Orientation and Mobility Specialist

Job Description:

Wayfinder Family Services ensures that children, youth, and adults facing challenges always have a place to turn.

Wayfinder is committed to advancing IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility).

Wayfinder believes inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility are essential to our excellence and our mission’s execution. We value differences in the pursuit of inquiry and knowledge, mutual understanding, respect, trust, transparency, and cooperation. We are committed to creating a diverse and welcoming workplace that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve and includes individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Individuals of color, women, LGBTQIA+, veterans and differently-abled persons are encouraged to apply.

In exchange for your talent, Wayfinder offers an excellent benefits package, which includes the following:

• This role is eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Competitive salary – Sign-on bonus for eligible roles
• Flexible schedules depending on the position (some offering hybrid)
• Medical insurance with a $30 premium per paycheck coverage plan (employee-only)
• Dental insurance 100% employer paid for HMO coverage plan (employee-only)
• 401(k) retirement plan with an employer match up to 4%
• 11 paid holidays per year and a generous paid time off policy
• Five paid winter holidays (between Christmas Eve & New Year’s Day)
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Robust training opportunities: Shared Core Practice Model, Trauma-Informed Care, Evidence-based Practices
• Clinical Supervision for licensure

Compensation:

• In accordance with California law, the expected salary range for this position is posted with this position.  The actual compensation will be determined based on experience and other factors permitted by law.

We offer a sign-on bonus of $5,000 (Paid in two installments). Opportunities for Orientation and Mobility Specialists in both San Pablo, CA and Los Angeles, CA.

Role Summary:

Orientation and Mobility Instructors will organize, plan, and implement orientation and mobility curriculum and lessons for adults who are blind and visually impaired.  The Hatlen Center for the Blind teaches clients the skills they need to successfully live independently, pursue college and/or employment goals, and develop self-advocacy skills and confidence.  In the Hatlen Center model, instructors benefit from meeting their clients at the residential site and initiating all lessons into the community from our centralized location (no itinerant office locations).  All clients are 18+ years of age and live at the Casa Ensenada Apartments for an average of 12 months, enabling instructors to teach clients real-life scenarios in their actual community-based living environment. All staff participate in case management for a portion of the clients, and collaborate weekly regarding client progress during team meetings with additional Hatlen Center instructors who specialize in teaching assistive technology, personal financial literacy, Braille, and independent living skills.

• Assesses each client’s orientation and mobility skills and develops an Individual Service Plan (ISP) to develop goals in collaboration with the client to address their orientation and mobility needs.
• Develops and carries out a program of individualized instruction that may include pre-cane skills, cane skills, indoor travel, route-planning, street crossings, travel in light-business and business districts, use of public transportation, and use of vision and travel aids such as GPS and monocular telescopes.
• Makes careful observations and evaluations concerning client progress and maintains lesson notes.  Prepares monthly progress summaries for Measurable Outcome documentation.
• Collaborates and consults with other staff members and community partners on behalf of the client. Acts as an integral member of the rehabilitation team coordinating orientation and mobility skills training with other client services.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university required in Orientation and Mobility, Special Education or related field.
• Within one year of hire obtain certification through the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals as a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (CEU opportunities provided)

Employee Wellness & Safety

Wayfinder is committed to creating an environment where employees and clients are safe. To meet this goal, we ask that employees be fully vaccinated (including boosters) against the COVID-19 virus as a condition of employment. All staff must demonstrate evidence of the first vaccine dose on or before their employment start date. Wayfinder will consider requests for exemption based on religious beliefs or medical accommodations. Wayfinder requires a thorough background screening process that includes fingerprinting and a health screening.

Trauma-Informed Care

Wayfinder practices Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) principles which recognize the signs, symptoms, and widespread impact of trauma. Employees integrate the knowledge of Trauma-Informed Care into policies, procedures, and practices to prevent re-traumatization which promotes the healing of families, youth, individuals, and communities.

Wayfinder is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university required in Orientation and Mobility, Special Education or related field.
• Within one year of hire obtain certification through the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals as a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (CEU opportunities provided)