Job Description

Orientation & Mobility Specialist - Blind Services

The Florida Department of Education has an open position for an Orientation & Mobility Specialist at the Career, Technology, and Training Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired in Daytona Beach. This position is responsible for developing policies, procedures, and techniques and is responsible for monitoring standards for the Orientation & Mobility program to provide proper rehabilitation therapy for statewide referrals.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Provide direct instruction in techniques of Orientation & Mobility.
• Assist students in developing and/or improving the work characteristics and skills needed for competitive employment or to function independently in a home and/or work environment.
• Develop programs and curricula as needed to support the goal of employment.
• Monitor and evaluate the plans and programs to assure the effectiveness of individualized training and to meet changing needs of the clients' overall objectives.
• Assess the referred client's use of residual vision and impact of any secondary disabilities on performance.
• Develop lesson plans that reflect the daily objectives needed to meet the established goals.
• Work with clients to select a program in which mutually established goals are met.
• Maintain records of goals, participation and progress on each student, and relay this information as needed in written and/or oral reports or in staffings with the referring counselor from the area of the state where the client lives.
• Provide maintenance on equipment and order supplies; keep inventory in good repair and make purchases as necessary.
• Act as a liaison and provides assistance in all areas for overall program coordination.
• Attend workshops and conferences for professional growth; participate in public education as needed and serve as a resource person for staff, students and the public.
• Assist with student facility/department needs as required; acquire new skills as needed to meet program changes.
• Recommend ancillary services such as audiology, low vision, and physical therapy that would enhance the student's program.
• If requested will assist in training volunteers or supervising interns assigned to the Center.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Ability to communicate effectively; both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to read and follow policies, procedures and/or other instructions.
• Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to maintain certification in Orientation & Mobility (O&M).

Who We're Looking For:

The ideal incumbent must be productive under tight timeframes, balance multiple and competing priorities, and maintain goal-directed behavior and performance sometimes under stressful conditions. The incumbent must interact courteously with others. The performance and behavior of all employees must demonstrate consideration of the workload concerns of others and must not negatively affect productivity and morale of the unity. Attendance is an essential function.

Other Miscellaneous Duties:

• Performs other duties as requested.
• Some travel is required.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a field of study reasonably related to vocational rehabilitation, or
• Four years of professional and relevant experience in a public vocational rehabilitation program. Preference will be given to those with a bachelor's degree.
• Certification in Orientation and Mobility (O&M) or are eligible to become a Certified O&M Instructor.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A bachelor's or master's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Three (3) to five (5) years' experience in a public vocational rehabilitation program.
• An ability to establish and maintain education and experience requirements to ensure an understanding of the evolving labor force and the needs of individuals with disabilities.
• Knowledge of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).
• A certification in Orientation and Mobility (O&M) or are eligible to become a Certified O&M Instructor.

Division of Blind Services Mission Statement:

The Division of Blind Services ensure blind and visually impaired Floridians have the tools, support and opportunities to achieve success. In partnership with others, we create a barrier-free environment in the lives of Floridians with visual disabilities. The Florida Division of Blind Services helps blind and visually impaired individuals achieve their goals and live their lives with as much independence and self-direction as possible. The Division serves thousands of Floridians through its plethora of programs and services. District and Satellite Offices located throughout the state, as well as the Career, Technology and Training Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired (CTTC), and the Braille and Talking Books Library. The Division of Blind Services has become a national model in education, employment and other services that foster independence for blind and visually impaired Floridians.

Working for the State of Florida has Benefits!

• State Group Insurance Coverage options (health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental options)
• Nine paid holidays and a Personal Holiday each year.
• Student Loan Forgiveness Program (Eligibility required).
• Tuition Fee Waivers (Accepted by major Florida colleges/universities).
• Maternity and Parental Leave Benefits.
• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions.
• Annual and Sick Leave Benefits.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Ongoing comprehensive training provided.
• Highly skilled, professional environment.

For a more complete list of benefits, visit .

Leave Information (CS):

• Annual Leave - All full-time Career Service employees filling established positions earn annual leave in varying increments dependent upon years of creditable service. Employees with up to 5 years of creditable service earn 8.667 hours per month, with 5 to 10 years earn 10.833 hours per month and those with over 10 years of service earn 13 hours per month. Employees in Senior Management Service and Selected Exempt Service positions are credited with 176 hours of annual leave upon appointment. In subsequent years, the annual allotment is credited on the anniversary date of the initial appointment.
• Sick Leave - Career Service employees earn 8.667 hours of sick leave credits per month.

Background Screening Requirement:

It is the policy of the Florida Department of Education that applicants for employment/volunteer undergo Level 2 background screening in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 435, Florida Statutes, as a condition of employment or being permitted to serve as a volunteer. You will be required to provide your Social Security Number to conduct the required verifications. No applicant for a designated position will be employed, contracted or permitted to volunteer until the level 2 screening results are received, reviewed, and approved by the Department. Level 2 background screening shall include, but not be limited to, finger printing for all purposes and checks under this requirement, statewide criminal and juvenile records checks through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, federal criminal records check through the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and local criminal records checks through local law enforcement.

Selective Service System (SSS) and Requirement:

Male applicants born on or after October 1, 1962, will not be eligible for hire or promotion in the Other Personal Services (OPS) or Career Service, or appointment in the Selected Exempt Service (SES) or Senior Management Service (SMS) unless they are registered with the Selective Service System (SSS) before their 26th birthday, or have a Letter of Registration Exemption from the SSS. Verification of Selective Service registration will be conducted prior to hire. For more information, please visit the .

If you experience problems applying online, please call the People First Service Center at (877) 562-7287.

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to

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