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: Sault. Ste. Marie

Reports To: Senior Manager, Healthcare Operations

Rate: $25.23/hour

Term: Full-time, permanent

Date: 12th June, 2023

I. Scope And Summary Of Primary Responsibilities

Performs Functional Low Vision Assessments, uses functional vision evaluation instruments to assess visual acuity, visual fields, contrast sensitivity function, color vision, stereopsis, visual perceptual and visual motor functioning, literacy skills in reading and writing, etc. as they relate to vision impairment and disability. The Specialist also evaluates work history, educational performance, use of technology, quality of life and aspects of psychosocial and cognitive function. They also instruct in the use of prescribed low vision devices.

II. Essential Functions

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

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

Relationships

• Provides support and consultation to individuals and their families regarding adjustment to vision loss.
• Assists with the training, placement and supervision of volunteers and students.
• Liaises and builds relationships with community-based rehabilitation teams, agencies, schools, partners, health practitioners and stakeholders.
• Promotes an understanding and awareness of vision health related issues through consultation, public education, and in-service training.
• Attends and participates in multi-disciplinary team meetings.

Problem Solving

• Provide timely delivery of low vision services to ensure individuals with vision loss acquire travel skills to remain/regain independence.
• Ability to creatively and quickly problem solve to respond to unique individual needs.

Decision Autonomy

• Utilizes standard procedures and processes to work with individuals on developing an individual program to accommodate their unique needs.
• Utilizes judgment when determining if the individual requires referral to another VLRC service or external services.

Leadership

• Facilitate and enhance team efforts on a professional level and share specialized knowledge, sources, experience, concepts, and skills.
• Provides leadership to community groups and partners by educating, advocating and promoting awareness about vision loss.
• Provides mentorship supervision to apprentice staff within the organization, leadership in training and coaching volunteers, students and staff.

Requirements

III. Qualifications

Knowledge And Skill Requirements

• Demonstrated decision making and professional judgement.
• 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.
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate group education.
• Self-directed, organized, and excellent attention to detail.
• Knowledgeable about disabilities and all life stages (children to seniors)
• Demonstrated individual centred approach and commitment.

Experience And Education

• Must be graduates from a post secondary institution 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.
• Excellent verbal, written and math skills.
• Undergraduate degree or equivalent.
• All personnel hired to provide low vision services must meet the requirements of the VLRC National Vision Rehabilitation (Low Vision Specialist) Training Program.
• High level of competency in relevant computer applications.
• Eligible for ACVREP certification.
• French is considered an asset.

Work Environment

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

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: 30th June, 2023