9. Stay current in areas of responsibility.
10. Address and conduct workshops for interested groups as requested.
Documentation
1. Maintain thorough, complete and timely ongoing weekly and monthly record keeping of client services; including, but not limited to case notes, lesson notes, evaluations, progress reports, and correspondence.
Team building and Networking
1. Present client issues to supervisor and contribute to ongoing problem solving of such issues while maintaining appropriate confidentiality.
2. Consult with other professionals, family members or other appropriate parties regarding the progress and problems of the clients.
3. Participate in individual case conferences and confer regularly with program staff on multi-disciplinary service team concerning client's program and adjustment to blindness or vision loss.
4. Maintain positive and professional relations with counselors of Department of Rehabilitation and other agencies as well as Society clients, staff, and volunteers.
5. Coordinate effective client service with third-party counselors, such as Department of Rehabilitation.
Other Duties:
1. Attend all staff and department meetings
2. Adhere to all Society policies and procedures
3. Obtain training to enhance job requirements
4. Other duties as required
Qualifications:
1. A minimum of two years working experience.
2. Master’s Degree in appropriate field.
3. Preference to Applicants who are graduates from either AER-certified institutions or O&M programs sponsored by the U.S. Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA).
4. Certification/certifiability from one of RSA approved certifying bodies preferred
5. Excellent writing skills- English grammar and usage.
6. Excellent verbal communication skills.
7. Good computer skills. MS Office programs- MS Word, MS Excel, MS Outlook & MS Internet Explorer.
For consideration, please submit your resume along with a cover letter to:
SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND
2750 24th Street
Sacramento, CA 95818
Attn: Heather Frank
Fax: 916-452-2622
Email: hfrank@societyfortheblind.org
Application deadline: Until the position is filled.
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE!
- Location: Sacramento
- This is at a non-profit organization.
- Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster.
- Please, no phone calls about this job!
- Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests.