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Orientation & Mobility (O&M) OR Vision Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) Specialist OR O&M/VRT Specialist

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Orientation & Mobility (O&M) OR Vision Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) Specialist OR O&M/VRT Specialist

Salary

$64,908.00 - $90,810.60 Annually

Location

Colorado Springs, CO

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

KAA 7975 RC I 7.25

Department

Department of Labor and Employment

Division

Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

Opening Date

07/24/2025

Closing Date

8/7/2025 5:00 PM Mountain

FLSA

Determined by Position

Primary Physical Work Address

1365 Garden of the Gods Rd #250, Colorado Springs, CO 80907, USA

FLSA Status

Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.

Department Contact Information

[email protected]

Type of Announcement

A residency waiver has been granted for this announcement. Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado.

How To Apply

Please submit an online application for this position at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado. Reach out to the Department Contact to apply using a paper application, including any supplemental questions. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed.

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

Department Information

With this posting, we are seeking one of the following: an Orientation and Mobility Specialist; a Vision Rehabilitation Therapist; or someone specializing in both Orientation and Mobility AND Vision Rehabilitation Therapy

A residency waiver has been granted for this announcement.

Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado.

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT WILL REMAIN OPEN UNTIL AUGUST 7TH, 2025 at 5:00 PM.

This position will have remote and hybrid workplace options available but will still be required to report to the listed address at the discretion of the supervisor and based on business need.

The Department of Labor and Employment keeps Colorado strong and competitive. We connect workers with great jobs and assist those who have been injured on the job. We help people who are unemployed through no fault of their own by providing temporary wage replacement and we ensure fair labor practices. We provide an up-to-date and accurate picture of the economy that helps in decision making. And we protect the workplace – and Colorado communities – with a variety of consumer protection and safety programs.

This is a values-driven organization, committed to accountability, agility, collaboration, and respect.

We believe in outstanding customer service, an inclusive culture, continued process improvement and in our role as a trusted and strategic partner. Recognizing that knowledgeable employees drive our success, we are seeking dedicated individuals who exhibit our shared values and our passion for quality and excellence in all we do.

In addition to rewarding and meaningful work, we offer excellentbenefits (https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/dhr/benefits) :

+ Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including aPERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan (https://www.copera.org/) plus 401(k) and 457 plans

+ Medical and dental health plans (https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/dhr/benefits)

+ Employer supplementedHealth Savings Account (https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/dhr/hsa)

+ Paid life insurance

+ Short- and long-term disability coverage

+ 11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave

+ BenefitHub (https://stateofcolorado.benefithub.com/) state employee discount program

+ MotivateMe employee wellness program

+ Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, training and more

+ Access to participate in employer-supported employee affinity spaces

+ RTD Eco-Pass Commuter Program

+ Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information go tohttps://dhr.colorado.gov/dhr-resources/student-loan-forgiveness-programsOur agency website:Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (https://www.colorado.gov/cdle)

CDLE has implemented a pilot program on March 1st, 2022 which will award Disability Hiring Preference Points similar to the Veterans’ Preference Points program. During your application process you will be asked if you would like to be considered for either of these programs for additional points in the hiring process. To learn more about Disability Hiring Preference and what will be required to participate, please visit our website:https://sites.google.com/state.co.us/disability-hiring-preference/home

PLEASE NOTE: With the beginning of this program, CDLE will no longer accept attachments of any kind with applications. Please be as thorough as possible in documenting your education and work history in the application system. Attachments will not be accepted or considered during any phase of the hiring process including minimum qualification screening, comparative analysis, or interviews.

Description of Job

Salary:

HOURLY

$31.21 - $43.66

BIWEEKLY

$2,496.46 - $3,492.72

MONTHLY

$5,409.00 - $7,567.55

ANNUALLY

$64,908.00 - $90,810.60

Classification:Rehabilitation Counselor I (H6R2TX (https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4enHpLSVk4ebFRtTDZ2MG1UOEU/view?resourcekey=0-ECvP3hngNBuEQXnklPaobw) )

