Orientation and Mobility Specialist (.10 FTE)

Salary: DOE Negotiations in Progress

Location: Districtwide # Days: 188 Kenai Peninsula, Alaska

Job Qualifications: Must have or be eligible to obtain an Alaska Type C Special Services Certificate with an endorsement in Orientation and Mobility or equivalent. Previous experience in similar positions is preferred. Must work cooperatively with all staff members, including multiple related services providers, and communicate effectively with parents. Reliable transportation and a valid driver's license are required, as travel to school sites throughout the District is necessary by car.

Job Description: Provide Orientation and Mobility (O&M) services to students with visual impairments and blindness across school sites. Conduct functional O&M evaluations and specialized assessments in core curriculum areas affected by vision loss, including expanded core curriculum (ECC); interpret results and use data to inform instruction and eligibility/placement recommendations. Provide direct O&M instruction addressing safe, efficient, and independent travel skills in varied environments. Contribute to IEP goal development and planning, advising teams on appropriate accommodations and placement options related to mobility and travel. Recommend environmental and instructional modifications to improve access and independence. Provide training, supervision, and program direction to paraprofessionals and other support staff serving visually impaired students. Coordinate services with related service providers and external agencies. Collaborate with families to support student learning, provide resources, and communicate progress and strategies for home use. Coordinate and communicate with related service providers and building teams to ensure cohesive service delivery using varied methodologies (direct instruction, co-teaching, consultative models). Develop and implement individualized lessons that address academic, social, and pre-vocational goals related to travel and independence. Conduct formal and informal testing; maintain accurate case files, assessment records, and IEP documentation in compliance with state and federal timelines. Participate in IEP meetings and parent/teacher conferences; document decisions and follow-up actions. Implement positive, proactive behavior supports and address student behaviors using developmentally appropriate strategies during O&M instruction. Stay current with research, best practices, and legal requirements related to education for students with visual impairments and O&M. Travel regularly to multiple school sites as required to provide services. Work under the direct supervision of building administrators and in coordination with district administration to ensure program compliance with District and State standards. Perform other duties as assigned by the building administrator to support student learning and program quality. Certification & Highly Qualified Requirements: Must have a current Alaska Type C Special Services Certificate issued by the Alaska Department of Education with an endorsement in Orientation and Mobility or equivalent on/or before the first contract day.

Language Skills: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, IEP documents, and professional correspondence. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from administrators, staff, parents, and the general public.

Mathematical Skills: Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide into all units of measure using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percentage and draw and interpret bar graphs. Reasoning Ability: Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations. Ability to solve practical problems and deal with various concrete variables in situations with limited standardization. Ability to interpret multiple instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Other Skills and Abilities: Ability to apply knowledge of current research and theory to instructional program; ability to plan and implement lessons based on district and school objectives and the needs and abilities of students to whom assigned. The ability to de-escalate students with behavioral crises, develop and implement Positive Behavioral Intervention Plans, and work closely with school psychologists. Ability to respond in a manner that protects students and staff safety during physical outbursts by students. Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with students, peers, and parents, oral and written communication skills. Ability to perform duties with awareness of all district requirements and Board of Education policies. The position requires the individual to meet multiple demands from several people and interact professionally with the public and other staff.

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, talk, hear, observe, walk, bend, lift, reach, and sit. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will occasionally push or lift to 50 lbs. The duties will occasionally require lifting students, positioning students, and providing physical assistance for students with limited mobility in partnership with other professionals. Requires the ability to respond to protect student and staff safety during physical outbursts by students. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Specific vision abilities this job requires include close vision, such as reading handwritten or typed material, and the ability to adjust focus. The employee must be able to travel to different school sites and fly to remote sites in small 4-6 passenger planes, as needed. The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload.

WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: *KPBSD is seeking collaborative, dedicated, committed educatorsand specialists who believe all students can be successful. Incentives Moving expenses reimbursed up to $5000 for certified positions Teacher discretionary money for classroom materials Additional incentives for remote school locations Summer teaching opportunities Low cost and free continuing education opportunities In-state years of experience accepted for salary placement: up to 12 eligible years Out-of-state years of experience accepted for salary placement: up to 6 eligible years with a bachelor's and up to 8 years with a master'sSupport for You! Dedicated district office Student Support Services team Special Education instructional coaching Ongoing professional development and training New teacher mentor program What You Need to Know Our special education staff work in a highly collaborative environment and are committed to creating a rigorous and rewarding atmosphere that leads to measurable student growth for all students. A multi-tiered system of support is in place at all schools Differentiated instruction is the norm. Students are screened three times a year using curriculum-based measures and diagnostic tools to determine the need for additional intervention support or enrichment. In our district, every student is everybody's student. Salary Information (KPEA) Homer Seward Benefit Information Kenai Soldotna