State of Illinois

Orientation and Mobility Instructor

State of Illinois$77K — $112K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Master's degree in Orientation and Mobility from an accredited institution
  • Certification as an Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS)
  • One year of professional experience in orientation and mobility
  • Experience assessing individuals' needs and preparing service plans (preferred)
  • Proficiency in braille and knowledge of accessibility trends (preferred)

Responsibilities

  • Instruct individuals who are Blind, Visually Impaired, or DeafBlind in orientation and mobility skills.
  • Manage a caseload of customers, fostering effective relationships.
  • Participate in staff meetings to share insights and assist with staff training.
  • Travel to provide services in various settings, ensuring safety during transit.
  • Adapt teaching methods to address individual client needs.

Benefits

  • Pension Program
  • Comprehensive group insurance benefits including health, life, dental, and vision coverage
  • Generous paid leave policies, including personal, sick, and vacation days
  • Flexible work schedules when possible
  • Eligibility for Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
Full Job Description
Job Requisition ID: 55818

Opening Date: 06/02/2026
Closing Date: 06/15/2026
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) $6,460-$9,337/month ($77,520-$112,044/year)
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time
County: St. Clair
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: RC063 Professional Employees, Educators,Juvenile Justice School Counselors and Special Education Resources Coordinators,and 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 required, a 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 the Additional Documents section of your application. 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 illinois.jobs2web.com 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.

Position Overview

The Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) is the state's 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 Bureau of Customer and Community Blind Services. 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. Demonstrates commitment to valuing diversity, equity, accessibility, and racial justice by contributing to an including working and learning environment. The Division of Rehabilitation Services is seeking to hire a self-motivated and detail-oriented individual with good communication skills.

Essential Functions

  • Serves as Orientation and Mobility Instructor providing orientation and mobility instruction in an assigned geographical area in the Bureau of Customer and Community Blind Services.
  • 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.


Minimum Qualifications

  • Requires a master's degree in Orientation and Mobility from an accredited college or university.
  • Requires certification as an Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS).
  • Requires one-year (1) professional experience in orientation and mobility such as could be gained from completion of an agency-sponsored training program.


Preferred Qualifications

  • Two (2) years of professional experience assessing individuals needs and preparing 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 utilizing, reading and writing braille.
  • Two (2) years of professional experience researching and remaining up to date 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.


Conditions of Employment

  • Requires ability to travel to provide services in the customer's home, residential setting, or group setting as well as in the built environment.
  • Requires ability to physically access the customer's home environment and/or work environment and use public transportation.
  • Requires ability to visually assess the travel route for the safety of the customer.

*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, 8:30am-5pm, 1 hour unpaid lunch.

Headquarter Location: 601 S High St, Belleville, Illinois, 62220

Division of Rehabilitation Services

Customer and Community Blind Services

Region 5

Work County: St. Clair

Agency Contact: [email protected]

Posting Group: Social Services

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 Bill® Training/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: https://cms.illinois.gov/benefits/stateemployee.html

APPLICATION 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 the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon.

Non-State employees should log in on the using the "View Profile" link in the top right of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage 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 the career portal for State employees and review the Internal Candidate Application Job Aid

Non-State employees: on Illinois.jobs2web.com - 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:

About State of Illinois

The name "Illinois" comes from a Native American word meaning "tribe of superior men." Louis Joliet and Father Marquette were the first Europeans to arrive in Illinois in 1673. Illinois became a state on December 3, 1818 and was the 21st state to enter the Union. The state motto is "State Sovereignty, National Union." Illinois is the fifth most populous state in the country with almost 12.9 million people. Abraham Lincoln and three other U.S. Presidents have called Illinois home, including Ulysses S. Grant, Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama. The General Assembly adopted the state slogan, "Land of Lincoln" in 1955. Springfield is the state capital and home to more Abraham Lincoln sites than any other place in the United States, including the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Old State Capitol, Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site, and Lincoln-Herndon Law Office.

State of Illinois Careers

Join the dedicated team at the State of Illinois and discover a wealth of job opportunities where professional growth and innovation are at the forefront of its mission. The State of Illinois is renowned for its commitment to excellence and diversity, offering careers that cater to a variety of skills and interests.

Work You’ll Do

At the State of Illinois, every position contributes to the betterment of its community and the nation. Whether it's through leadership roles or entry-level positions, the impact of your work will be felt across various sectors. The State provides a platform where skills are honed, and professional aspirations are nurtured.

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The State of Illinois offers a range of employment options from administrative roles to environmental conservation, healthcare, and more. Each career path is equipped with comprehensive benefits and opportunities for career advancement.

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Kickstart your career with the State of Illinois through its dynamic internship programs. These opportunities are designed for those who are looking to develop their professional skills in a real-world setting, providing a stepping stone to full-time employment.

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Innovation is key in the operations at the State of Illinois. Employees are encouraged to bring fresh ideas and perspectives to the table, driving the State towards efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery.

Professional Growth and Development

The State of Illinois is committed to the professional development of its team. With access to diverse training programs, including leadership development and diversity training, employees are well-equipped to ascend in their careers.

Benefits and Culture

The employment experience at the State of Illinois is enhanced by its inclusive culture and comprehensive benefits package. The State values the well-being and satisfaction of its team, ensuring a supportive and positive work environment.

Networking and Career Advancement

Networking within the State of Illinois can significantly enhance career trajectories. Employees have numerous opportunities to connect with leaders and peers through various events and professional groups, fostering a community of collaboration and support.

Join the Team

The State of Illinois is continuously hiring new talent. Explore open positions that match your skills and interests. The hiring process at the State of Illinois is transparent and thorough, ensuring that the best candidates are selected for the right positions. Prepare your resume, ace the interview, and join a team that values hard work and dedication.

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