Orientation and Mobility Specialist

Perkins helps kids with disabilities find their place in the world. An international NGO, we are committed to delivering best-in-class education to children, providing immersive training and support to professionals and families, advocating for inclusion, and accelerating innovation for people with disabilities. At Perkins, we think courageously, act collaboratively, and we own our work. Join a supportive community committed to growth where your work makes a difference.

What you can expect as an Orientation and Mobility Specialist :

As our O&M in the Deafblind Program, you will provide orientation and mobility instructional services for blind, visually impaired or multiple disability students; You will train visually impaired students to make maximum safe travel and develop functional independence in a variety of environments, while serving as a member of an interdisciplinary team providing individual educational and pre-vocational program for students. You are a valued member of our community!

We’d love to talk with you if you have experience with:

• Assessing individual needs of each student in all areas of independent or daily living; establishing realistic and appropriate goals and objectives design and implement programs for each student’s individual education plan (IEP) evaluate and report on the progress of each student; Attending scheduled staff meetings and IEPs; and Confer effectively with parents.
• Assisting each student to develop his or her maximum safe travel potential, and developing functional independence in a variety of environments.
• Serving as a member of a team in establishing realistic goals and objectives for each student; Developing and implementing programs and communicating results with team to ensure continuity of appropriate program services.
• Maintaining suitable learning environment, including appropriate planning and organizational techniques; Consult with appropriate support staff.
• Preparing written functional vision assessments when appropriate.
• Supervisory Responsibilities This job has student supervisory responsibilities; on occasion, may supervise Teaching Assistants or interns.

Education and/or Experience

• Bachelors’ degree from a recognized college or university and ACVREP Certification as an Orientation and Mobility Instructor;
• Preference given to Masters degree with ACVREP Certification and two years experience teaching students with visual impairments who may also have additional disabilities; Ability to plan and conduct a system of continuous evaluation of each student’s progress; Knowledge of modern teaching techniques within the discipline; Valid driver’s license and willingness to drive school vehicles including chair cars; Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing; Ability to think clearly in stressful situations, a high stress tolerance and physical stamina required and flexibility of schedule.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• ACVREP Certification as an Orientation and Mobility Instructor
• First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Automated External Defibrillator (AED) certification required.
• If required, Crisis Prevention and Physical Intervention (CPPI) training will be offered during scheduled work time.

We have benefits that put you first, including an employer contributing retirement plan, tuition reimbursement from day one, professional development for our employees, personal days, paid time off and paid sick leave. Our campus is quaint, charming and historical, a perfect mix of legacy and modern buildings. It is located in the heart of Watertown, adjacent to the Charles River and less than 1 mile from food & entertainment at Arsenal Yards.