Orientation and Mobility Instructor

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

Job Class Code: 3015
Grade: 23 (Professional/Technical)
Salary: $49,275 – $69,139
Location: Portland, ME

Opening Date: August 20, 2024

Closing Date: October 22, 2024

Our team is passionate about the providing Orientation and Mobility services to children and adults who are Blind or Visually Impaired (often with additional disabilities) in Cumberland and York Counties. We are seeking a skilled individual to join in our mission! This is professional services work instructing individuals with blindness or visual impairments of all ages in methods of safe and independent travel. The successful candidate will work closely with schools, families, and other blindness rehabilitation professionals and requires strong interpersonal, organizational and collaborative skills.

This position is located in the Portland Career Center. Frequent regional travel is necessary.

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.

Primary responsibilities include:  

• Determines feasibility of orientation and mobility training for clients, through evaluation of services available and expected results to set reasonable goals.
• Assesses and instructs infants, children and adults who are blind or visually impaired in areas such as concept development and spatial awareness using knowledge of blind rehabilitation techniques in order to improve client’s orientation and ability to interpret the environment around them.
• Teaches children and adults who are blind or visually impaired to travel safely and independently using remaining senses to improve mobility.
• Confers with community providers (DOE, DHHS, CDS, DVR) and blindness professionals (TVI, VRT, BRS, VRC) and other related professionals (OT, PT) to provide and coordinate referrals, & client services.
• Provides services for potentially eligible, Pre-employment transition services and the transition services for youth with blindness and visual impairments as outlined in the state and federal laws and policies.
• Writes evaluation & reports, plan, & case notes to document client needs.

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     .   

 Preference will be given to those applicants:

• Must have (or be eligible within six (6) months) certification as an Orientation and Mobility Specialist.

• Dual certification O&M and CVRT, TVI, CRC or CLVT preferred.

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+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($10,523.28-$12,380.40 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State. 
• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($350.40 annual value).
• Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 13.41% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS) for MSEA, or 18.21% for Confidential employees. 

State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for part-time employment.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role. 

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics. 

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying?

Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.