Vision Rehabilitation Specialist

Role Description
Vision Rehabilitation Specialist
Location:  Exeter, Honiton, Wellington, Bristol and Dorset
Salary: Upto £33,000 per annum + Benefits 
Hours: Full time – 37.5 hours per week
** full valid driving licence is required with own vehicle
** Paid mileage 45p/mile

About SeeAbility
SeeAbility is established as the leading national eye care expert for people with learning disabilities. As a Specialist Registered Charity it has over 220 years’ experience supporting people who have a visual impairment, learning disability, autism or complex support needs.

This opportunity is for a Qualified Vision Rehabilitation Specialist to join our Eye Care and Vision Team. You will work across a variety of residential and supported living homes to provide a range of assessments and rehabilitation services to increase independence, choice and control for the people we support.

SeeAbility’s values represent people being at the heart of the charity, promoting personalisation and inclusion; with a strong focus on helping the people we support learn skills that will bring them greater independence.

About you

A majority percentage of the people we support have a visual impairment which is the role of your specialism.

To be considered for this role you will have:

• a Foundation Degree/Diploma in Higher Education in Vision Rehabilitation Studies or equivalent.
• You must be registered or willing to register with the Rehabilitation Workers Professional Network (RWPN) upon employment.
• a full valid driving licence and own vehicle.
• experience of working with people with a learning disability, autism is desirable but not essential.

  To be effective in the role you will:
  – have excellent communication skills for relationship building and
  networking
  – be comfortable in sharing knowledge and skills with others
  – be able to work flexibly
  – have competence and confidence in using various forms of IT
  – be comfortable with loan working, working as part of a team and
  working with other professionals both internally and externally.

  Your role as a Vision Rehabilitation Specialist:

  You will provide assessment, therapeutic intervention, training/coaching and advice to staff to enhance the quality of life for people with visual impairment, learning disabilities, autism or complex needs. Positivity, and passion for making a difference are a must!
  You will work closely with support teams, the Behaviour Consultants and the local community teams to get extraordinary outcomes for the people we support. You will offer advice and support and become a critical friend to our homes.

  Main roles and responsibilities:

• Managing your own case load in relation to vision rehabilitation input.
• Complete a range of assessments relating to the vision rehabilitative needs of people we support, including functional vision assessments.
• Support SeeAbility’s recommendation that everyone with a learning disability should have an eye test at least once a year and assist or provide information, training, and support with regards to this.
• Work closely with the Lead Vision Rehabilitation Specialist, Vision Rehabilitation Team, the wider Eye Care and Vision Team, Positive Behaviour Consultants and NHS services to provide a holistic model of support.
• Ensure, with the wider team, that the people we support have person centred support plans, informed by their visual abilities, needs and limitations.
• Play an active role in ensuring the provision of the rehabilitative needs of everyone SeeAbility supports, working closely with managers and the support staff.
• Use initiative in problem solving, identifying new approaches to maximise individual potential.
• Monitor and evaluate the rehabilitation elements of the service provided.
• Develop effective working relationships with support teams, families/circle of support to ensure best outcomes for people we support.
• Devise, implement and deliver packages of training to support staff and other organisational colleagues.
• Provide information and advice to staff members regarding the rehabilitation requirements of people we support, including attendance at team meetings.
• Maintain and demonstrate a high level of professional knowledge of philosophy; practice; relevant documents; research findings and visual impairment aids/adaptations.
• Attend / provide information to multi-disciplinary meetings, reviews, to advice on and advocate for, the developmental needs of people we support, including the sensitive understanding of the implications for people with visual loss.
• Have a good understanding of Positive Behaviour Support to give advice, guide the support teams and to know when to call on specialist support.
• To assist in maintaining a safe working environment and to follow the requirements of SeeAbility’s Health and Safety Manual (policies and procedures).

Our Benefits

Our colleagues at SeeAbility are extremely valued, and so everyone has access to a fantastic package of benefits.
Your extraordinary opportunities

• Leadership development academy and talent programme for the next steps in your career
• Fully paid essential training
• Annual excellence awards
• Long service awards and recognition
• Quarterly 1:1s: Opportunity to discuss your progress and your future
• Fully paid annual professional network membership fees

Your work-life balance

• 33 days holiday (incl. bank holidays), increasing to 36 days with long service (1 extra day for each year of service)
• Buy and sell up to 3 days annual leave
• Life events – Time off when you need it most
• Flexible working – We are up for anything that works for your team and the wider organisation

Your money goes further

• Discounts and cashback at hundreds of shops, restaurants and activities
• Eligible for Blue Light Card discounts
• Save 10% on monthly bus travel
• Pay reviews and commitment to pay competitive rates
• Employer contributory pension scheme – Support and tools to help you make the right decisions about your future
• Refer a friend and receive £600
• Paid DBS and renewals
• Season ticket loans
• Discounted mobile phone options

Your wellbeing counts

• Life assurance of 2x annual salary
• Free 24/7 employee assistance programme for advice and support
• Free eye care vouchers
• Discounted gym membership

If you want to make a difference too, join our team.