Orientation & Mobility Specialist

Work Hours:  Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm
Work Location: 1151 S Wood St Chicago, IL 60612-4889

Division of Rehabilitation Services

Customer and Community Blind Services

Region 1

Position Overview

The Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) is the state’s lead division serving people with disabilities committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and racial justice.  The mission of the Division is to assist individuals with disabilities in achieving their goals of employment, education, and independent living.  This position instructs individuals who are Blind, Visually Impaired or DeafBlind in orientation and mobility skills in the Bureau of Customer and Community Blind Services. This position will receive formal and informal training not to exceed twelve months to be able to provide instruction to Blind, Visually Impaired, or DeafBlind customers in skills, methods, and techniques to independently travel safely and effectively in familiar and unfamiliar surroundings.  The Division of Rehabilitation Services is seeking to hire a self-motivated and detail-oriented individual with good communication skills.

Job Responsibilities

1. Participates in an agency-sponsored training program of six (6) to twelve (12) months duration.

2. Completes work assignments designed to develop knowledge, understanding and practical skills consistent with the provision of services to individuals who are Blind, Visually Impaired, or Deafblind.

3. Assumes increasing responsibility for customers assigned.

4. Participates in staff meetings and formal trainings.

5. Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Requires a master’s degree in Orientation and Mobility from an accredited college or university.

*All qualifying candidates must have attained certification as an Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) within the time parameters of the Rehabilitation/Mobility Instructor Trainee Program.

Preferred Qualifications

1. One (1) year of professional experience providing instruction in orientation and mobility to persons who are blind, visually impaired, or DeafBlind.

2. One (1) year of professional experience assessing individual needs and preparing a plan of services for individuals with disabilities to live independently and/or gain competitive employment.

3. One (1) year professional experience establishing trusting relationships and communicating clearly and effectively with customers, family members, coworkers, providers, and employers.

4. One (1) year of professional experience utilizing and remaining up to date on accessible techniques and adaptive technology to train individuals who are visually impaired, blind, and/or DeafBlind.

5. One (1) year of professional experience working with federal statutes related to rehabilitation programs such as the Rehabilitation Act and amendments, the Social Security Act, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Workforce Innovative Opportunities Act (WIOA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act, etc.

6. One (1) year of professional experience utilizing, reading and writing braille.

Conditions of Employment

1. Requires ability to travel to provide services in the customer’s home, residential setting, or group setting as well as in the built environment.

2. Requires ability to physically access the customer’s home environment and/or work environment and use public transportation.

3. Requires ability to visually assess the travel route for the safety of the customer.

*The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.