HKS Orientation & Mobility Specialist

Candidates who are Blind or Visually Impaired and/or Deaf or Hard of Hearing are encouraged to apply for this position and may be given preference in hiring as federal laws permit.  Information related to disability is not required and, if disclosed voluntarily, will be used only in AIDB’s efforts to create opportunities for individuals with exceptionalities. Non-disclosure will not subject any applicant to adverse treatment.

Position: Orientation & Mobility Specialist 

Helen Keller School of Alabama 

ABOUT ALABAMA INSTITUTE FOR DEAF AND BLIND (AIDB)

Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind (AIDB) is the world’s most comprehensive education, rehabilitation, and service program serving individuals of all ages who are Deaf, Blind, Deaf Blind, multidisabled, and their families. Founded in 1858, AIDB serves more than 30,000 infants, toddlers, children, adults, and senior citizens with hearing and vision loss throughout Alabama each year. Our services span a lifetime and include five campuses in Talladega, a statewide network of regional centers, Early Intervention services, traditional and nontraditional educational opportunities in residential, day, and outreach settings, and a manufacturing facility known as Alabama Industries for the Blind (AIB), the state’s largest employer of adults who are Blind. AIDB’s three K-12 schools — Alabama School for the Blind, Alabama School for the Deaf, and Helen Keller School of Alabama — provide specialized educational services that empower students to achieve their full potential. Our employees are among the organization’s most valuable assets and resources. We share a commitment to leveling the playing field for all. Our mission makes AIDB a unique place to work.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Our employees are among the organization’s most valuable assets and resources. We share compassion for leveling the playing field for all. Our Mission makes AIDB a unique place to work, and we invite you to be a part of the miracles that happen every day.

You will focus on students’ long/short-term needs grounded in nonvisual instruction; cognitive problem solving; and concerted strategies for clarifying attitudes and raising expectations surrounding blindness. You will prepare lesson plans and instruct students in the development of skills and knowledge which will enable them to travel independently to the highest degree possible.

ABOUT YOU

The ideal candidate will possess a love for students with multiple disabilities.  All students at HKS possess a sensory impairment along with at least one other area of disability.  The Helen Keller School is searching for individuals who have a heart for students with more severe special needs and are willing to do whatever is necessary to provide limitless opportunities for our students. 

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university in Orientation and Mobility or a closely-related field. 

• Valid Alabama Teaching Certificate or valid certification in another state with the ability to obtain reciprocity within six (6) months of employment date. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Orientation and Mobility from an accredited college/university. 

• ACVREP certified in Orientation and Mobility. 

• Alabama Teaching Certificate in Collaborative Special Education and Visual Impairment. 

• One (1) year or more experience working with children with multi-disabilities in education or rehabilitation settings. 

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

Student Instruction & Training

• Independent Travel: Instruct students in the development of skills and knowledge which enable them to travel independently to the highest degree possible. 

• Curriculum & Lesson Planning: Prepare meaningful lesson plans and instructional strategies grounded in nonvisual instruction and cognitive problem solving. 

Case Management & Administration

• IEP Development: Develop and implement an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) for each assigned student in the HKS program based on school curriculum and state standards. 

• IEP Meetings: Conduct formal IEP meetings with parents and colleagues. 

Physical & General Expectations

• Must be able to lift at minimum 50 lbs., to include pushing, pulling, and bending. 

• Must have a valid Alabama Driver’s License and be able to be insured by the AIDB insurance carrier. 

• Demonstrated maturity, self-motivation, outstanding communication skills, and the ability to exercise sound judgment. 

• Must possess or develop an understanding of cultures and needs of persons who are Deaf, Blind, or Deaf/Blind, ensuring all actions and decisions demonstrate respect for and value of persons with sensory loss. 

• Must demonstrate the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, consumers, and their families. 

Professional Development and Certifications

• Sign Language Proficiency: Must provide recent documentation of sign language proficiency (SCPI) or take a sign language proficiency evaluation (SCPI) available through AIDB. "Survival" proficiency must be obtained within the first thirty (30) months of employment.

• ACVREP certified in Orientation and Mobility within the first 12 months of employment.  

• Behavior Management: Must complete and maintain Behavior Management training within the first twelve (12) months of employment. 

• Safety & Medical: Must complete and maintain CPR/First Aid training within the first twelve (12) months of employment. 

• Transportation Licensure: Must obtain and maintain an Alabama School Bus License and CDL within the first thirty-six (36) months of employment.

• Policy Adherence: Maintain thorough knowledge of all school rules and emergency procedures, ensuring consistent enforcement of campus policies.

Upon offer of employment, the applicant must submit to a fingerprint background check at an agency designated and paid by AIDB. This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job goals, qualifications, and responsibilities, and the employee may be required to perform other related duties as assigned.

MANDATORY ANNUAL TRAINING:

• Medication Training

• Behavior Management certification

• CPR – every 2 years

• Blood Borne Pathogens

• Using an AED

• Mandatory Reporting – DHR

• Policy and Procedure Review

• Erin’s Law

• Jason Flatt Act

SALARY:  $54,870-71,608          I1-IT

                  $58,413-75,673          I1-AA

187 days

BENEFITS:  Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance Available

                        Alabama State TRS Retirement

                        Deferred Compensation Options Available

                        Paid Time Off

                     Onsite Daycare

Direct deposit required.