Orientation & Mobility Instructor (COMS)

Make Alaska Your Next Adventure

Imagine building your career in a place where mountains rise above the city, wildlife is part of everyday life, and your work takes you into communities across one of the most remarkable states in the country.

The Alaska Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ACBVI) is looking for an Orientation & Mobility Instructor to join our team in Anchorage. This is an opportunity to practice your profession in a setting that offers variety, professional independence, and room for creativity.

We're a small organization with a collaborative staff, serving teenagers, adults, and older adults who are blind or visually impaired. Our instructors develop meaningful relationships with clients, adapt instruction to individual needs, and help people build the skills to travel confidently and independently.

Considering a move to Alaska? Temporary housing is available in our residential dormitories while you make the transition and establish yourself in Anchorage.

What You'll Do

As our Orientation & Mobility Instructor, you'll provide individualized instruction that helps clients develop safe, effective travel skills at home, at work, and throughout their communities.

Your responsibilities will include:

·         Conduct O&M assessments and develop individualized instructional plans based on each client's goals.

·         Provide instruction in cane techniques, street crossings, public transportation, route planning, and indoor and outdoor travel.

·         Teach travel skills in Alaska's changing seasonal and environmental conditions.

·         Introduce accessible navigation technology and other mobility tools when appropriate.

·         Monitor client progress and adapt instruction to individual learning needs.

·         Collaborate with rehabilitation instructors, community partners, and other professionals.

·         Maintain client documentation, progress reports, and required service records.

·         Provide services throughout Anchorage, with occasional travel to other Alaska communities.

·         Assist with facilitating low vision clinics as part of our broader rehabilitation services.

You'll work alongside a team of rehabilitation professionals while having the flexibility to bring your own experience, instructional style, and ideas to the position.

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

·         Bachelor's degree in Orientation & Mobility or a closely related field.

·         Completion of an ACVREP-approved O&M preparation program.

·         Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) certification through ACVREP, or eligibility to obtain certification within an established timeframe.

·         Valid driver's license and ability to travel within the assigned service area.

·         Strong communication, organizational, and instructional skills.

·         Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working with clients across the lifespan, knowledge of low vision rehabilitation and assistive technology, or experience serving rural and culturally diverse communities is welcome.

Compensation and Benefits

Starting Salary: $59,000+ annually, depending on experience and qualifications.

ACBVI offers:

·         Temporary housing in our residential dormitories for relocating candidates during their transition to Anchorage.

·         Health, dental, life, and AD&D insurance.

·         Health Savings Account.

·         Professional liability insurance.

·         Optional pre-tax employee 403(b) retirement savings.

·         12 paid holidays annually.

·         Annual leave, sick leave, and two personal days.

Why Join ACBVI?

Our size gives instructors the opportunity to contribute ideas, collaborate across programs, and see the impact of their work firsthand. You'll have a supportive team, a diverse client population, and opportunities to experience Alaska beyond Anchorage.

Whether you're an experienced COMS looking for a change or a newly qualified instructor ready to begin your career, we'd welcome the opportunity to talk with you.

How to Apply

Apply directly through this job posting. Please include your résumé and information about your O&M certification or certification eligibility.

Make Alaska Your Next Adventure

Imagine building your career in a place where mountains rise above the city, wildlife is part of everyday life, and your work takes you into communities across one of the most remarkable states in the country.

The Alaska Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ACBVI) is looking for an Orientation & Mobility Instructor to join our team in Anchorage. This is an opportunity to practice your profession in a setting that offers variety, professional independence, and room for creativity.

We're a small organization with a collaborative staff, serving teenagers, adults, and older adults who are blind or visually impaired. Our instructors develop meaningful relationships with clients, adapt instruction to individual needs, and help people build the skills to travel confidently and independently.

Considering a move to Alaska? Temporary housing is available in our residential dormitories while you make the transition and establish yourself in Anchorage.

What You'll Do

As our Orientation & Mobility Instructor, you'll provide individualized instruction that helps clients develop safe, effective travel skills at home, at work, and throughout their communities.

Your responsibilities will include:

·         Conduct O&M assessments and develop individualized instructional plans based on each client's goals.

·         Provide instruction in cane techniques, street crossings, public transportation, route planning, and indoor and outdoor travel.

·         Teach travel skills in Alaska's changing seasonal and environmental conditions.

·         Introduce accessible navigation technology and other mobility tools when appropriate.

·         Monitor client progress and adapt instruction to individual learning needs.

·         Collaborate with rehabilitation instructors, community partners, and other professionals.

·         Maintain client documentation, progress reports, and required service records.

·         Provide services throughout Anchorage, with occasional travel to other Alaska communities.

·         Assist with facilitating low vision clinics as part of our broader rehabilitation services.

You'll work alongside a team of rehabilitation professionals while having the flexibility to bring your own experience, instructional style, and ideas to the position.

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

·         Bachelor's degree in Orientation & Mobility or a closely related field.

·         Completion of an ACVREP-approved O&M preparation program.

·         Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) certification through ACVREP, or eligibility to obtain certification within an established timeframe.

·         Valid driver's license and ability to travel within the assigned service area.

·         Strong communication, organizational, and instructional skills.

·         Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working with clients across the lifespan, knowledge of low vision rehabilitation and assistive technology, or experience serving rural and culturally diverse communities is welcome.

Compensation and Benefits

Starting Salary: $59,000+ annually, depending on experience and qualifications.

ACBVI offers:

·         Temporary housing in our residential dormitories for relocating candidates during their transition to Anchorage.

·         Health, dental, life, and AD&D insurance.

·         Health Savings Account.

·         Professional liability insurance.

·         Optional pre-tax employee 403(b) retirement savings.

·         12 paid holidays annually.

·         Annual leave, sick leave, and two personal days.

Why Join ACBVI?

Our size gives instructors the opportunity to contribute ideas, collaborate across pr