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 centers throughout Durham Region.

The Durham Catholic District School Board invites applications from qualified candidates interested in the following position:

POSITION: ORIENTATION AND MOBILITY SPECIALIST (1.0 FTE Temporary)

LOCATION:

Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB)

Student Services (assigned school locations)

650 Rossland Road West

Oshawa, ON L1J 7C4

Durham District School Board (DDSB)

Student Services (assigned school locations)

400 Taunton Road East

Whitby, ON L1R 2K6

HOURS OF WORK: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. OR 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

SALARY: As per APSSP Collective Agreement ($44,329 - $84,491 annually)

TERM: August 29, 2024 June 27, 2025 (subject to an early return of the incumbent)Interested candidates are invited to apply through Apply to Education or alternatively email a resume and cover letter to hr@dcdsb.ca. Please indicate the position title in the email subject line. POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Psychological and Speech Language Services/Lead Psychologist, 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 traveling 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 surroundingsthey will provide the skills and knowledge base to determine ones

distance and direction relative to things observed, heard, or remembered in ones 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

Two (2) year college diploma in related field and current certification by The Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AERBVI).

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 organizational skills.

Understanding of and commitment to confidentiality.

Must have valid drivers license/insurance and consistent use of a vehicle.

Criminal Background Check suitable to the Board is a condition of employment.At DCDSB, fostering a culture of inclusion is a fundamental imperative. Acknowledging the diversity of our students, staff and community and ensuring every member of our inclusive community is a valued contributor is a foundational pillar to our mission. The DCDSB invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including those from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, and candidates who self-identify as a member of a racialized/marginalized community, who may enhance equity and representation in our workforce.

Pursuant to the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA), if you require accommodation at any time throughout the application process, please contact Human Resource Services at hr@dcdsb.ca prior to the posting closing date so that accommodations can be made.