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Augusta, Maine, United States
Onsite
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Department of Labor
Opening Date: September 18, 2026
Closing Date: October 4, 2026
Grade / Admin Unit: 25 / Professional/Technical Services
Job Class Code: 3015
Salary: $54,412.80 - $ 76,315.20/Annually
Location: Augusta, Lewiston, Portland
DESCRIPTION: This is professional services work in instructing individuals who are blind or visually impaired in the methods and practices of effective orientation, safe travel, and/or assistive technology (AT) solutions. Responsibilities include assessing degree of impairment, providing consultation on available services, and teaching persons who are blind/low vision, including those with other disabilities, to travel safely and independently -and/or- how to utilize assistive technology to enhance independence, improve communication, and promote successful outcomes for educational pursuits, independent living, avocational interests, and gainful employment. Work is performed under limited supervision.
REPRESENTATIVE TASKS: (A position may not be assigned all the duties listed, nor do the listed examples include all the duties that may be assigned). • Assesses individuals’ functional needs using standardized evaluation methods; analyzes vision/medical reports to determine appropriate accommodations, recommendations and instruction strategies. • Teaches individuals who are blind or low vision to understand concept development and spatial awareness, improve orientation, and interpret environmental surroundings to travel safely and independently using other senses to improve mobility. • Provides instruction in the use of AT devices and software in multiple settings (home, school, workplace, etc.). • Evaluates available services and expected results to determine feasibility of training to set reasonable goals for individuals. • Conducts usability and user-testing sessions with AT tools to evaluate effectiveness and inform recommendations. • Plans and develops training schedules; explains objectives of training program to trainees and other individuals to ensure understanding. • Writes evaluation reports, progress notes, training summaries, master lists of cases, and related statistical data to document needs, progress, and work activity. • Develops individual plan for training through discussion with individuals and evaluation of medical information to ensure individuals’ needs are met. • Instructs in use of low vision aids and/or AT devices and software, for mobility and other purposes through knowledge of devices and degree/type of impairment to explain, teach usage, and enhance safe mobility. • Counsels individuals and family members on adjustment to vision loss to assist individuals and their families experiencing the adjustment process. • Conducts site evaluations at schools and other public facilities to assist in complying with ADA, IDEA, and other related mandates involving disabilities. • Confers with social services providers and other professionals to provide and coordinate services. • Develops community awareness of Blind Rehabilitation services to enhance community awareness and assist in accommodating individuals. Assistive Technology Specialist Page 2 of 3 • Researches, explores, and stays current with emerging AT tools and accessibility trends, including beta testing, reviewing new hardware/software, and building resource networks.
KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED: (These are required to successfully perform the work assigned). • Knowledge of medical and psychological/social aspects of rehabilitation of individuals who are blind or visually impaired. • Knowledge of kinesiology, Audition, and other senses. • Knowledge of concept and sensory development. • Knowledge of visual system including structure and function of the eyes and pathologies. • Knowledge of additional disabilities including cognitive developmental delays or autism. • Knowledge of blind/low vision individuals’ functional needs, accessibility principles, and accommodations in mobility, education, employment, and daily living. • Knowledge of child and adult learning theory and special education principles for children who are blind and/or visually impaired. • Knowledge of the principles, theories, and techniques of O&M and AT training services, blind rehabilitation, and low vision therapy. • Knowledge of technical resources and assistive technology skills such as screen reader proficiency, screen magnification, refreshable braille, accessibility software, OCR/Scanning tools, and mobile accessibility. • Knowledge of the field of low vision therapy, services, and aids. • Knowledge of ADA, IDEA, vocational rehabilitation and other related principles or mandates involving disabilities. • Ability to teach and apply O&M training theory, techniques, and practices • Ability to break down complex tasks into accessible steps while adapting teaching methods for different learning styles, vision levels, or cognitive needs. • Ability to understand technical, medical, and psychological information and examine and evaluate data concerning individuals’ skills in safe and independent travel and mobility. • Ability to solve difficult circumstances and determine feasibility of training and/or identify alternative solutions. • Ability to communicate in both verbal and written forms clearly and effectively • Ability to motivate and encourage individuals at different emotional stages of vision loss. • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships • Ability to collaborate with other blind and low vision specialists/disciplines and stakeholders such as O&M, AT, vision rehab specialists, VR counselors, teachers, employers, and transportation officials. • Ability to document accurately, maintain records, and prepare reports. • Ability to administer and interpret clinical or standardized tests for children and adults who are blind or visually impaired. • Ability to develop, implement, and evaluate an individual’s plan for training, while exercising continued oversight, progress evaluation, and decision making. • Ability to serve as a technical resource to individuals in determining a plan for O&M training and/or Assistive Technology training. Assistive Technology Specialist Page 3 of 3 • Ability to examine and evaluate individuals’ needs for low vision services with reference to the principles and methods of maximizing vision. • Ability to troubleshoot and adapt to changes in assignments, new technologies, systems, and equipment.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: (Entry level knowledges, skills, and/or abilities may be acquired through, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO the following coursework/training and/or experience). Advanced education, training, and/or experience in blind or low vision rehabilitation services spanning disciplines such as orientation & mobility, assistive technology and occupational therapy, or other related fields concerning accessibility and disability with demonstrated competency in disability assessment, technological solutions, instructional methods, problem solving, and communication.
LICENSING/REGISTRATION/CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: (These must be met by all employees prior to attaining permanent status in this class). Positions require ACVREP accredited certifications; either Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialist (COMS) or Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist (CATIS) based on work performed
Benefits of working for the State of Maine:
No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:
Work-Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($11,857.68-$13,950.24 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.
Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($365.28 annual value).
Retirement Plan – The State of Maine contributes 14.06% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.
Gym Membership Reimbursement – Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts – Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness – The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office.
Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive forty-two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
Voluntary Deferred Compensation – Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.
State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.
Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.
There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.
As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.
If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.
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