Specialist, Low Vision Jobs

Do you want to work for a health care organization that changes people's lives? One that not only cares deeply about clients, but also values that its employees are its greatest asset?

Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada is a unique health services organization that serves people who are blind or partially sighted across the country. Our certified specialists provide training that empowers clients to develop or to restore activities of daily living skills, to promote their independence, to enhance safety and mobility. We work closely with ophthalmologists, optometrists and other health care professionals, by providing essential care on a referral basis in homes, workplaces and communities across the country.

We offer competitive salaries and benefits, flexible schedules, and opportunities to grow.

For more information about Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada, please visit visionlossrehab.ca or call 1-844-887-8572.

Position Title: Specialist, Low Vision

Location: Southeast Region – Peterborough, ON

Reports To: Manager, Operations & Clinical Strategic Initiatives

Date: 12th June 2023

Term: Permanent, Full-time

Salary: $26.37/hour

I. Scope And Summary Of Primary Responsibilities

Performs Functional Assessments, which include education regarding vision related topics; training in the use of low vision devices; and instruction on how to maximize residual vision. This position works with individuals in all age categories.

II. Essential Functions

This position entails, but is not limited to the following general responsibilities:

• Recommends and trains in the use of optical and non-optical aids.
• Educates individuals about their eye condition and vision health.
• Conducts functional low vision assessments.
• Interprets medical information.
• Delivers public speaking seminars and workshops on low vision services and related topics to community agencies/groups and health care professionals.
• Performs administrative duties, including, but not limited to, data input, documentation of assessments/client contact, and applicable subsidy program(s) as appropriate.
• Handles public inquiries regarding vision health and low vision services.
• Teaches individuals with partial sight how to maximize residual vision.
• Conducts research on new optical aids, adaptive equipment, and new findings in the eye care field. Attends professional development training and conferences as required.
• Refers individuals to other internal and external services.

Relationships

• Liaises and builds relationships with funding agencies, vendors, educational institutions and other third party organizations on behalf of clients.
• Attends and participates in multi-disciplinary team meetings.
• Provides support and consultation to individuals and their families regarding adjustment to vision loss and makes referrals as needed.
• Promotes an understanding and awareness of low vision and related issues through consultation, public education and in-service training.

Problem Solving/Time Frame of Impact

• Provides timely delivery of assessments to individuals to help them determine what training and devices will be best suited for their needs.
• Demonstrates the ability to creatively and quickly resolve problems to respond to unique individual needs.
• Supports individuals in their use of low vision devices and in resolving related problems and recommending solutions to those problems.

Decision Autonomy

• Utilizes standard procedures and processes to work with individuals to determine appropriate assistive technology.
• Operates with flexibility and personal discretion so as to accommodate each person’s specific needs.
• Utilizes judgment when determining if the individual requires referral to another VLRC service or external service.
• Utilizes curriculum, standard procedures, and processes to work with individuals on developing an individual program to accommodate their unique needs.

Leadership

• Takes initiative to keep abreast of low vision trends and takes initiative in professional development activities to keep current in all aspects of devices.
• Provides leadership to community groups and partners by educating, advocating and promoting awareness about vision loss.
• Facilitates and enhances team efforts on a professional level and shares specialized knowledge, sources, experience, concepts, and skills.

Requirements

III. Qualifications

Knowledge And Skill Requirements

• Mature and professional attitude
• Demonstrated knowledge of ocular anatomy, physiology, pathology, and low vision rehabilitation including optical and non-optical aids, visual skills and adaptive technology, blindness, and deaf-blindness and the psychosocial aspects of vision loss.
• Knowledgeable about disabilities and all life stages (children to seniors)
• Demonstrated individual centred approach and commitment.
• Demonstrated decision making and professional judgement.
• Self-directed, organized, and excellent attention to detail.

Experience And Education

• Excellent verbal, written and math skills.
• French is considered an asset.
• Bachelor degree with a major in health care or vision i.e. public health or community nursing. ACVREP Certified Low Vision Therapists, COC, AOC, or equivalent Certified Orthoptists, and JCAHPO certified allied health personnel in ophthalmology.
• Eligible for ACVREP certification.
• High level of competency in relevant computer applications.

Work Environment

• Willingness to work flexible hours.
• Service will be provided in centers, individual homes, virtually and/or the community.

Benefits

If this sounds like the role for you, apply now to[email protected]

Be sure to include a resume, cover letter, and mention how you heard about this opportunity.

VLRC is committed to creating and fostering an inclusive culture and welcomes applications from diverse candidates, including but not limited to Indigenous peoples, women, candidates with disabilities, and candidates of colour. We strongly encourage applications from applicants with sight loss. Direct lived experience would be a definite asset. We're excited to review your application

Please note that the successful candidate will be required to pass a standard Criminal Record Check.

We thank all applicants for their interest in VLRC, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Closing Date for Applications: 11th September 2023