O&M Specialist - #BVI00367 (Previous applicants need not reapply)

Title: O&M Specialist - #BVI00367 (Previous applicants need not reapply)

State Role Title: Trainer and Instructor II

Hiring Range: Anticipated starting salary $65,000 commensurate with experience.

Pay Band: NV 4

Agency: Dept for Blind/Vision Impaired

Location: Blind & Vision Impaired (NOVA)

Agency Website: https://www.dbvi.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Come step into a dynamic role as an Orientation and Mobility Specialist at the Blind and Vision Impaired. Join us in the exhilarating journey of transforming lives for a lifetime, where every step you take is a stride toward empowering individuals and shaping a brighter, more independent future!

Job Duties

The Division of Services will provide a quality program of individualized rehabilitation services, educational consultation, technical assistance, and instruction that will empower eligible individuals to achieve their desired levels of independence consistent with their abilities and informed choices.

We are seeking a Orientation & Mobility (O&M) Specialist to provide orientation and mobility assessment and instruction to individuals who are blind vision impaired and deaf blind to maximize the ability to travel independently and safely in both familiar and unfamiliar areas, thus reducing one of their greatest impediments to personal independence.

Special Assignment:
Orientation and Mobility AWARE/Documentation Specialist additional duties:

• Assist in training new and existing O&M staff in comprehensive case documentation:
  • How to accurately document all consumer interactions, service delivery, progress notes, and training activities in the AWARE case management system in accordance with DBVI policies and federal guidelines.
  • How to ensure all case records are thorough, timely, and compliant with documentation standards required by the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) and DBVI procedures. 
  • How to Prepare Supporting Documentation (ie, justification for services and equipment requests). 
  • Stay Informed on Policy and Documentation Requirements

Other duties and/or special projects as assigned.
Completes duties and/or projects as needed or directed by supervisor.

Minimum Qualifications:

The employee must possess the training in orientation and mobility and be certified by the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (COMS) or National Blindness Professional Certification Board (NOMC) or meet eligibility requirements to sit for exam within 6 months of hire.

Knowledge:

• Demonstrated knowledge of orientation and mobility principles, adjustment to blindness concepts, the rehabilitation process, and the education of individuals with visual impairments. 
• Demonstrated knowledge of functional implications of eye disorders.

Skills/Abilities:

• Demonstrated skills and ability to assess orientation and mobility needs and then to plan and carry out an individualized program of O&M instruction to meet those needs.
• Demonstrated skill and ability to assess individuals to identify proper use of both visual and non-visual techniques as appropriate.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with individuals, co-workers, and other professionals.

Additional Considerations:

N/A

Special Instructions:

• This position has been designated a sensitive position under Va. Code § 2.2 1201.1. 
• A fingerprint based criminal history check will be required of the finalist.
• The selected candidate must complete a Statement of Personal Economic Interests as a condition of employment (Va. Code § 2.2 3114).

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during the application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact recruitment@dars.virginia.gov for assistance.

Minorities, Individuals with disabilities, Veterans, AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other National Service Alumni are encouraged to apply.

To Apply:

Equal Opportunity Employer State applications will only be accepted as submitted online by 11:55 p.m. on the closing date through the Commonwealth of Virginia’s New Recruitment Management System. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications and/or résumés will not be accepted. PageUp will provide you with confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé are submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Contact Information:

Name: Human Resources

Email: Recruitment@dars.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.