Orientation and Mobility Specialist Description of Job

Information, Assimilation, and Analysis

+ Interview and assess the skill level of the Person We Serve (PWS); explain orientation and mobility (O&M) process; gather information regarding physical/mental condition, social/economic situation, aptitudes/attitudes, work experience, education, personality traits, priorities, concerns and interests. Utilize the information gathered to develop objectives for instructional services. Along with development of training plan in O&M, coordinate and collaborate with Rehabilitation Counselor and other professionals in blind-low vision field the necessary supports and equipment needed for a successful experience for the PWS with DVR’s Personal Adjustment Training program within the Blind and Low Vision Services (BLVS) Unit

Professional Development

+ Possess working knowledge of Federal and State policies/regulations and legislation as well as various changes and updates; serve on agency and community task forces; meet established individual production goals; knowledge of medical terminology; investigate updated and current technologies and training techniques; research equipment to meet the needs of PWS. Participate in staff meetings and in-service training/conferences, consult with peers and other professionals within and outside the agency, read professional literature to assure optimum level of professional competency in teaching/counseling techniques, and provide specialize training in the community to increase public knowledge of issues pertaining to blindness in a variety of environments.

Orientation and Mobility Instruction

+ Teaches orientation and mobility techniques as appropriate (sensory/concept development, pre-cane skills, sighted guide, cane techniques, route planning/travel in a variety of settings, soliciting aid, use of public transportation, use of residual vision/low visual aids, orientation to electronic travel aids, prep for dog school), assistive technology, use of residual vision and environmental modifications to prepare them for independence in the employment and/or home setting as well as their community. Analyze and measure progress towards meeting objectives and document progress in electronic case management system; coordinate and collaborate with other agencies and professionals when appropriate and provide follow-up as needed.

Empowerment and Adjustment

+ Evaluate teaching needs in a variety of settings (work, home, community), evaluate and modify teaching needs that change during evaluation and service delivery throughout the rehabilitation process, counsel people we serve to develop teaching goals, identify service needs and plan appropriate types and duration of teaching services, and document progress towards meeting plan objectives, develop relationships with employers and other agencies and coordinate and collaborate with other agencies when appropriate and provide follow-up as needed. Maximize services to people we serve and ensure cost effective use of tax dollars. Facilitate the empowerment of blind individuals and their families by providing adjustment counseling and assistance in accessing peer networks and community resources.

Vision Rehabilitation Therapist Description of Job

Information, Assimilation, and Analysis

+ Interview and assess the skill level of the Person PrWe Serve (PWS); explain orientation and mobility (O&M) process; gather information regarding physical/mental condition, social/economic situation, aptitudes/attitudes, work experience, education, personality traits, priorities, concerns and interests. Utilize the information gathered to develop objectives for instructional services. Along with development of training plan in O&M, coordinate and collaborate with Rehabilitation Counselor and other professionals in blind-low vision field the necessary supports and equipment needed for a successful experience for the PWS with DVR’s Personal Adjustment Training program within the Blind and Low Vision Services (BLVS) Unit

Professional Development

+ Possess working knowledge of Federal and State policies/regulations and legislation as well as various changes and updates; serve on agency and community task forces; meet established individual production goals; knowledge of medical terminology; investigate updated and current technologies and training techniques; research equipment to meet the needs of PWS. Participate in staff meetings and in-service training/conferences, consult with peers and other professionals within and outside the agency, read professional literature to assure optimum level of professional competency in teaching/counseling techniques, and provide specialized training in the community to increase public knowledge of issues pertaining to blindness in a variety of environments.

Activities of Daily Living Instruction

+ Teaches skills and concepts related to activities of daily living, including alternative techniques for communication, assistive technology, use of residual vision, environmental modifications, home and personal management to prepare them for independence in the employment and/or home setting. Analyze and measure progress towards meeting objectives and document progress in electronic case management system; coordinate and collaborate with other agencies and professionals when appropriate and provide follow-up as needed.

Empowerment and Adjustment

+ Possess working knowledge of Federal and State policies/regulations and legislation as well as various changes and updates; serve on agency and community task forces; meet established individual production goals; knowledge of medical terminology; investigate updated and current technologies and training techniques; research equipment to meet the needs of PWS. Participate in staff meetings and in-service training/conferences, consult with peers and other professionals within and outside the agency, read professional literature to assure optimum level of professional competency in teaching/counseling techniques, and provide specialized training in the community to increase public knowledge of issues pertaining to blindness in a variety of environments.

