Orientation & Mobility Specialist

About Us

Travis Association for the Blind/Austin Lighthouse (TAB) a non-profit organization, was founded in 1934 by Dr. Henry L. Hilgartner and other civic-minded citizens of Austin to provide a setting where blind men and women could come to learn skills and create products that were sold door to door.

Today, Travis Association for the Blind stays true to the mission established in 1934 by providing opportunities for economic and personal independence for people who are blind, visually impaired, or deaf blind by creating, sustaining, and improving employment. We continue to grow and expand the services we provide to blind Texans.

Our Core Values guide us in everything we do: LIGHT: Leadership, Integrity, Growth & Innovation, Heart, and Teamwork. TAB offers a variety of benefits to include: 403(b) retirement plan; health insurance; dental insurance; vision insurance; employee assistance program; life insurance; paid time off; paid holidays; employee appreciation events; and more.

Job Summary

The Orientation and Mobility Specialist is responsible for the successful O&M training of all clients and employees while identifying and evaluating new O&M teaching opportunities or partnerships that will benefit clients or employees. Receiving referrals from TWC or local agencies, the O&M Specialist performs all duties relevant to client or employees accomplishing their O&M goals including but not limited to assessments, guidance, planning, training, documentation and overall case management and follow up.

Responsibilities

• Communicates regularly with case manager to understand and prepare for pipeline of potential clients

• Evaluates clients' needs for Orientation and Mobility training, developing a plan and schedule to ensure clients' stated goals are accomplished
• Identifying appropriate instructional strategies/methods; and developing training aids, manuals, and other materials as needed

• Partners with TAB ensuring yearly O&M/Safety evaluations for every BVI employee, conducting training as needed
• Maintains knowledge, education, and certification, staying current on industry specific training methods, content and low vision aids related to O&M

• Manages and documents all cases in client management system ensuring all records are complete and accurate
• Maintains frequent communication with O&M clients monitoring progress and commitment
• Establishes and maintains interpersonal relationships. Develops constructive and cooperative working relationships with staff and other company management members.
• Prepares program reports for manager as requested
• Provides O&M services in partnership with public relations type programs
• Identifies potentially beneficial partnerships in the community or profession
• Public speaking, press interviews, and tours as directed
• Performs other duties as assigned to meet business needs.

The above description reflects the details considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job and should not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be performed in the job.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Effective teaching skills
• Excellent customer service skills in all situations
• Demonstrate ability to solve problems, analyze systems and data, and suggest appropriate solutions
• Ability to adapt, recommend and conduct training to meet the needs of all learners at all levels
• Innate desire to help others succeed while holding them accountable
• Ability to work independently and a desire to work collaboratively
• Exhibits a mindset of excellence
• Always communicates respectfully
• Integrity, accountability, positive attitude and mission driven
• Strong organization skills, attention to detail, and flexibility
• Ability to implement client training plan to address competency standards

• Proficient in Microsoft Office and CRM
• Strong communication, listening, and presentation skills
• Ability to publicly represent TAB in a positive and professional manner creating partnerships when beneficial to TAB or the blind community

Supervisory Responsibility

• None

Communication & Contacts Required

• customers, employees, leaders

Decision Making/Judgment Required

• Makes decisions as per Standard Operation Procedures and Company Policies

Minimum Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Orientation and Mobility
• All required state certifications, as well as the Texas confidence course
• Certification by the Academy for Certification of Visions Rehabilitation and Educational Professionals (ACVREP) is strongly preferred, but National Blindness Professional Certification Board (NBPCP) may be accepted.

Physical Requirements

With or without reasonable accommodation, employees in this position must be able to:

• Endure prolonged periods of working on a computer
• Remain in a stationary position (stand/sit) for 4-8 hours

• Lift/move up to 10 lbs. at times
• Bend, stoop, squat, adjust position for 20% of time
• May occasionally work in conditions with varying temperature, including cold and/or heat

TRAVIS ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND, A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION, IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER

TAB provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability status, protected veteran status, genetics or any other characteristic protected by law.. In addition to federal law requirements, TAB complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

EEO is the law. To review your rights under Equal Employment Opportunity, please visit: www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf

Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. This description reflects management's assignment of essential functions, it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned or reassigned. This job description is subject to change at any time.