Orientation and Mobility Instructor
Job Location:
Chicago, IL - USA
Yearly Salary:
Posted:
Application Deadline:
Vacancies:
Job Summary
Job Requisition ID:55974
Opening Date:05/19/2026
Closing Date: 06/02/2026
Agency:Department of Human Services
Class Title:REHAB/MOBILITY INSTRUCTOR (38163)
Skill Option:Orientation and Mobility Instructor
Bilingual Option:None
Salary: Anticipated Salary (Eff 7/1/26) $6460-$9337/month ($77520-$112044/year)
Job Type: Salaried
Category:Full Time
County: Cook
Number of Vacancies: 2
Bargaining Unit Code:RC063 Professional Employees EducatorsJuvenile Justice School Counselors and Special Education Resources Coordinatorsand Physicians AFSCME
Merit Comp Code:
This position is a union position; therefore provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.
While not requireda Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV) is recommended. When applicable titles that require specific coursework professional license or certification will include a notation requesting the appropriate document(s) be uploaded in theAdditional Documentssection of yourapplication. Failure to upload requested transcripts license and/or proof of certification when specified may result in ineligibility. Please note that the Department of Human Services must verify proof of higher education for any degree earned (if applicable) regardless of vacancy title before any offer can be extended.
All applicants who want to be considered for this position MUST apply electronically through the website. State of Illinois employees should click the link near the top left to apply through the SuccessFactors employee career portal.
Applications submitted via email or any paper manner (mail fax hand delivery) will not be considered.
Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion equity and dedication that define our state. Whether youre helping to improve schools protect our natural resources or support families in need youre part of something biggersomething that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.
No matter what state career youre looking for we offer jobs that fit your life and your scheduleflexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.
The Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) is the states lead division serving people with disabilities committed to diversity equity inclusion accessibility and racial justice. The mission of the Division is to assist individuals with disabilities in achieving their goals of employment education and independent living. This position instructs individuals who are Blind Visually Impaired or DeafBlind in orientation and mobility skills in the Division of Rehabilitation Services/Bureau of Customer and Community Blind Services/ICRE Wood Facility. This position teaches principles of long cane technique and related elements; and assists customers in the development of sensory skills to travel safely in familiar and unfamiliar surroundings and function independently in travel. The Division is seeking to hire a self-motivated and detail-oriented individual with good communication skills.
- Serves as Orientation and Mobility Instructor providing instruction for persons who are Blind visually impaired or Deafblind in orientation and mobility skills in the Bureau of Customer and Community Blind Services/Illinois Center for Rehabilitation and Education Wood (ICRE- Wood).
- Manages caseload of customers who are Blind Visually Impaired or DeafBlind.
- Establishes and nurtures effective working relationships with customers.
- Participates in staff meetings and assists with training for trainee staff.
- Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.
- Requires a masters degree in Orientation and Mobility from an accredited college or university; requires certification as an Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS).
- Requires one (1) year professional experience in orientation and mobility such as could be gained from completion of an agency-sponsored training program.
- Two (2) years of professional experience assessing individual needs and developing and implementing a plan of services providing instruction in orientation and mobility skills to individuals who are visually impaired blind or DeafBlind to live independently and/or gain competitive employment.
- Two (2) years of professional experience working with federal statutes related to rehabilitation programs such as the Rehabilitation Act and amendments the Social Security Act Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Workforce Innovative Opportunities Act (WIOA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act etc.
- Two (2) years of professional experience researching and remaining up to on trends in orientation and mobility including accessibility teaching techniques and adaptive technology.
- Two (2) years of professional experience establishing trusting relationships and communicating clearly and effectively with customers family members coworkers providers and employers.
- Two (2) years of professional experience researching and adopting an effective course of action as it relates to services barriers and concerns for individuals who are visually impaired blind or DeafBlind to reach their potential.
- Two (2) years of professional experience utilizing reading and writing braille.
- Requires ability to travel to provide services in the customers home residential setting or group setting as well as in the built environment.
- Requires ability to physically access the customers home environment and/or work environment and use public transportation.
- Requires ability to visually assess the travel route for the safety of the customer.
- Requires ability to pass the IDHS background check.
- Requires ability to pass a drug screen for drugs prohibited from recreational use under Illinois Law.
*All conditions of employment listed are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.
Work Hours:Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm 1 hour unpaid lunch.
Headquarter Location:1151 S Wood St Chicago Illinois 60612
Division of Rehabilitation Services
Customer and Community Blind Services
Illinois Center for Rehabilitation and Education Wood (ICRE Wood)
Work County:Cook
Posting Group:Social Services
About the Agency: The Illinois Department of Human Services uplifts individuals and communities across Illinois. Our mission is to respond to the needs of all people in Illinois so they can lead healthy safe and enriched lives. Our vision is the future we are shaping with dignity and the well-being for everyone in Illinois. Our values are the principles that guide us as we work to remove systemic barriers and create lasting opportunities with Compassion Accessibility Responsibility and Equity.
As a State of Illinois employee you will receive a robust benefit package that includes the following:
- A Pension Program
- Competitive Group Insurance Benefits including Health Life Dental and Vision Insurance
- 3 Paid Personal Business Days annually
- 12 Paid Sick days annually (Sick days carry over from year to year)
- 10-25 days of Paid Vacation time annually - (10 days in year one of employment)
- Benefit time modified for part-time 12-hour & non-standard work schedules (as applicable)
- 13 Paid Holidays annually 14 on even numbered years
- Flexible Work Schedules (when available dependent upon position)
- 12 Weeks Paid Parental Leave
- Deferred Compensation Program - A supplemental retirement plan
- Optional Pre-Tax Programs such as Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP) Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP)
- Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility
- GI BillTraining/Apprenticeship Benefits eligibility for qualifying Veterans
- 5% Salary Differential for Bilingual Positions
- Commuter Savings Program (Chicago only)
For more information about our benefits please follow this link: INSTRUCTIONS
Use the Apply button at the top right or bottom right of this posting to begin the application process.
If you are not already signed in you will be prompted to do so.
State employees should sign in to the career portal for State of Illinois employees a link is available at the top left of thehomepage in the blue ribbon.
Non-State employees should log in on the using the View Profile link in the top right of thehomepage in the blue ribbon. If you have never before signed in you will be prompted to create an account.
If you have questions about how to apply please see the following resources:
State employees: Log in to thecareer portalfor State employees and review theInternal Candidate Application Job Aid
Non-State employees: on click Application Procedures in the footer of every page of the website.
State employees should include temporary assignment in the application profile. Temporary assignment verification forms can be uploaded to the Additional Documents section.
The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your junk mail spam or other folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses:
Required Experience:
IC
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