ON, Toronto, Specialist, Assistive Technology

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, Assistive Technology (Full time)

Location: Greater Toronto Area Ontario

Reports To: Senior Manager, Healthcare Operations and Specialized Projects

Salary: $25.85     

Date: March 15, 2022

I. Scope and Summary of Primary Responsibilities

In covering a broad range of duties and responsibilities this position assesses, recommends, and demonstrates assistive technology hardware and software for people with vision loss, helps develop, implement and instruct in assistive software training.  This position also participates in education and awareness activities.  

II. Accountabilities

This position provides functional expertise for the comprehensive multi-faceted service and operations program within a matrix reporting structure. 

III. Essential Functions

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

General Responsibilities

  • Assesses individuals with sight loss to help them identify their personal needs and requirements as it relates to assistive technology solutions.
  • Writes comprehensive assessment reports
  • In consultation with the individual, makes recommendations on assistive technology and training solutions to meet their unique needs.
  • Assists individuals with a plan for the implementation of the assistive technology recommendations, including acquisition, setup and configuration of the assistive device and makes training referrals, as appropriate.
  • Performs administrative duties, including but not limited to, service tracking, benchmarking, report writing, etc.
  • Delivers public speaking seminars and workshops on assistive technology and related topics to community agencies/groups and others. 
  • Demonstrates assistive technology options and solutions to both internal and external audiences.
  • Uses electronic assessments and templates in the EVRR system to identify and document client goals and training plans

Relationships

  • Provides support and consultation to individuals and their support system relating to adjustment to vision loss.
  • Promotes an understanding and awareness of assistive technology and related issues through consultation, public education and in-service training.
  • Attends and participates in team meetings.
  • Liaises and builds relationships with funding agencies, vendors, educational institutions and other third-party organizations on behalf of clients.
  • Assists with the training, placement and supervision of volunteers and students.

Problem Solving/Time Frame of Impact

  • Provides timely delivery of assessments to individuals to help them determine what assistive technology will be best suited for their goals.
  • Demonstrates the ability to creatively and quickly resolve problems to respond to unique individual needs.
  • Supports individuals in their use of assistive technology 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.
  • Utilizes judgment when determining if the individual requires referral to another VLRC service or external service.
  • Operates with flexibility and personal discretion to accommodate each person’s specific goals.
  • Utilizes Agency based 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 assistive technology as it relates to vision loss. 
  • Takes initiative in professional development activities to keep current in all aspects of mainstream and assistive technology.
  • Provides leadership to community groups and partners by educating, advocating and promoting awareness about vision loss.
  • Provides leadership in training and coaching volunteers, students and staff.
  • Facilitates and enhances team efforts on a professional level and shares specialized knowledge, sources, experience, concepts, and skills.

IV. Qualifications

Knowledge and Skill Requirements:

  • Knowledge and experience working with individuals of all ages with sight loss.
  • Basic understanding of the principles of low vision and the impact of visual demands when transferred to electronic visual displays.
  • General understanding of other disabilities and all life stages (children to seniors) and how this affects assistive technology selection and instruction.
  • Well-developed interpersonal and communications skills
  • Decision-making and problem-solving ability
  • Mature and professional attitude
  • Self-directed, organized and detail oriented.
  • Demonstrated client centred approach and commitment
  • Working confidentially in a technology intensive operation environment.  Utilizing both standard office software and specialised client management technology
  • Knowledge and experience working with access technology and assistive technology.
  • Related work experience.

Experience and Education

  • College diploma or university degree in technology
  • Courses or certificate in teaching and training
  • Graduate of training courses that are designed or delivered by VLRC, or by an external provider on behalf of VLRC
  • Extensive knowledge of blindness and low vision assistive technology
  • Good command of relevant computer applications.
  • Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
  • Bilingual, French and English as asset

Work Environment

  • Service will be provided in VLRC centers, individual homes and/or the community.
  • Willingness to work flexible hours.
  • Willingness to travel overnight.
  • Ability to lift/carry items up to 15 kilograms.

Apply Now!

If this sounds like the role for you, apply now to kerrie.st.jean@vlrehab.ca. 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: April 4, 2022