Job Description:
Orientation and Mobility Specialist
St. Lucy School for Children with Visual Impairment
3031 Stamford Street   Philadelphia, PA 19136
Position Summary
The Orientation and Mobility (O&M) Specialist provides individualized instruction to students who are blind or visually impaired, empowering them with the skills necessary to travel safely, independently, and confidently in the school and community settings. This specialist will collaborate with educational staff, families and related service providers to support access and inclusion across settings.  This is a 10 month position.
Responsibilities:

• Conduct assessments to determine students’ O&M needs in various environments (home, community, etc.)
• Develop and implement individualized O&M instructional plans based on assessment results and IEP goals.
• Teach travel techniques including:
  • Protective techniques and sighted guide
  • Cane usage (long cane, support cane, etc.)
  • Use of residual vision and sensory cues
  • Orientation skills (e.g., route planning, cardinal directions)
  • Safe street crossing, public transportation navigation
• Instruct students in the use of assistive technology and GPS devices related to travel and navigation.
• Provide input for IEPs, including goal development, progress monitoring, and accommodations.
• Collaborate with teachers, parents, therapists, and administrators to ensure integrated support.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in compliance with state/local guidelines.
• Train and consult with staff on mobility strategies, accessibility, and environmental adaptations.
• Participate in professional development to remain current on best practices in O&M.

Qualifications:
Required:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Orientation and Mobility or a closely related field.
• Certification as an Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) through ACVREP or equivalent.
• Knowledge of IDEA regulations and experience working with students with visual impairments.

Preferred:

• Experience in school-based settings.
• Dual certification in Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI) a plus

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong instructional and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to motivate and encourage independence.
• Knowledge of adaptive travel techniques and mobility tools.
• Cultural sensitivity and ability to individualize instruction.
• Familiarity with low vision tools, mobility aids, and accessible technologies.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and collaboration skills.

The Orientation and Mobility Specialist is a 10-month position.

Candidates interested in the position should send their cover letter, salary requirements, resume, and transcripts to
Kelly Urban, Assistant Superintendent for Schools of Special Education
kurban@archphila.org
                                                    Please mark OMS-StLucy-202526  in subject line.
                                                    The deadline for application is August 6, 2025.

Interviews will be granted to the most qualified applicants.

PA required clearances, Safe Environment Clearances and official transcripts will be required before employment can begin.

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applications without regards to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact the Office of Catholic Education at 215-587-3700.
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia and its entities are Roman Catholic religious organizations, and their employees are expected to respect and conduct themselves in accordance with the values, teachings and moral of the Roman Catholic Church.