Orientation and Mobility Specialist/Vision Rehabilitation Therapist (Dual position)

Information, Assimilation, and Analysis

+ Interview and assess the skill level of the Person PrWe Serve (PWS); explain orientation and mobility (O&M) process; gather information regarding physical/mental condition, social/economic situation, aptitudes/attitudes, work experience, education, personality traits, priorities, concerns and interests. Utilize the information gathered to develop objectives for instructional services. Along with development of training plan in O&M, coordinate and collaborate with Rehabilitation Counselor and other professionals in blind-low vision field the necessary supports and equipment needed for a successful experience for the PWS with DVR’s Personal Adjustment Training program within the Blind and Low Vision Services (BLVS) Unit

Professional Development

+ Possess working knowledge of Federal and State policies/regulations and legislation as well as various changes and updates; serve on agency and community task forces; meet established individual production goals; knowledge of medical terminology; investigate updated and current technologies and training techniques; research equipment to meet the needs of PWS. Participate in staff meetings and in-service training/conferences, consult with peers and other professionals within and outside the agency, read professional literature to assure optimum level of professional competency in teaching/counseling techniques, and provide specialized training in the community to increase public knowledge of issues pertaining to blindness in a variety of environments.

Orientation and Mobility and Activities of Daily Living Instruction

+ Teaches orientation and mobility techniques as appropriate (sensory/concept development, pre-cane skills, sighted guide, cane techniques, route planning/travel in a variety of settings, solicitingaid, use of public transportation, use of residual vision/low visual aids, orientation to electronic travelaids, prep for dog school) and/or instruct people we serve in alternative techniques forcommunication, assistive technology, and use of residual vision, environmental modifications, home and personal management to prepare them for independence in the employment and/or home setting. Analyze and measure progress towards meeting objectives and document progress in electronic case management system; coordinate and collaborate with other agencies and professionals when appropriate and provide follow-up as needed

Empowerment and Adjustment

+ Evaluate teaching needs in a variety of settings (work, home, community), evaluate and modify teaching needs that change during evaluation and service delivery throughout the rehabilitation process, counsel people we serve to develop teaching goals, identify service needs and plan appropriate types and duration of teaching services, and document progress towards meeting plan objectives, develop relationships with employers and other agencies and coordinate and collaborate with other agencies when appropriate and provide follow-up as needed. Maximize services to people we serve and ensure cost effective use of tax dollars. Facilitate the empowerment of blind individuals and their families by providing adjustment counseling and assistance in accessing peer networks and community resources.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights:

Education and Experience

Master’s degree from an accredited institution in rehabilitation counseling from a program fully accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs (CACREP), or for graduation prior to July 1, 2017, the Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE)

OR

Possession of a current certification in Orientation and Mobility and/or Vision Rehabilitation Therapy from the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP).

OR

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree in Orientation and Mobility, Vision Rehabilitation Therapy, Blind and Low Vision Studies, Special Education, Social Work, Behavioral Science, Disability Studies or closely related human services field.

AND

Two (2) years of experience years of experience providing Orientation and Mobility instruction and/or Vision Rehabilitation training to the blind/low vision population.

Required Competencies:

+ Teaching Skills: Foundational understanding of teaching skills, including preparation for lessons, tailoring instruction to individual needs, maintaining rapport and providing construction feedback. Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability, professional values and attitudes, active listening and observation skills, showing empathy, respect, thoughtfulness, and patience.

+ Job Knowledge and Case Management: Foundational understanding of federal regulations, instructor demonstrates foundational knowledge of all vision rehabilitation training areas and application of caseload management skills. This includes effective management of time. An instructor leverages resources by developing positive working relationships with individuals, community partners and employers to promote and optimize successful employment outcomes.

+ Collaboration: Skills necessary to foster a collaborative environment as it pertains to community partners, vendors and staff to assure the success of people we serve.

Preferred Qualifications:

+ Along with O&M instruction, experience instructing the blind-low vision population in daily living skills, low vision rehabilitation and/or assistive technology related to the blind-low vision field.

