Overview
Job Title: Rehabilitation Officer for Visual Impairment
Location: Based from Midleton House, RG1 5LR (with frequent travel across Reading Borough)
Purpose of the job: To undertake specialist visual impairment assessments with adults (18 years+) who have a visual impairment to identify their needs and aspirations; to provide rehabilitation to promote independent living; to carry out reviews and to determine whether the person’s outcomes have been met through the rehabilitation programme.
Responsibilities
Description of activities – Key areas of responsibility:
* Assessment
o To undertake specialist visual impairment assessments with Adults (18 years+) who have a visual impairment to identify their needs and aspirations and to promote independent living.
* Rehabilitation and service provision
o To plan, implement and evaluate a programme of rehabilitation as per the preventative duties in the Care Act 2014 with the visually impaired person and in line with the person’s stated outcomes, aimed at maximising and maintaining independence, safety, dignity and choice.
o Daily Living Skills – teaching new skills or adapted practice for all aspects of daily living, home management, employment and leisure.
o Mobility Training – developing planned programmes for independence in indoor and outdoor mobility environments, including guiding, pre-cane, long cane, orientation (including specialist equipment) and route planning techniques including public transport.
o To undertake lighting assessments within the home to maximise safety.
o To provide communication training, including print, Braille, audio description, ICT and telephones.
o To work within a safeguarding framework, identifying risk or harm and promoting safety, following Berkshire Vision’s safeguarding policy.
o To signpost and/or refer individuals internally and externally (Adult Social Care, Health, employment services, voluntary sector, community services).
o To support visually impaired people to represent their culture, needs, views and circumstances, where appropriate.
o To follow and implement the requirements of the Care Act 2014.
o To develop and maintain links with primary and secondary care and public health services, particularly Ophthalmology, Optometry practices, and GPs.
* Review
o To review the individual’s rehabilitation programme against their outcomes.
* Colleagues
o To line manage and/or train any junior staff, volunteers or placements (e.g. trainee ROVIs).
o To provide training and supervision to staff supporting visually impaired service users (e.g. Assistant ROVIs, Sight Loss Support Officers).
o To play an active role within the charity, supporting colleagues and charity events as required.
* Other
o Be responsible for own continuing professional development, keeping up to date with best practice, policies and procedures.
o Deal with issues professionally, maintaining confidentiality and data protection requirements.
o Be an effective representative for the charity and act professionally to promote a positive image of Berkshire Vision.
* Working Environment:
o Office-based role with extensive use of display screen equipment.
o Occasionally work evenings and weekends (TOIL will be given).
o Travel extensively across Reading Borough to meet with members and/or partners.
o Occasional travel to other parts of Berkshire or out of area.
Essential Qualifications
* Honours Degree or Dip. H.E./Foundation Degree in Rehabilitation Studies (Visual Impairment) or equivalent
* Current registration with Rehabilitation Workers Professional Network
* Full driving licence (business insurance required) or eligibility for Access to Work transport
Experience
* A minimum of two years’ post qualification experience working with visual impairment
* Understanding of visual impairment and specialist strategies and support
* Experience with assistive technology and accessibility features
* Experience of carrying out risk assessments
* Experience of supervising others (volunteers, placement students or staff)
Skills and Abilities
* Strong communication and problem-solving skills with ability to adapt strategies to meet individual need
* Creativity and innovative service delivery when providing assessment and training
* Knowledge of assistive technology and accessible features
* Evidence of continued professional development
* Fluent in spoken and written English
* Competent in MS Office (Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook)
* Knowledge of safeguarding adults and child protection
Personal Qualities
* Highly organised and able to work under own initiative
* Strong communication skills and emotional intelligence
* Approachable, self-motivated, good team player
* Strong customer focus with integrity and sensitivity to disability issues
* Open minded and willing to challenge the norm
* Able to liaise effectively with third parties and build professional relationships
Other Requirements
* Flexible approach to working hours
* Full enhanced DBS required
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