Mobility Instructor (.40 FTE)

LOCATION: Special Education – Multiple Locations (schedule TBD)

BASIC FUNCTION:

The work involves responsibility for enhancing employability, maximizing independence and assisting in the development of the capacities and strengths of students who are blind and/or visually impaired. Incumbents teach vision-impaired students the skills, concepts and techniques necessary to travel safely, efficiently and confidently through any environment and under all environmental conditions and situations. Incumbents work one-on-one with students in their school to help them learn adaptive skills that allow them to overcome the obstacles in day-to-day life, enabling them to more fully integrate into their community. Incumbents are expected to perform independently the full range of duties associated with orientation and mobility, assisting in the development of the capacities and strengths of people who are blind and visually impaired. Does related work as required.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and carry out individualized orientation and mobility training for each student.

• Assist with basic orientation and concepts of body awareness, directionality and geometric shapes.

• Assist students with obtaining independence and confidence.

• Teach primary travel systems using residual vision, sighted guide, long cane, prescribed low vision aides or a combination of travel systems.

• Teach effective indoor travel techniques.

• Teach self-protective techniques.

• Provide training and room or building familiarization.

• Teach safe and effective negotiation of outdoor areas including street crossing at various traffic-controlled intersections.

• Assist with learning how to use public transportation.

• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of orientation and mobility assessment, selection, and application.

• Good knowledge of current special education practices for young children.

• Ability to deliver assistance and services through special education programs.

• Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

Job Qualifications

• Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a Master’s degree in Orientation and Mobility or a closely related field.

The selected applicant will be subject to a fingerprint-supported criminal history background check in accordance with SAVE Legislation effective July 1, 2001.

Vacancies are filled by a certified list provided by Albany County Civil Service. Should no certified list be available, candidates appointed to this position will be serving in a provisional appointment in accordance with New York State Civil Service Law. The candidate must successfully complete a competitive examination and be eligible for appointment in accordance with Civil Service Law and the Civil Service Rules for Albany County to obtain a permanent appointment.

Civil Service Title: Mobility Instructor

Job Number: 2027-94