Orientation & Mobility Specialist (Southern)

We are committed to providing services for people with low vision or blindness by tailoring solutions to help overcome barriers and build independent and fulfilling lives.

We are united in our shared mission of creating opportunities, championing the rights of people with low vision or blindness, and building communities who share our mindset and ambition for accessibility and inclusivity.

With a strong culture of innovation, learning, flexibility and belonging, we live our values and allow our team members to be the best version of themselves inside and outside work. 

We are currently seeking an experienced Orientation & Mobility Specialist to join our team in Dubbo on a Permanent Full-time basis, to provide O&M services to support individuals with vision impairment to develop, enhance and maintain independence in their desired activities of daily living.    

If you are not qualified but would be interested in pursuing this pathway please see below O&M Graduate Diploma Scholarship:

Are you a teacher or allied health practitioner looking for a career change? The only program of its kind in Australia, the 1-year* Graduate Diploma in Orientation and Mobility prepares graduates for enriching careers in the provision of Orientation & Mobility (O&M) services.  We are excited to share that Guide dogs is offering a scholarship opportunity for 1 student who is interested in becoming a qualified O&M specialist via the UNSW Grad Diploma in O&M pathway.

What is on offer?

• Supervised work integrated learning O&M placement with GDN of up to 20 weeks, where you will have the opportunity to learn first-hand from our O&M specialists.
• Financial support towards Graduate Diploma of O&M course (up to $9,000).
• Relocation assistance is available for the right candidate.
• 2027 Graduate O&M offer within the Dubbo team.  

Key Role Responsibilities:

• Respond to requests for information and support from people enquiring about services.
• Establish and maintain effective communication and professional relationships with clients, families, colleagues and supervisors, including individuals of all ages and from culturally diverse backgrounds.
• Plan and conduct individualised, comprehensive O&M assessments, synthesize the findings in professionally written reports, and communicate results with clients, families and members of case teams, as appropriate.
• Plan effective, instructional, client-centred Orientation and Mobility programs.
• Train the client in orientation and mobility techniques across a range of environments (such as indoor, residential, outdoor, business)
• Monitor and evaluate a client’s O&M skills to identify potentially dangerous situations and intervene as appropriate, to ensure client safety.
• Facilitate the development of independence and problem solving in the client, across a variety of travel situations, in familiar and unfamiliar environments.
• Competently and sensitively undertake programs with people who have additional disabilities (physical, cognitive, hearing, brain injury, development and multiple).
• Ensure the client’s rights are upheld at all times, and provision of service complies with relevant ethical and professional standards.
• Complete client program reports and relevant documentation as stated in departmental procedures.

Essential Experience:

• Tertiary qualification in Orientation & Mobility, and current completion of COMS
• Ability to travel regularly by car and domestic flight for overnight stays. 
• Excellent communication skills including the ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with clients and others
• Excellent time management and organisation skills with an ability to be flexible to adapt to varying workloads and caseload demands
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team, ensuring that performance targets are met 
• Attention to detail and skills in analysis, planning and problem solving
• Sound skills in utilising computer applications and modern technology
• A current unrestricted drivers' licence and good driving records
• Willingness to obtain a Working with Children Check and and NDIS Worker check

Benefits that Guide Dogs offer: 

As a member of the Guide Dogs team, you will have access to a wide range of benefits tailored to your needs.

• A competitive remuneration package is available commensurate with skills and experience, which includes tax free salary packaging of up to $15,900. 
• Ongoing professional development throughout your tenure. 
• EAP - Get support when you need it with Employee Assistance Program counselling sessions.
• Me Days – Receive two paid days per year to support your health and wellbeing.
• Paid Parental Leave – take time to bond with your new child with 15 weeks paid leave after qualification period
• The option to purchase up to 4 weeks additional leave each year.
• Employee benefits program and Reward and Recognition program.
• Annual flu vaccinations. 
• Support for your professional development including paid study leave and educational assistance.
• Join an organisation that makes a meaningful and positive impact on our society.

Guide Dogs NSW/ACT are proud to be an inclusive workplace that reflects our clients and the broader community and are committed to providing a work environment in which everyone is included, treated fairly and with respect. We offer equal employment opportunity regardless of your disability, gender or gender identity, race, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital or domestic status, carer status, or political opinion.

If you require an adjustment within the recruitment process, please contact jobs@guidedogs.com.au to inform us of your preferred method of communication