Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind is seeking a full-time Orientation & Mobility Specialist to provide individualized training to our clients who are blind or visually impaired. The Orientation & Mobility instructor will teach clients to travel safely and independently.
Since 1900, CLB’s mission has been promoting independence for people who are blind or visually impaired. We provide a comprehensive range of programs and services for the nearly 180,000 people in Maryland, DC, and Virginia who are blind or visually impaired. We are seeking an experienced rehabilitation professional who shares our passion for providing services to our clients.
Essential Functions:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Provide direct services to individuals who are blind or have low vision in orientation and mobility as well as vision rehabilitation therapy/rehabilitation teaching for the blind and visually impaired.
- Participate in long-range planning and policy development by providing input to senior management concerning resources and trends in service provision to persons who are blind or visually impaired.
- Conduct in-service training regarding blindness issues and CLB programs and services.
- Serve as Orientation and Mobility liaison with sponsoring/partnership agencies such as the DC Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), MD-DORS (Maryland Division of Rehabilitation Services), UDC Senior Companion Program.
- Monitor students’ progress through reports, ongoing discussions, and meetings with students and staff.
- Prepare monthly billing, statistics, reports and relevant correspondence about and for consumers.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education:
- Knowledge of community and professional resources.
- Bachelor’s degree in Orientation and mobility or rehabilitation or related field working primarily with visually impaired adults. Master’s degree preferred.
Experience:
Minimum of three to five years of experience and certification as a practitioner in the field of blindness in one of the following areas:
- Teacher of the visually handicapped.
- Orientation and mobility specialist.
- Rehabilitation teacher for the visually impaired/vision rehabilitation therapist
- Rehabilitation Counselor
- Occupational Therapist
Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:
- Excellent report writing and computer skills required
- Excellent interpersonal skills with good judgment, attention to detail, ability to prioritize and meet deadlines, and ability to handle confidential material.
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks.
- Knowledge of second language helpful but not required.
- Must have the ability to work with confidential material.
Physical Activity and ADA Requirements:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individual with disabilities to meet these demands:
- Ability to endure prolonged walking, sitting, standing, use of pulling, bending, and stooping movements.
- Ability to adapt to changes in daily work hours and schedule.
- Must be able to push/lift up to twenty-five (25) pounds.
Vaccination Requirement:
Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind values the safety of its employees, and visitors. In support of these values, if you are selected for this job you must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, except when vaccination is not medically advised or violates your sincerely held religious beliefs. If you are invited to join our team, you must submit proof that you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, or you must request an exemption from the HR Department. New employees must either provide proof of vaccination or be granted a medical or religious exemption before working with Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind.
EEO Statement:
Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual Orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.
Comprehensive Benefits Package:
- Health Insurance (Medical, dental and vision). CLB covers 65% of the premium.
- Disability insurance (Short term and long-term disability). 100% covered by CLB.
- Life Insurance and AD&D. 100% covered by CLB.
- Retirement 401(K). CLB matches up to 4% after one year of employment.
- Student loan forgiveness benefits.
- PTO benefits. 2 weeks of vacation
- 11 holidays + 5 days (CLB is closed from Christmas thru New Year’s).
Schedule:
8 hour shift
Ability to commute/relocate:
Washington, DC: Reliably commute or willing to relocate with an employer-provided relocation package (Required)
Experience:
Special education: 1 year (Preferred)
Teaching: 1 year (Required)
License/Certification:
Teaching Certification (Preferred)
Work Location:
Washington Metropolitan Area
Please send resume and cover letter with salary requirements to resumes@clb.org.