+ Professional experience working for a state vocational rehabilitation agency.

+ Professional experience working to assist people with disabilities to achieve successful employment outcomes.

+ Experience in vocational, career counseling, academic advisement.

+ Experience using case management software systems

+ Experience performing similar duties as a State of Colorado employee

Conditions of Employment:

+ Any applicant selected from outside of Colorado will be required to become a Colorado Resident by their start of employment date.

+ You must pass a thorough background check prior to employment which will include the E-Verify process

+ Travel is required for this position and may include areas of Southern Colorado. Position may be requested to work in the office at the discretion of the supervisor and based on business needs.

APPEAL RIGHTS:

An applicant who has been removed from an employment list or removed from consideration during the selection process may request a review by the State Personnel Director.

As an applicant directly affected by the results of the selection or comparative analysis process, you may file a written appeal with the State Personnel Director.

Review of the completed, signed and submitted appeal will be timely on the basis of written material submitted by you, using the official appeal form signed by you or your representative. This form must be completed and delivered to the State Personnel Board by email at [email protected] ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgment of the Department’s action.

For further information on the Board Rules, you can refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, atspb.colorado.gov/board-rules.

Supplemental Information

For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact:[email protected]

Minimum Qualification Screening

A Human Resources Analyst will only review the work experience/job duties sections of the online job application to determine whether you meet the minimum qualifications for the position for which you are applying. Cover letters and resumes WILL NOT be accepted in lieu of the official State of Colorado online application,CDLE does not accept attachments of any kind during the application process.Part-time work experience will be prorated.

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications to continue in the selection process for this position. Work experience and qualifications must be specifically documented on your online application. Do not use "see resume" or "see attached" statements on your application. CDLE does not accept attachments of any kind during the application process.

Comparative Analysis Process – Structured Application Review

After minimum qualification screening, the comparative analysis process for this position will involve a review and rating of all the information you submit with your application materials. Therefore, it is extremely important to document in the work experience/job duties portion of your online application the extent to which you possess the education, experience, minimum qualifications, and preferred qualifications as outlined in the job announcement. It is also important to thoroughly answer all supplemental questions (if listed) as your answers to these questions will be evaluated during this phase.

Supplemental Questions

Answer the supplemental questions on the application completely and thoughtfully. Your answers may be rated based on your writing ability (spelling, grammar, and clarity of your writing) as well as the content of your answer.

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL MULTIPLE VACANCIES

The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

The State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by building and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans through a commitment to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness.

The State is resolute in non-discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities.

The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA Coordinator, Sean Montoya, at [email protected]. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. For all other inquiries about this recruitment effort, please call 303-318-8200.

The State of Colorado offers permanent employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program. Please click the following link for detailed information: www.colorado.gov/pacific/dhr/benefits

Please note that each agency's contact information is different; therefore, we encourage all applicants to view the full, official job announcement which includes contact information and class title. Select the job you wish to view, then click on the "Print" icon.

01

I acknowledge the comparative analysis process for this position will consist of a review of the information contained within my application/job duty statements and that any attachments will not be included during the minimum qualification screening or application review. The structured application review/numerical scoring of my application will be based on the content listed in the job duty statements, the preferred qualifications, required competencies, and answers to supplemental questions. My responses to the supplemental questions will be scored based on my ability to follow instructions and provide detailed, clear, and concise answers to each question.

+ Yes

+ No

02

Please describe in detail your experience working with people who have disabilities. What was your role and what outcomes did you achieve? If none, please state N/A.

03

Please describe in detail your experience working with individuals who are blind or visually impaired. What was your role and what outcomes did you achieve? If none, please state N/A.

04

Please describe in detail your knowledge and experience of community resources available in the Colorado Springs area and Southern Colorado for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. If none, please state N/A.

05

We are hiring for either an Orientation and Mobility Specialist, a Vision Rehabilitation Therapist, or an Orientation and Mobility Specialist/Vision Rehabilitation Therapist (a dual instructor). Please disclose what position (s) you would like to be considered for.

Required Question

Employer

State of Colorado

Address

See the full announcement by clicking

the "Printer" icon located above the job title

Location varies by announcement, Colorado, --

Website

https://careers.colorado.gov/

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