Orientation & Mobility Specialist I

Two positions available- one requires a driver's license and reliable transportation to travel our service area. The second does not require a driver's license or vehicle and will be based out of our main campus.

Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) provide rehabilitation services to enhance the independence of people who are visually impaired or blind. They also produce paperwork in accordance with stakeholder requirements and to improve client continuum of care. COMS will Perform assessments of client needs; prepare and implement a teaching plan based on person centered practices. Additionally, COMS works in the context of a multi-disciplinary team which includes the sharing of information with other staff members involved. Along with making appropriate referrals to other disciplines as required. The COMS will consult with the leadership team to ensure optimal and equitable instruction is provided to all participants.

Subscribe to and actively promote adherence to Goodwill of the Finger Lakes Values and community programs. Work with leadership to achieve organizational and departmental strategic goals. Competencies needed to be successful in this job include but are not limited to technical skills, effective communication, compassionate and motivating, strong organizational and planning skills, the ability to be flexible, and deal with ambiguity. COMS will need to be innovative, resourceful and have a strong skill in computer usage and data literacy to assist in facilitation of service delivery.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provides high quality Orientation and Mobility interventions to individuals experiencing vision loss and other co-occurring conditions related to needs.
   1. Promote self- advocacy, empowerment, and independence.
   2. Prepare sequential and meaningful instruction geared to the participant’s assessed needs, IPE goals and objectives, functioning level, and motivation level.
   3. Be responsible for the participant’s safety during O&M instruction and in other environments while fostering maximum independence during O&M lessons.
   4. Provide orientation and mobility training i.e., safe travel indoors, outdoors and around client’s community via public transportation or other transportation avenues.
   5. Provide technology training as instruction calls for within COMS scope of practice i.e., mobile apps, GPS, and auxiliary equipment
   6. Provide individualized and/or group instruction to participants as indicated.
   7. Prepare service evaluation reports, within the respective program session.
   8. Provide emotional support to individuals adjusting to vision loss.
   9. Maintain a schedule of appointments that allows for every participant registered in the VRC program to receive instruction at least one time bi-weekly or as necessary to help the participant reach their goal when necessary.
   10. Ability to understand and relay eligibility requirements and program designations by establishing goals and initiating services.
2. Communication with internal and external stakeholders to assist in holistic and efficient service delivery models
   1. Consult with other professional staff to plan, coordinate, and assess participant rehabilitation objectives.
   2. Completes proper documentation for all interactions clients in a timely comprehensive manner to assist in facilitation of continuum of patient care across vision services. Document participants’ progress through the use of standardized reports submitted within the time frame required by Stakeholders.
   3. Participates in case review during interdisciplinary team meetings by presenting and reviewing status and progress made with clients. Provide a minimum of a monthly update to State Stakeholders, Clinical and Operational Leadership on caseload progress.
   4. Interacts closely with NYSCB Vocational Rehabilitation counselors for continuity and coordination of service provision. Prepare service evaluation reports, within the respective program session.
3. Serves as a community liaison to provide education and awareness
   1. Attends and participates in other organization and community activities as recommended or assigned to foster relationships and partnership opportunities.
   2. Ability to describe and explains organizational overview and Vision Rehabilitation services to individuals, their families, and the public.
   3. Conducts presentations and awareness events for community groups members and program recruitment
   4. Participates in special projects/grant projects as assigned
4. Ensures fiscal accountability and contract compliance with all Federal, State and local laws and regulations
   1. Maintain an up-to-date schedule, timecard keeping, vacation requests and expense reports in a timely manner.
5. Provides clinical oversight and supervision of graduate Orientation and Mobility Specialist students during internship from accredited colleges and universities including performance appraisals, training, scheduling, and necessary supporting documentation (ie. HIPAA, college verification etc.)
6. Maintains ongoing continuing education for professional licensure and personal growth using internal and external sources. Maintains current knowledge base related to field of study by attending in-services, lectures, seminars, meetings and reading of current literature.
   1. Participate in staff in service training and community conferences (when appropriate) to maintain proficiency in the use of methods and equipment to meet participants’ needs.
7. Contributes to the effectiveness of the agency and the department by completing all other tasks as assigned.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The Requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

COMS must have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Blind Rehabilitation and be ACVREP certified in Orientation and Mobility. Certification must be obtained within six months of hire.

COMS are required to have computer/word processing/web-based skills to complete reports and case notes.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Ability to clearly communicate processes and methods to both patients and internal/external stakeholders. Effective professional written correspondence and verbal communication is required. Ability to write business correspondence, and effectively present information and respond to questions from participants, referring agencies, colleagues, and the public. Capability to understand government procedures and regulations.

REASONING ABILITY:

Able to follow procedures, collect data, draw valid conclusions, and problem solve.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

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 individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:

• Communicate effectively to plan, provide instruction, deliver feedback, and report progress
• Utilize the computer keyboard efficiently, and sit for periods of time to deliver training, generate reports, or respond to electronic correspondence
• The employee will be required to occasionally lift 20 – 30 pounds. The employee needs to be able to travel to locations in various weather conditions and to have reasonable mobility

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job

• The noise level in the work environment is usually a quiet, clinic setting
• The employee will travel to other locations where he or she may encounter a variety of settings such as public transportation, community-based organizations, residential homes, shared living facilities, or clinical setting

Goodwill of the Finger Lakes and its subsidiaries encourage diversity in the workplace; we are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Minority/Female/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity or Expression/Veteran/Disability