We are the worldwide leader in education services for children and young adults who have multiple disabilities and visual impairments. We believe every child can learn and learning is for life. We are committed to delivering best-in-class education to children, providing immersive training to professionals and creating a world of inclusion, accessibility and opportunity for people with multiple disabilities. At Perkins, we think courageously, we are collaborative and we take ownership. Join a community of growth where you will be supported and where your work makes a difference.
Join our collaborative and supportive team of educators as our O&M in the DeafBlind Program. As our O&M, you will provide orientation and mobility instructional services for blind, visually impaired or multiple disability students; You will train visually impaired students to make maximum safe travel and develop functional independence in a variety of environments, while serving as a member of an interdisciplinary team providing individual educational and pre-vocational program for students. You are a valued member of our community!
Essential Duties, Responsibilities and Expectations include the following.
Assesses individual needs of each student in all areas of independent or daily living; establish realistic and appropriate goals and objectives design and implement programs for each student’s individual education plan (IEP) evaluate and report on the progress of each student; Attend scheduled staff meetings and IEPs; and Confer effectively with parents.
Assist each student to develop his or her maximum safe travel potential, and develop functional independence in a variety of environments.
Serve as a member of a team in establishing realistic goals and objectives for each student; Develop and implement programs and communicate results with team to ensure continuity of appropriate program services.
Maintain suitable learning environment, including appropriate planning and organizational techniques; Consult with appropriate support staff.
Prepare written functional vision assessments when appropriate.
Perform other related duties and tasks as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibilities This job has student supervisory responsibilities; on occasion, may supervise Teaching Assistants or interns.
Education and/or Experience
Bachelors’ degree from a recognized college or university; eligible for ACVREP Certification as an Orientation and Mobility Instructor; Masters degree preferred with two years experience teaching students with visual impairments who may also have additional disabilities; Ability to plan and conduct a system of continuous evaluation of each student’s progress; Knowledge of modern teaching techniques within the discipline; Valid driver’s license and willingness to drive school vehicles including chair cars; Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing; Ability to think clearly in stressful situations, a high stress tolerance and physical stamina required and flexibility of schedule.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
Eligible for ACVREP Certification as an Orientation and Mobility Instructor; First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Automated External Defibrillator (AED) certification required. If required, Crisis Prevention and Physical Intervention (CPPI) training will be offered during scheduled work time.
We have benefits that put you first, including an employer contributing retirement plan, tuition reimbursement from day one, professional development for our employees, personal days, paid time off and paid sick leave. Our campus is quaint, charming and historical, a perfect mix of legacy and modern buildings. It is located in the heart of Watertown, adjacent to the Charles River and a 5 minute drive from food & entertainment at Arsenal Yards.