(Hybrid) Academic Specialist - Department of Ophthalmology

The Department of Ophthalmology at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a (Hybrid) Academic Specialist position.

About the Opportunity

Orientation and mobility (O&M) is that part of the educational process that prepares patients with visual impairments to
travel independently and safely. O&M is one of the nine areas of the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) required to be
evaluated for patients with visual impairments. The itinerant O&M therapist/specialist travels to the patients' assigned
schools and/or home to provide direct and/or consultative services relating to the visual impairment. These services
enable the patients to travel safely, efficiently, and independently in their home, school, and community environments.
The patients may or may not have additional disabilities. The cognitive levels of the patients range from severely impaired
to gifted and talented. Many patients with visual impairments are totally included in their neighborhood schools. Others
are in special programs in their neighborhood schools or at various campuses throughout the district. Community-based
instruction is assumed and a critical component of the O&M program. It is often necessary for instruction to occur off campus,
so the need for transportation for this community-based instruction is important.

O&M instruction should include the concepts, skills, and techniques that individuals with visual impairments need to
acquire through both familiar and unfamiliar environments safely, effectively, and independently. This position will provide
evaluation and instruction in the area of orientation and mobility as well as performing the duties of assessment, planning,
collaboration with other professionals, advocacy and community education, and service to the professional. This position
will include complete inclusion in the Children's Vision Rehabilitation Program at the WVU Eye Institute with additional
assignments based on the need of the patient and program.

We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:

• 37.5-hour work week
• 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
• 24 annual leave (vacation) days per year (employee leave)
• 18 sick days per year (for when you're ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family's, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
• WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits
• 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ's.
• Wellness programs

What You'll Do

• Providing direct services to blind and visually impaired students.
• Braille Challenge
• Completing assessments (initial and on-going) as designated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
• Address Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC)
• Planning
• Instruction in the area of O&M
• Collaboration (with TVI's and other IEP team members)
• Collaborating with Directors of Special Education Directors
• Provide appropriate documentation to LEA's
• Attending National Coordinator meeting/training
• Organize WV Chapter of Braille Challenge
• Train vision teachers in administering test
• Certify testing
• Organize event
• Lead Coordinator of CVRP Institute of Learning (IOL) for day students.
• Manages budget for IOL.
• Oversees staff
• Creates programming
• Supervises contractual employees and children
• Evaluates blind and visually impaired children
• Advocacy and community education
• Prepare and use equipment and materials, such as tactile maps, models, optical devices, pre-canes, GPS devices, and long canes for the development of O&M skills
• Service to the profession (completing in-services and trainings)
• Follow applicable school, county, and state policy
• Maintain appropriate records and data collection
• Maintain positive relationships with students, parents, and staff members
• Request appropriate materials and equipment related to student O&M needs
  
• Maintain professional work habits
  
• Maintains open and positive communication with students, parents, and professionals
• Supervision of contractual employees during Institute events
• Evaluations in a clinical setting
• Attend at state and national conference
• Present at state and national conference
• Attend CVRP clinics and camps.
• Grant writing
• Maintain records for reimbursement
• Participation with adults with low vision

• Master's Degree in Special Education Teaching Visually Impaired. Certification required by WV State Department of Education to served children with this specific disability.
• A minimum of three (3) years of relevant experience.
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Specialized Instructional Strategies
• Ability to adapt the general education curriculum for students with visual impairments.
  
• Knowledge of individualized instruction tailored to functional vision levels.
  
• Fluent in reading and writing braille (Unified English Braille).
  
• Skilled in using and teaching assistive tech: screen readers, braille displays, magnification tools, etc.
  
• Ability to conduct Functional Vision Assessments (FVA) and Learning Media Assessments (LMA).
• Strong skills in writing and implementing IEPs tailored to visual impairments.
  
• Collaboration and Advocacy
  
• Work closely with general educators, O&M specialists, therapists, and families.
  
• Advocate for accessibility and inclusion in educational settings.
• Knowledge of Visual Impairments
• Understanding of a wide range of visual conditions and how they affect learning and access.
• Ability to modify the environment and materials for accessibility.
• Event Planning and Coordination Skills
• Organize logistics for student participation, venue setup, scheduling, and materials distribution.
• Communicate with families, school staff, and external partners.
• Assessment and Braille Literacy Expertise
• Understand the Braille Challenge structure, scoring, and evaluation.
• Support students' preparation and skill development in braille reading and writing.

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values - service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation - unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.