Job Openings

Mn State Services for the Blind

11/07/2024

Working Title: Orientation and Mobility Instructor
Job Class: State Program Administrator Senior
Agency: Department of Employment and Economic Development

• Job ID: 81374
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes, may be eligible for some telework
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: This vacancy is open for bids and for all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Bidders will be considered through 11/12/2024
• Date Posted: 11/06/2024
• Closing Date: 11/18/2024
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Employment & Economic Development Department - MAPE
• Division/Unit: State Services for the Blind
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes, up to 80% of the time
• Salary Range: $27.84 - $40.82 / hourly; $58,129 - $85,232 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - Minnesota Association of Professional Employees - MAPE
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Professional
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

Job Summary

Minnesota State Services for the Blind (SSB) has been serving blind, visually impaired and Deaf Blind Minnesotans since 1923. Each year SSB assists thousands in leading full, active, and productive lives. Come be part of a great organization in a great state. 

This position will function as an Orientation & Mobility instructor (white cane). They will provide instruction for consumers who are enrolled in the Workforce Development Unit and the Senior Services Unit. In addition to providing the instructional services, this employee will transact with Counselors in both program service areas to report on the consumer’s assessed needs and to report on the consumer’s progress as they undergo training. Documentation of the process will be a requirement of the work. 

This position would include local and statewide travel up to five (5) days per week, depending on customers' needs. This position will be meeting with customers at their homes, worksites and community spaces. 

This position is telework eligible and is occasionally required to be on-site at the St Paul Office. Staff are provided with the tools and equipment to be successful in a virtual work environment and may telework from anywhere in Minnesota or a neighboring state. Please note, the telework policy could change with notice based on business needs.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held. Only applicants whose resumes clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of these minimum qualifications will be considered for this position.

Two (2) years* of orientation and mobility instruction experience in cane travel techniques assessing consumer needs, providing temporary instruction services to address urgent or unique situations and instructing consumers with varied levels of skill development and potential. Experience can include volunteer work, internships, fellowships, apprenticeship, practicum and other similar experience as determined by the agency

AND

Applicant must hold at least one of the following certifications: 

• Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) 
• National Orientation and Mobility Certification (NOMC) 

*Bachelor’s degree in human services or other closely related field as determined by the agency may substitute for one (1) year of experience; master’s degree substitutes for eighteen (18) months of experience

 Applicants that meet the above minimum qualification will be further evaluated on the following: 

• Knowledge and skills in adult and youth learning styles and techniques, rehabilitation teaching, and orientation and mobility instructor
• Ability to communicate effectively and in a timely manner 
• Ability to analyze and assess customer skills, training needs and limitations 
• Ability to produce timely, clear and readable case documentation
• Incumbent must maintain valid driver's license and insurance OR have other reliable transportation. Travel arrangements can be made with drivers employed by State Services for the Blind upon request and depending on availability

Preferred Qualifications

• Dual Certifications in Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) and National Orientation and Mobility Certification (NOMC) 
• Ability to communicate in a second language (specifically American Sign Language, Somali, Hmong, or Spanish)
• Our employees are dedicated to ensuring cultural responsiveness. Preferred candidates will have a variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures

Additional Requirements

A job offer will be contingent upon successfully passing a background check. The background check may consist of the following components:

• Criminal Background Check
• Employment Record Review (current and former State employees only)
• Employment Reference Check
• Conflict of Interest Review
• Driver’s Record Check

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development will not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.

Application Details

How to Apply 

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Connect 700 Program

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Talent Acquisition at talent.acquisition.deed@state.mn.us.

Veterans  

To be considered with Veteran's Status, you MUST indicate this on your application and submit a copy of your DD-214 form and other required documentation to talent.acquisition.deed@state.mn.us by the closing date.

Recently Separated Veterans (RSV): Effective July 1, 2009, legislation provides that the top five RSV applicants who apply and meet the qualifications for a vacancy shall be granted an interview. 

Certain Disabled Veterans: Effective August 1, 2012, legislation provides state agencies with the option to appoint certain disabled veterans on a non-competitive basis.

See the above links for criteria and eligibility.

E_mail: in the posting

Phone: in the posting

Cert: COMS

If you want more info please call Ed Lecher 651-539-2324