ON, Ontario, Southeast Region (Belleville/Kingston), Specialist, Low Vision

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: Ontario, Southeast Region (Belleville/Kingston)         

Term: Full-Time

Rate: $24.73/hr 


Closing Date: Ongoing Opportunities

 

I. Scope and Summary of Primary Responsibilities

Performs Functional Low Vision 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:

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

Relationships

  • Builds relationships and partnerships with external stakeholders, partners, including local groups/agencies.
  • Provides appropriate support and consultation to individuals, clients and their families.
  • Contributes as part of multidisciplinary team.

Problem Solving/Time Frame of Impact

  • Utilizes established business rules, service standards and practices, and ensures policy and procedures are followed in a timely fashion.
  • Provides timely delivery of client interview and assignment of appropriate services/interventions.
  • Ability to creatively and quickly problem solve and respond to unique needs of clients.
  • Participates in service evaluation and program planning processes, as needed, to maintain and improve service outcomes.

Decision Autonomy

  • Works under the general direction of national/divisional guidelines and standards but has latitude in making decisions on routine tasks.
  • Consults with supervisor on issues that are more complex or may require upper-level approval.
  • Exercises judgment and tact when working with individuals and knows when to elevate issues to the next level such as referring unusual client needs to appropriate person for service planning.
  • Committed to maintaining privacy and confidentiality.

Leadership

  • Takes initiative to keep abreast of new and changing community resources and Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada policies & procedures.
  • Facilitates and enhances team efforts on a professional level and shares specialized knowledge, resources, experience, concepts, and skills.
  • Engages and mentors other staff as required.

III. Qualifications

Knowledge and Skill Requirements

  • 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 various size groups.
  • Knowledgeable about disabilities and all life stages (children to seniors)
  • Demonstrated decision making and professional judgement.
  • Mature and professional attitude
  • Self-directed, organized, and excellent attention to detail.
  • Demonstrated individual centred approach and commitment.

Experience and Education

    • All personnel hired to provide low vision services must meet the requirements of the CNIB National Vision Rehabilitation (Low Vision Specialist) Training Program.
    • 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.
    • Eligible for ACVREP certification.
    • High level of competency in relevant computer applications.
    • Excellent verbal, written and math skills.
    • French is considered an asset.

Work Environment

  • Willingness to work flexible hours
  • Occasional travel may be required
  • Able to deliver services utilizing an in-person and virtual model supporting client and organizational needs

Apply Now!

If this sounds like the role for you, apply now to Bianca.Giacalone@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: Ongoing Opportunities