Commission Orientation Mobility Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB) is searching for a mission-driven rehabilitation professional who is dedicated, motivated, and engaging to serve as a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS). As a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist, you will be supporting legally blind individuals to navigate safely and independently within their homes, workplace, and community. This position travels at least three days per week to provide services as assigned within the Northeast region of Massachusetts.
Duties and Responsibilities: (these duties are a general summary and not all-inclusive):

• Assess consumers' travel needs, motivation, and visual and physical abilities and develop an individualized training program to increase safety and maximize independence and/or orientation to new environment(s).
• Teach long cane skills, dog guide route orientation, use of electronic aids, use of public transportation, and other means.
• In addition to the long white cane, MCB provides a short cane for identification for assistance in detecting inclines and obstacles in pathways.
• Provide technical assistance regarding environmental and transportation access issues and provision of Orientation and Mobility services to consumers.
• Participate in providing falls prevention training to older individuals who are blind.
• Complete case documentation, perform electronic consumer tracking functions, and maintain case files.

Required Qualifications:

• COMS certification from the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation & Education Professionals (ACVREP).
• Knowledge of the principles, techniques, and methods of case management.
• Knowledge of the psychological, social, educational and health issues facing MCB consumers.
• Ability to communicate effectively and provide supportive counseling to consumers and their families/support network.
• Ability to serve diverse populations and familiarity with secondary disabilities in addition to blindness.
• Ability to handle confidential information with an understanding of diversity and the importance of fostering an open and respectful work environment.
• Capacity to learn and apply agency policies and procedures, including fiscal guidelines for purchasing services for consumers.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of government and community agencies responsible for providing benefits and services to MCB consumers.
• Demonstrated collaboration with other state agencies and school systems.
• Experience in using electronic case management or similar client information systems.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Agency Mission:
Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB) services individuals in Massachusetts who are legally blind by providing access to employment opportunities and social rehabilitation with the goal of increasing independence and self-determination. Our MCB community consists of many partners across the Commonwealth who are committed to our shared service mission. We are grateful for the support of our stakeholders.
Pre-Offer Process:
A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori.
Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines.
Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.
If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link, and complete the Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form.
For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 Ext. #4
ADA Reasonable Accommodation:
If you require a reasonable accommodation with the application/interview process, please contact us at: EOHHS Candidate ADA Requests
Qualifications:
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:
REQUIRED WORK EXPERIENCE: At least four years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience in social work, social casework, vocational counseling, employment counseling, rehabilitation counseling, or educational counseling.
SUBSTITUTIONS:
- A Bachelor's or higher degree in rehabilitation, vocational rehabilitation counseling, education of the physically or emotionally handicapped, education of the multiple handicapped, education of the learning disabled, social work, psychology, human services, or counseling may be substituted for the required experience on the basis of two years of education for one year of experience.
- A Bachelor's or higher degree in a major other than rehabilitation, vocational rehabilitation counseling, education of the physically or emotionally handicapped, education of the multiple handicapped, education of the learning disabled, social work, psychology, human services, or counseling may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required experience on the basis of four years of education for one year of experience.
- A Master's or higher degree in social work, psychology, human services, rehabilitation, vocational rehabilitation counseling, or counseling may be substituted for an additional year of the required experience on the basis of two years of education for one year of experience.
- Licensure as a Licensed Rehabilitation Counselor by the Board of Registration of Allied Mental Health Professionals or Certification as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification may be substituted for the required experience.
- One year of education equals 30 semester hours. Education toward a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.
Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate's years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.
Comprehensive Benefits
When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.