Orientation & Mobility Specialist (11074)

To be considered for this position you must complete the state application and attach all required documents through the Montana State Careers site at www.statecareers.mt.gov.

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) has a career opportunity within the Disability Employment and Transitions Division.

The Orientation and Mobility (O&M) Specialist provides direct instructional services to high school youth and adults with visual impairment, blindness or other disabilities. Instruction may include safe and efficient techniques to navigate home and community, techniques to use a white cane, independent living skills, bus travel skills, low vision assessment and low vision techniques and assistive technology. The O&M Specialist may perform up to 75% of their duties in the consumer's home, the community, outdoors, and while traveling in an automobile. The O&M Specialist works with people who have a variety of physical and/ or mental disabilities.

Why Join DPHHS

Our mission at DPHHS is serving Montanans in their communities to improve health, safety, well-being, and empower independence. By joining our department, you will have the opportunity to perform meaningful work in public service to our state and its residents.

The State of Montana's comprehensive benefits package includes healthcare coverage, retirement plans, paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays, work/life balance, and eligibility to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. In addition, DPHHS is the largest state agency with a wide range of advancement opportunities whether you are joining the workforce or have several years of experience.

Qualifications for this Career Opportunity

• Knowledge of the principles and methods of curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals, and the measurement of training effects.

• Knowledge of the practical application of orientation and mobility principles and techniques as well as low vision.

• Knowledge of human behavior, physical/psychological aspects of disability and have specific knowledge of the functions of the eye and conditions that lead to vision loss and/or blindness.

• Knowledge of assistive technology used by individuals who are visually impaired or blind.

• Knowledge of community resources.

• Knowledge of oral and written communication and case management skills.

• Skill in effectively implementing teaching strategies and the ability to teach adults.

• Skill in planning and organizing.

• Ability to communicate orally and in writing.

• Ability to exercise professional judgment in evaluation and decision making, and initiate activities with minimal supervision.

• Ability to accurately interpret medical and psychological information.

• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with team members, consumers, agencies, and the public.

• Ability to organize and manage caseload and budgets.

• Meet minimum qualifications:

• Master's degree with emphasis in the area of Orientation and Mobility or other related degree as acceptable for ACVREP certification.

• Must meet qualifications for certification as an Orientation and Mobility Specialist by the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Educational Professionals (ACVREP).

• Other combinations of education and experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

How to Apply

To be considered for a DPHHS position, submit the following required documents with your application on the State of Montana Careers website. When submitting the required documents, you must check the "relevant document" box to ensure your attachments are uploaded correctly to your application for this position.

• Cover Letter - Describe your experience working with individuals who live with disabilities.

• Resume

Successful applicants will be subject to background checks relevant to the position and must pass reference checks before an offer will be extended. DPHHS is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For a copy of the full job description or if you need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, contact DPHHS Human Resources listed below.

Additional Information

This position may be eligible for partial telework within the state of Montana. Specific conditions will be provided by the supervisor and must adhere to state policy.

This position is open until filled with frequent screening of applicants.

This position may be eligible for a statutory $1.00 an hour base pay increase effective July 1, 2026.