Vision Rehabilitation Therapist – Orientation & Mobility Instructor – An AER Member Organization!

Job Description:

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: Instructs students in Orientation & Mobility skills, including white cane techniques, to enable the highest level of safe and independent travel on foot and, as appropriate, public transportation. Works occasionally with individuals with dog guides. Provides independent living skills, communication skills, advocacy training, assistive technology instruction, and linkages to the community. Travels throughout the Chicago metropolitan area to assist clients.

RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE WORK OF OTHERS: This position holds no direct supervisory responsibility.

TRAVEL REQUIRED: Approximately 50% within metro Chicago and suburbs. Less than 5% out of town travel.

SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

• Evaluates the orientation and mobility needs of assigned students and others referred for services;
• Plans and implements individually designed program to teach orientation and mobility skills, develop self-confidence, and increase knowledge of frequently traveled areas, such as within the Lighthouse or in their home neighborhood, and on public transportation; Provide basic communication skills; teaches advocacy skills; conducts assessments to determine need for assistive devices and trains on devices; trains on basic independent living skills; provides client with community resources;
• Takes responsibility for the physical safety of persons receiving services when on orientation and mobility training;
• Teaches appropriate white cane techniques to persons receiving services as needed;
• Collaborates with teaching and consulting staff to maintain appropriate records and writes reports on persons receiving services;
• Provides funding source with assessments and progress notes;
• Review referrals and Community Rehabilitation Providers to make sure services match Division of Rehabilitation Services authorizations;
• Serves as consultant to other agency staff regarding mobility concerns; orients new staff to sighted guide techniques, simulation of blindness, and an understanding of orientation and mobility;
• May supervise and assign routine duties to assistants, interns, and university students;
• Interprets and presents specific agency services to community and professional groups as appropriate;
• Tracks and documents hours of service accordingly and submits time log to accounting;
• Keeps in contact with various referral sources to maintain an active case load;
• Meet monthly hours needed to ensure program goals are met;
• Maintains an active interest and participates in the professional field at all levels; analyzes trends and innovations in the field and integrates into program, as appropriate;
• Performs other duties as assigned

  Employee Benefits

  BENEFIT PACKAGE UP TO AN ADDITIONAL 25% OF SALARY INCLUDING:

  • 10 days paid vacation
  • 12 paid holidays
  • 6 sick days accrued over the year
  • Insurance Eligibility the 1st of the month after 30 days of employment
    • Medical (65% covered by the Chicago Lighthouse), dental and vision insurance offered
  • Short/long term disability
  • Life insurance 2x salary
  • Employee recognition events
  • Company matched 401(k) plan
  • Reasonably priced delicious food options on site (except at Glenview location)

Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in Vision Rehabilitation Therapy – Orientation and Mobility required;
• ACVREP certification as an orientation and mobility specialist and Vocational Rehabilitation Therapist required;
• Knowledge of city and suburban transportation system required;
• Ability to work flexible hours to meet client needs, and willingness to travel within the Chicago metropolitan area required;
• Previous teaching experience preferred;
• Knowledge of sign language preferred;
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred;
• Individual must be flexible to successfully interact with a diverse population of staff and enrollees, self-directed, and able to exercise independent action and decision making;
• Commitment to our mission of providing opportunities for people who are blind or visually impaired is essential.