At a Glance
- Tasks: Instruct visually impaired students in travel skills for safe and independent navigation.
- Company: Durham Catholic District School Board, dedicated to comprehensive Catholic education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive work environment, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team focused on accessibility and student success.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives by empowering their independence.
- Qualifications: Master’s degree in Orientation and Mobility or equivalent experience required.
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 & Mobility from one (1) of the below recognised programs:
- University of British Columbia (UBC) certificate in Orientation & Mobility
- Mohawk College Instructor for the Blind and Visually Impaired program
- University of Montreal diploma in Specialized Studies, O&M and Vision Rehabilitation
Current certification by The Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AERBVI) is an asset.
Experience: Two (2) years’ experience instructing visually impaired students to navigate independently, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Prior related experience working in a school setting with students across a range of ages is preferred.
OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:
- Experience working as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
- Working knowledge and/or certification in braille.
- Able to communicate in a sensitive, courteous manner with students, parents, staff and the general public.
- Strong communication and organisational skills.
- Understanding of and commitment to confidentiality.
- Must have valid driver’s license/insurance and consistent use of a vehicle.
- Criminal Background Check suitable to the Board is a condition of employment.
0.50 FTE - Orientation and Mobility Specialist - Permanent in Bath employer: Durham Catholic District School Board
The Durham Catholic District School Board is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its staff while fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture. With a commitment to providing comprehensive education to over 25,000 students, employees benefit from competitive salaries, professional development opportunities, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of students with visual impairments. Located in the vibrant Durham Region, the Board offers a collaborative environment where educators can thrive and contribute to the community.
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 in Bath
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, especially those who work with visually impaired students. They might know about openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to orientation and mobility. We suggest role-playing with a friend to get comfortable discussing your experience and how you can make a difference in students' lives.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Bring along examples of your work, like lesson plans or reports on student progress. This will help demonstrate your expertise and commitment to helping visually impaired students thrive.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing passionate candidates who are eager to join our team!
We think you need these skills to ace 0.50 FTE - Orientation and Mobility Specialist - Permanent in Bath
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 background 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, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it 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 to ensure we receive your details directly and can consider you for this fantastic opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Durham Catholic District School Board
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of orientation and mobility techniques. Be ready to discuss specific methods you’ve used in the past, especially with visually impaired students. This shows you’re not just familiar with the theory but have practical experience too.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As an Orientation and Mobility Specialist, you'll need to communicate effectively with students, parents, and staff. Prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated complex ideas or instructions in a clear and sensitive manner. This will highlight your ability to connect with diverse audiences.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, like instructing a student with additional exceptionalities. Think through potential scenarios and your approach to them. This will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and adaptability in real-world settings.
✨Bring Your Passion
Let your enthusiasm for helping visually impaired students shine through. Share personal stories or experiences that fuel your passion for this role. Employers love to see candidates who are genuinely committed to making a difference in their students' lives.
