Orientation and Mobility Instructor - Part Time - Acting Capacity

Location: Portland,Maine,United States

Department of Labor - Bureau of Rehabilitation Services - Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Job Class Code: 3015
Grade: 23 (Professional/Technical)

HourlyS: $23.00 – $31.03
Location: Portland, ME

Opening Date: May 20, 2024

Closing Date: June 4, 2024

Our team is passionate about providing Orientation and Mobility services to children and adults who are Blind or Visually Impaired. We are seeking a part time O&M Instructor to join the team for the summer months in Maine. The successful candidate will work closely with schools, families, and other blindness rehabilitation professionals and requires strong interpersonal, organizational, and collaborative skills. This is a time-limited, part time position, (12 hours/week)  located out of our Portland office.

Primary responsibilities include:  

• Teaches children and adults who are blind or visually impaired to travel safely and independently using remaining senses in order to improve mobility.
• Determines feasibility of orientation and mobility training for clients, through evaluation of services available and expected results in order to set reasonable goals.
• Instructs in use of low vision aids, as it relates to mobility, through knowledge of devices and degree and type of impairment in order to explain and teach use and enhance safe client mobility.
• Counsels clients and family members on adjustment to visual impairment in order to assist client and family in adjustment process.
• Reviews, interprets, evaluates, and reports on IWRP, specific case history, and training results at staff meetings, as part of the Pupil Evaluation Team, and conferences in order to determine client progress and improve plan effectiveness.
• Confers with social services providers and other professionals in order to provide and coordinate client services.
• Develops community awareness of Orientation & Mobility and Blind Rehabilitation services in order to enhance community awareness and assist in accommodating clients.

To be successful in the position, you must have knowledge of and experience in:

• Medical and psychological/social aspects of rehabilitation of persons who are blind or visually impaired.
• Kinesiology, Audition and other senses.
• Concept and sensory development.
• Ability to work independently, with a team, and manage multiple tasks     .   

Minimum qualifications:

A Bachelors Degree in Orientation and Mobility and two (2) years of experience providing instruction in Orientation and Mobility -OR- a Masters Degree in Orientation and Mobility.

Contact information:

Questions about this position should be directed to Timothy Small at timothy.e.small@maine.gov. 

Application Instructions:

Interested applicants need to apply online by selecting the "Apply for this opening" button along with uploading a cover letter, current resume, and copies of any transcripts or certifications you wish to have considered while evaluating your application.  In order for us to properly determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for any posting, you must be sure your resume includes month and year for any experience listed along with the duties and responsibilities associated with each particular time period.  Any experience that was not full-time employment should be identified as such. 

If you require a paper application, please download and print one here https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-jobs/application-process or contact our office at 207-623-6700.  Paper applications for this posting should be submitted along with cover letter and resume before the closing date to Security & Employment Service Center, 45 Commerce Drive, Augusta, ME  04330 or faxed to 207-287-2018.  Be sure title of the job you are applying for is included.  Applications cannot be accepted after the posting closing date.  

Benefits of working for the State of Maine:

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ w