Job Abstract

Are you in search of a rewarding career in which you can make a genuine impact on the lives of your fellow Pennsylvanians in need? The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR), Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services (BBVS) Erie District Office, is seeking an Orientation and Mobility Specialist to provide a full range of services to individuals who are blind and visually impaired and to assist them with maintaining as much independence as possible within their homes and communities. Take pride in the valuable work you do and apply with us today!

As an Orientation and Mobility Specialist, you will work towards promoting optimal personal and social adjustment to blindness, leading to self-sufficiency, independent living, and contributing to the individual's rehabilitation process through instruction and consultation.

You will assess referrals by collecting and reviewing reports and information, conferring with staff, interviewing individuals, and observing current level of functioning to create an individualized plan and make referrals for other appropriate services.

Utilize a comprehensive approach towards developing an individualized service plan including a schedule of instructions based on objectives and recommendations and in coordination with the Vocational Rehabilitation, Independent Living, and Social Services plan. You will also have opportunities to provide sequences of individualized or group instruction by implementing experience-based learning activities and supervised practice of techniques to promote optimum attainment of independence.

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are flexible and are subject to change based on operational needs.
• Alternate work schedule may be available.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, upon successful completion of the probationary period. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Erie.
• Salary: Most employees will start at the beginning level of the advertised salary.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Successful completion of the commonwealth’s Orientation and Mobility Intern program; or
• A bachelor’s or master’s degree or certificate from an approved college or university program in orientation and mobility that includes a practicum; or
• Possession of an active Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist certificate issued by the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP).
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree/credits.

Other Requirements:

• PA residency requirement is currently waived for this title.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements:

• This position falls under the provisions of the Child Protective Services Law.
  1. Under the Law, a conditional offer of employment will require submission and approval of satisfactory criminal history reports including, but not limited to, PA State Police clearance, PA Child Abuse history clearance, and FBI Fingerprint clearance.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

Veterans:

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.