SUMMARY Under the direction of the SELPA Director or Assistant Director of Special Education, the position provides orientation and mobility training to children from birth to age 22 who have visual disabilities. Training is in compliance with District and SELPA administrative policies and state and federal laws and regulations. DISTINGUISHING CAREER FEATURES Provides direct orientation and mobility training to visually impaired students from birth to 22 years throughout the District. Serves as a district-wide resource including assistance to educational staff through consultation, training, and direct individual or group activities. Professionally values and articulates the role of the Orientation and Mobility Specialist as a transdisciplinary team member within the educational setting. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES • Collaborates with multi-disciplinary teams to develop funtional and achievable goals in the educational setting for the Individualized Educational Plan (IEP). Provides written reports for use in determining eligibility, present performance levels, progress, goals/objectives, and appropriate interventions. • Maintains documentation as required for complying with administrative policies and state and federal laws and regulations. • Acts as a consultant to other professions, groups, or individuals. • Works closely with other members of the program staff to develop and maintain curriculum and standards. • Participates in professional growth activities such as conferences, classes, staff meetings, and visitations • Provides training, direction, and supervision for assigned ancillary staff. • Instructs visually impaired students in the development of skills and knowledge that enable them to travel independently to the highest degree possible, based on assessed needs and the students' IEPs. • Works with the teacher of visually impaired to conduct the functional vision assessment as it relates to independent travel. • Prepares and uses equipment and materials for the development of orientation and mobility skills. • Demonstrates responsibility for students' safety at all times and in all teaching environments while fostering maximum independence. • Performs other job-related duties and tasks as assigned. QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge and Skills: Demonstrates knowledge of orientation and mobility training. Uses appropriate assessment tools, training approaches, and adaptive equipment for children with visual impairments. Possesses a thorough understanding of the physical, intellectual, social, sensory, and emotional growth patterns of students. Requires sensitivity to the unique differences and needs of disabled children and their parents. Demonstrates accurate record keeping techniques and professional oral and written communication skills. Must be knowledgeable about subject area and current instructional methodologies and techniques associated with the visually impaired child. Abilities: Must be skilled in administration, analysis, and interpretation of a variety of assessment measures. Requires participation in the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) and Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) processes. Must be able to effectively communicate, both in oral and written forms, the students’ orientation and mobility goals to teachers, parents, program staff, and other District personnel. Must know proper uses and care for the materials, supplies, and equipment employed in performing services. Must be able to work independently with little direction, and work confidentially with discretion. Physical Abilities: Must be able to perceive the nature of sound, possess near and far vision, depth perception, and provide oral information. Manual dexterity is required to use and operate training related equipment, and handle and work with various materials and objects important to the job. Position requires considerable physical exertion associated with the ability to lift, carry, push, pull, or climb. Education and Experience: A Special Education credential in Orientation and Mobility is required or must meet the requirements for the Education Specialist Emergency Permit and enrollment in a university program for Orientation and Mobility. Graduation from an accredited program in Orientation and Mobility training or equivalent is required. Must have experience working collaboratively with families and individuals from various ethnic and cultural groups. Licenses and Certificates: Requires a current California teaching credential authorizing specialized services to the identified student population.