Rehabilitation of the Blind Specialist

*This position will function as an Orientation & Mobility (O&M) Specialist.*

*The final work location will be dependent upon the selected applicant.*

Essential Functions:  This position will serve people who are Blind or Visually Impaired in Western and Southwestern Oklahoma. Position is responsible for performing complex professional work which involves working in partnership with individuals who are blind or severely visually impaired who may have multiple secondary disabilities in their homes, communities, and work environments, by providing instruction in alternative techniques for independent living and by providing in-depth counseling to consumers and their families in addressing challenges created by their blindness. Assigned responsibilities include providing instruction in orientation techniques and management of various travel situations; in cane skills (of client preference), in sighted guide techniques; sun wear and low vision aids; and mobility devices; in the use and access to public transportation systems; routes to schools, universities, or new job sites; prepares individuals to attend dog guide school and provides follow-up. Also provides a comprehensive assessment of the consumers’ current level of independence in daily living, communication, and orientation and mobility. May also educate and train civic groups, rehabilitation professionals and other outside entities on the mobility needs of blind or visually impaired individuals and develop community resources.

Applicant must be willing to perform all job-related travel. 

Trial period (if applicable) is required.

Background Check:  The Department of Rehabilitation Services will conduct a criminal background check on new hires as part of an offer of employment that is made contingent upon a successful criminal background check. 

Education and Experience Requirements: 

Level I - requirements at this level consist of a Bachelor’s degree in orientation and mobility, rehabilitation teaching or a bachelor’s degree and one year of experience in a disability related field. ##All applicants must have proficiency in Uncontracted Unified English Braille as demonstrated by the successful completion of a competency test administered by the Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired Division of the Department of Rehabilitation Services.

Level II - requirements at this level consist of a Bachelor’s degree in orientation and mobility, rehabilitation teaching plus two years of experience in rehabilitation teaching or orientation and mobility; or a bachelor’s degree and one year of experience in a disability related field plus two years of experience in rehabilitation teaching or orientation and mobility. ##All applicants at this level must be eligible to sit for certification for either the Vision Rehabilitation Therapist (CVRT) or Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) through the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP) or the National Orientation and Mobility Certificate (NOMC). All applicants must have proficiency in Contracted Unified English Braille as demonstrated by the successful completion of a competency test administered by the Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired Division of the Department of Rehabilitation Services.

Level III - requirements at this level consist of a master’s degree in either Rehabilitation of the Blind, Visual/Vision services or Orientation and Mobility and three years of experience in rehabilitation teaching or orientation and mobility. ##All applicants at this level must be certified in either the Vision Rehabilitation Therapist (CVRT) or Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) through the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP) or the National Orientation and Mobility Certificate, (NOMC). All applicants must have proficiency in Contracted Unified English Braille as demonstrated by the successful completion of a competency test administered by the Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired Division of the Department of Rehabilitation Services.

Level IV - requirements at this level consist of a master’s degree in either Rehabilitation of the Blind, Visual/Vision services or Orientation and Mobility and four years of experience in rehabilitation teaching or orientation and mobility. ##All applicants at this level must be certified in either the Vision Rehabilitation Therapist (CVRT) or Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) through the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP) or the National Orientation and Mobility Certificate, (NOMC). All applicants must have proficiency in Contracted Unified English Braille as demonstrated by the successful completion of a competency test administered by the Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired Division of the Department of Rehabilitation Services.

Benefit Highlights: The Department of Rehabilitation Services provides a comprehensive benefits package designed to support our employees and their dependents.

Benefits Include:

• Generous state paid benefit allowance to help cover insurance premiums
• A wide choice of health insurance plans with no pre-existing condition exclusions or limitations
• Flexible spending accounts for health care expenses or dependent care
• Employee assistance programs and health and fitness programs
• 11 paid holidays
• 15 days of vacation and 15 days of sick leave for the first year
• Retirement Savings Plan with a generous match
• Longevity Bonus for years of service
• 5% additional pay for the possession of an appropriate professional certification or licensure
• Training opportunities to help meet CEU requirements

Method of Application: Applicants without previous state service, with previous state service but not currently employed by a state agency must apply though the Workday on-line External Listings applicant system (State of Oklahoma Careers (myworkdayjobs.com)). 

Current State of Oklahoma employees must apply through the Workday on-line Internal Listings applicant system (Find Jobs - Internal State of Oklahoma - Workday (myworkday.com))

For questions regarding specific duties or details of this job, please contact Human Resources at HR@okdrs.gov.

An Equal Opportunity Employer