At a Glance
- Tasks: Teach travel skills to visually impaired students, ensuring safe and independent navigation.
- Company: Durham Catholic District School Board, dedicated to inclusive education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive work environment, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Permanent part-time role with flexible hours and a focus on student success.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives by empowering them with essential mobility skills.
- Qualifications: Master’s degree in Orientation and Mobility or relevant postgraduate studies.
The predicted salary is between 51646 - 97887 € per year.
The Durham Catholic District School Board is located just east of Toronto and is renowned for providing comprehensive Catholic education to over 25,000 students in 38 elementary schools, 7 secondary schools, and 7 continuing and alternative education centres throughout Durham Region.
The Durham Catholic District School Board invites applications from qualified candidates interested in the following position:
POSITION: Orientation and Mobility Specialist (Permanent - 0.50 FTE)
LOCATION: Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB) Student Services (assigned school locations) 650 Rossland Road West Oshawa, ON L1J 7C4
HOURS OF WORK: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
SALARY: As per APSSP Collective Agreement ($51,646 - $97,887 annually)
START DATE: December 1, 2025
Interested candidates are invited to apply through this posting on Apply to Education. Compensation will be dependent on placement on the salary grid (as per applicable collective agreement), prorated by FTE. Placement is determined by level of education and years of relevant experience. This posting is to fill an existing permanent vacancy.
POSITION SUMMARY: Reporting to the Superintendent of Student Services, the Orientation and Mobility Specialist is responsible for instructing travel skills to children who are visually impaired, including the use of canes, dog guides, sophisticated electronic travelling aids, as well as the sighted guide technique. Orientation and Mobility Specialists instruct children how to move from one place to another safely and independently. The incumbent will also instruct children to orient themselves to their surroundings—they will provide the skills and knowledge base to determine one’s distance and direction relative to things observed, heard, or remembered in one’s surroundings and the ability to keep track of these spatial relationships as they change during locomotion.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Provide instruction (on a 1:1 basis) to students with a visual impairment, including those students with additional exceptionalities to navigate as is possible within the school and/or community setting. May include pre-cane/adapted cane skills, white cane skills, sighted guide, spatial and sensory skills.
- Provide instruction in the use of electronic travel aids.
- Consult with school personnel (i.e., principals/vice principals, teachers, educational assistants), parents, outside agencies, Blind/Low Vision Program colleagues concerning issues regarding accessibility needs to assist blind and visually impaired students.
- Document student progress and prepare related reports.
- Transpose instructional materials into braille, tactile format (raised line maps, diagrams), and enlarged print; and other duties as requested.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education Master’s degree in Orientation and Mobility OR completion of post-graduate studies in Orientation.
0.50 FTE - Orientation and Mobility Specialist - Permanent employer: Durham Catholic District School Board
The Durham Catholic District School Board is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for its staff. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees have access to numerous growth opportunities while contributing to the education of over 25,000 students in a vibrant community. Located in Oshawa, just east of Toronto, the Board offers a collaborative culture that values innovation and teamwork, making it an ideal place for passionate educators to thrive.
Contact Detail:
Durham Catholic District School Board Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 0.50 FTE - Orientation and Mobility Specialist - Permanent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the Durham Catholic District School Board. They can give you insider info on the role and maybe even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to orientation and mobility. We suggest role-playing with a friend to get comfortable discussing your skills and experiences.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for helping students with visual impairments. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to making a difference in their lives during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team!
We think you need these skills to ace 0.50 FTE - Orientation and Mobility Specialist - Permanent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the job description. We want to see how you can bring your unique expertise to the role of Orientation and Mobility Specialist!
Showcase Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for working with visually impaired students shine through in your application. We love candidates who are genuinely excited about making a difference in the lives of children!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your qualifications and experiences are easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Durham Catholic District School Board
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of orientation and mobility. Brush up on techniques like cane skills, sighted guide methods, and the use of electronic travel aids. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re not just qualified, but passionate about the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to share specific examples from your past work where you’ve successfully taught students with visual impairments. Highlight any unique challenges you faced and how you overcame them. This will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and adaptability.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Don’t just answer questions—engage in a conversation! Ask thoughtful questions about the school board’s approach to accessibility and inclusion. This shows that you’re genuinely interested in their mission and how you can contribute.
✨Bring Your Materials
If possible, bring along some instructional materials you’ve created or adapted, such as braille documents or tactile maps. This not only showcases your skills but also gives the interviewers a tangible sense of your work and creativity.
