What are the responsibilities and job description for the Special Education Sensory Services - Orientation & Mobility Specialist - 1.0FTE position at Seattle Public Schools?
JOB This position is for the 2026/2027 school year
To learn more about our special education service pathways, please follow this link to the SPS Special Education Department website: https://www.seattleschools.org/departments/special-education/services/placement-and-primary-service-types/. ;
The Orientation and Mobility Specialist provides sequential instruction to individuals with visual impairment in the use of their remaining senses to determine their position within the environment and in techniques for safe movement from one place to another. Students range in age from preschool through high school. EXAMPLE OF DUTIES Teaches concept development, motor development, sensory development skills which includes the following:
Other Functions:
Performs related duties consistent with the scope and intent of the position.
Required Knowledge, Skill and Abilities:
Knowledge of:
Child Development and Orientation and Mobility techniques.
Ability to:
Communicate and work with team members.
Reports to:
Vision Team Lead and Supervisor.
Supervisor: Director, Special Education
Next Highest Supervisor: Executive Director, Student Services
Working Conditions:
Requires traveling to students, keeping logs of activities, attending IEP meetings, attending vision team meeting, and sharing appropriate information with parents and teachers.
To learn more about our special education service pathways, please follow this link to the SPS Special Education Department website: https://www.seattleschools.org/departments/special-education/services/placement-and-primary-service-types/. ;
The Orientation and Mobility Specialist provides sequential instruction to individuals with visual impairment in the use of their remaining senses to determine their position within the environment and in techniques for safe movement from one place to another. Students range in age from preschool through high school. EXAMPLE OF DUTIES Teaches concept development, motor development, sensory development skills which includes the following:
- Concept development includes body image, spatial, temporal, positional, directional and environmental concepts.
- Motor development includes motor skills needed for balance, posture and gait, as well as the use of adaptive devices and techniques to assist those with multiple disabilities.
- Sensory Development includes visual, auditory, vestibular, kinesthetic, tactile, olfactory, and proprioceptive senses, and the interrelationships of these systems.
- Residual vision stimulation and training
- Human guide technique
- Upper and lower protective techniques
- Locating dropped objects
- Trailing
- Squaring-off
- Cane techniques
- Soliciting/declining assistance
- Following directions
- Utilizing landmarks
- Search patterns
- Compass directions
- Route planning
- Analysis and intensification of intersections and traffic patterns
- Use of traffic control devices
- Techniques for crossing streets
- Techniques for travel in indoor environments, outdoor residential, small and large business districts, mall travel, and rural areas.
- Problem solving
- The use of public transportation
- Evaluation with sun filters for the reduction of glare
- Instructional use of Low Vision devices
Other Functions:
Performs related duties consistent with the scope and intent of the position.
Required Knowledge, Skill and Abilities:
Knowledge of:
Child Development and Orientation and Mobility techniques.
Ability to:
Communicate and work with team members.
Reports to:
Vision Team Lead and Supervisor.
Supervisor: Director, Special Education
Next Highest Supervisor: Executive Director, Student Services
Working Conditions:
Requires traveling to students, keeping logs of activities, attending IEP meetings, attending vision team meeting, and sharing appropriate information with parents and teachers.