Instructor for the Blind, Senior – Orientation and Mobility

Description

Applications will be accepted through 4:59 PM MST on the posting end date. 

Recruitment Bonus up to $5,000 and/or moving expenses up to 10% of annual salary may be provided after official hiring based on terms and conditions!

Agency Information

ICBVI is a state agency which has been serving Idahoans since 1967. The agency assists blind and visually impaired persons to achieve independence by providing education, developing work skills, increasing self-confidence, and helping them remain employed or prepare for employment.

Our mission is to empower persons who are blind or visually impaired by providing vocational rehabilitation, skills training, and educational opportunities to achieve self-fulfillment through quality employment and independent living. 

 Position Description

This position will instruct individuals who are blind or visually impaired in skill areas such as orientation and mobility, activities of daily living and may assist/cover classes in reading and writing Braille, communications, and alternative daily living practices; counsel students in adjusting to blindness; perform related work.

Example of Duties

Instruction

• Provides individual instruction in Orientation & Mobility
• Determines students' training needs and plans instructional activities
• Assesses students' needs and capabilities and determines appropriate instructional methods
• Recommends low vision aids and instructs in their use
• Instructs students in alternative techniques
• Evaluates students' progress and behavior and prepares reports
• Consults with other instructors on course development and students' progress
• Coordinates educational goals with counselors
• Provides material including career planning, job placement, and blindness issues for the public and individuals who are blind or visually impaired
• Willing to get cross-training in another class to assist instruction in Braille, and alternative daily living skills such as cooking, sewing, cleaning, personal hygiene and computer operation
• Prepares instructional materials
• Provides back-up instruction for other instructors
• May function as a lead instructor over other instructor

Adjustment Counseling

• Advises clients in adjusting to blindness with emphasis on self-reliance, independence and alternative living skills
• Advises clients on vocationally relevant topics and employment opportunities
• Acts as a role model for clients
• Provides support to improve clients' attitudes
• Works with clients and staff to provide recreational outings and participates with staff as a team member on outings

Public relations

• Answers questions regarding blindness and agency services
• Gives presentations and conducts tours of the Assessment and Training Center for school and community groups and other interested parties

Case management

• Conducts initial interview and completes applications
• Obtains diagnostic information for the development of a rehabilitation plan and carries out respective services of that plan

 Minimum Qualifications:

Good knowledge of:

• Instructional methods

Typically gained byat least a 350+ hours O&M internship while attending an ACVREP or NOMC certified college O&M program.

•  Counseling techniques

Typically gained byat least one year work experience in a field where providing support and coping skills to individuals or groups was a regular part of your job responsibilities.

• Adaptive techniques for individuals who are blind or visually impaired

Typically gained by one year of work or other experience with individuals who are blind or visually impaired.

• Community resources available for the blind

Typically gained by one year of work or other experience with individuals who are blind or visually impaired.

Experience:

• Developing and implementing instruction and training programs

Typically gained by at least six months work experience where a part of your job responsibilities was developing and implementing instruction and training programs then presenting these programs to other staff or groups.

•  Assessing individuals' learning capabilities and evaluating their progress

Typically gained by six months' experience in an instructional setting assessing individuals' learning capabilities and evaluating their progress

•  Making oral presentations to groups

This is typically met through experience in an educational setting or in the workplace developing and presenting information to a group of people

 Preferred Qualifications:

• ACVREP O&M or National O&M certification; OR willing and able to obtain ACVREP O&M certification
• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in a field related to Orientation and Mobility

 Experience:

• Using and instructing people on non-visual and low vision assistive technology such as iPhones and Android phones for the purpose of GPS navigation
• Providing instruction in orientation and mobility
• Teaching alternative daily living skills used by individuals who are blind or visually impaired
• As a member of an interdisciplinary team in either a rehabilitation or school setting

 Supplemental Information: 

• Light travel (10% or less) is required for this position

Benefits

The State of Idaho offers a robust total compensation package, including medical, vision, and dental insurance; PERSI retirement benefits; paid sick, vacation, and parental leave; and 11 paid holidays per year. For additional information related to benefits and/or State programs, please visit https://dhr.idaho.gov/StateEmployees/Benefits.html.*

EEO/ADA/Veteran

The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) 334-2263 (TTY/TTD: 711), or email [email protected].

Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.