Special Education Orientation and Mobility Specialist

Dept./School: Department of Special Education
Reports to: Executive Director of Special Education
Wage/Hour Status: Exempt
Pay Grade: Admin/Prof – 4

Minimum Salary: $67,370
Duty Days: 187 days per year

PRIMARY PURPOSE: Prepares students with visual impairments to travel safely, efficiently, and as independently as possible in their home, school, and community environments.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Education/Certification:
Bachelor’s Degree/Master’s Degree

Maintain current certification through the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals
 
Special Knowledge/skills:
Knowledge of subjects assigned

Knowledge of Admission, Review and Dismissal (ARD) Committee process and Individual Education Plan (IEP) goal setting process and implementation

General knowledge of curriculum and instruction

Excellent organizational, communication and interpersonal skills

Willingness to execute written employment contract with the Denton ISD
 
Experience:
At least one year of student teaching or approved internship

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Apply knowledge of the purpose, philosophy, and legal foundations of evaluation, special education and orientation and mobility.
• Demonstrate ethical and professional practices and responsibilities as required by the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals.
• Develop collaborative relationships with families, educators, the school, the community, outside agencies, and related service personnel.
• Apply knowledge of student assessment and evaluation, program planning, and instructional decision making.
• Demonstrate knowledge of eligibility criteria and procedures for identifying students who need to maximize physical or mental functioning, increase independent functioning, and/or adjust to disabilities.
• Select, administer, and interpret appropriate formal and informal assessments and evaluations.
• Demonstrate skills necessary for scheduling, time management, and organization.
• Demonstrate knowledge of appropriate curricula and instructional strategies for individuals with disabilities.
• Participate on a multi-disciplinary team that determines special education eligibility for students.
• Serve as a resource to campuses to ensure the district is in compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations associated with special education.
• Consult with ECI, school administrators, support personnel and teachers on campuses to ensure IFSPs and/or IEPs are implemented.
• Provide training to district staff and parents of students with disability, with regards to orientation and mobility, to maximize physical or mental functioning, increase independent functioning, and/or adjust to disabilities.
• Supervise graduate students, clinical fellows (interns), in orientation and mobility, as well as mentor new hire orientation and mobility specialist as assigned by supervisor.
• Provide appropriate service delivery models (e.g., variations in frequency, intensity, duration, and setting based on student needs) consistent with a wide variety of individual student needs.
• Develop and implement appropriate orientation and mobility goals and objectives based on data (formal and informal).
• Conduct conferences with parents, students and teachers when needed to discuss concerns regarding the student’s program.
• Evaluate and report student progress consistent with district expectations (end of every grading period);
• Work collaboratively with teachers to develop orientation and mobility schedules and provide ongoing support for students in the classroom.
• Attend team meetings either on campus or virtual and keep classroom teachers informed of the individual student’s orientation and mobility needs.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Department of Special Education.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
Mental Demands:

Ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written); interprets policy, procedures

and data; coordinates district functions; maintains emotional control under stress

Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Frequent district-wide and occasional statewide travel; occasional prolonged and irregular hours; frequent standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, pushing, pulling, occasional lifting to 50 pounds; prolonged use of computer and repetitive hand motions

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.

APPOINTMENT: The appointment of this position will be recommended to the Board of Trustees by the Superintendent of Schools on the basis of the applicant's training, experience, and expertise. The Board of Trustees must give final approval.