Orientation and Mobility Specialist II, Hatlen

At Wayfinder Family Services, we understand the unique challenges facing some of our state’s most vulnerable children, youth and adults. Those with disabilities, those without a home of their own, those who have been abused and many, many more. We answer the call for them. We believe in the amazing potential in, and for, each and every one of them. And, together, we find a way to turn that potential into reality.  

Program and Role Summary

Wayfinder’s Hatlen Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, founded in 1972 by visionary Phil Hatlen in San Pablo, California, revolutionized education for individuals with visual impairments. As the first transition program of its kind in the United States, it set the gold standard for fostering independence and remains the only program of its kind in the nation. The Hatlen Center is recognized as a pioneer in the field of visual impairment education and continues to stand alone in its unique approach to empowering students.

The primary focus of the Orientation and Mobility Specialist is to organize, plan and implement orientation and mobility services for adults who are blind and visually impaired and who may or may not have additional disabilities. In addition, O&M instructors at The Hatlen Center are responsible for planning and implementing financial management curriculum for several students, acting as case managers. This position reports directly to the Program Manager of the Hatlen Center.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Develop and carry out a program of individualized Orientation and Mobility instruction that may include pre-cane skills, cane skills, concept development, indoor travel, street crossings, travel in a variety of environments, use of public transportation including paratransit, group travel, occasional work with dog guide teams, use of orientation and mobility aids (maps, monoculars, assistive technology), and route planning.
• Emphasize the effective use of any residual vision, tactile and other sensory modes, and reinforces learning associated with other areas of instruction.
• Make careful observations and evaluations concerning clients’ progress and maintain detailed tracking notes.  Prepare reports as required.
• Participate in and develop curriculum for weekly group classes across a variety of subjects.
• Cooperate and consult with other staff members and appropriate community resources on behalf of the client. Act as an integral member of the rehabilitation team coordinating orientation and mobility skills training and financial management training with other client services.
• Participate in applicant interviews and help to determine the appropriateness of client placement at The Hatlen Center.
• Participate in departmental and agency-wide planning and evaluation functions.  Make recommendations concerning orientation and mobility skills training/financial management training and future planning.
• Maintain accurate records of all inventories in the teaching area.
• Other duties as outlined in the position description.

Education and Experience:

• A master’s degree in special education, rehabilitation, or related field with an emphasis in orientation and mobility from an accredited university is required.
• Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) certification through Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation & Education Professionals (ACVREP) required.
• Knowledge of all areas of adaptive equipment is required for individuals who are blind or visually impaired is required.

Benefits: Wayfinder is committed to providing our employees with a benefits program that is both comprehensive and competitive which includes:

• Paid Time Off: Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) policy, 11 paid holidays, plus five winter holidays
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match up to 4% 
• Employee referral program: Encourage your colleagues to join us
• Education tuition assistance program: Invest in your career development 
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible
• Flexible spending account (FSA) plans 
• Eligibility and other benefits are outlined in plan documents

Wayfinder Family Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We support a drug-free workplace and conduct pre-employment background and drug screenings.