Orientation & Mobility Specialist - #RCB00034 (Previous applicants need not reapply)

Title: Orientation & Mobility Specialist - #RCB00034 (Previous applicants need not reapply)

State Role Title: Trainer and Instructor II

Hiring Range: Anticipated $59,000 - $80,000 plus commensurate with experience.

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Dept for Blind/Vision Impaired

Location: Rehab Ctn Blind & Vision Imprd

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

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Come step into a dynamic role as an Orientation and Mobility Specialist at the Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and vision Impaired, where you will be an integral part of an enthusiastic team.

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:

*This position is subject to close 10-business days (excluding holidays) from the opening date”.

Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind & Vision Impaired (VRCBVI) provides quality individualized adjustment training services that will empower consumers to achieve their desired level of vocational, educational, and social independence and economic equality consistent with their abilities and informed choices.

RCB is seeking an Orientation & Mobility Specialist to provide orientation and mobility assessment and instruction to blind and visually impaired persons to enable them 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 and employment. To meet the expectations of this position, the incumbent must have access to personally identifiable and confidential information about agency consumers and/or agency staff.

Minimum Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will have:

• The employee must possess the education and 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/Experience -

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

Activities/Skills -

• 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 students 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.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.

Additional Considerations:

N/A

Special Instructions:

• This 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 candidate.
• 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, Americorp, 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 a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is 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.