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.
Date: Sept 17, 2021
Job Title: Specialist, Orientation and Mobility
Term: Full Time
Location: New Westminster, British Columbia
Summary:
The Orientation and Mobility (Oamp;M) specialist provides functional expertise for individuals with vision loss and their families to maximize skills for optimal independence to travel safely, confidently and independently in their environment. The Orientation and Mobility specialist works with individuals usually on a one-to-one basis in a home, school, hospital or in the community.
What might that look like:
The Specialist, Oamp;M may help orient a college student who is blind to locate and navigate public transit to safely arrive on campus; instruct a young adult who has low vision in the use of a GPS device; provide sighted guide training to caregivers; and teach a senior who is partially sighted to cross two busy streets to get to the grocery store.
Does this sound interesting, rewarding, and different? See if this job is the right one for you!
Your impact at VLRC:
Teaches mobility skills for indoor and outdoor orientation, sighted guide to caregivers and others amp; accessible technology devices. Teaches concept development, spatial and sensory awareness, pre-cane techniques, mobility aids and provides environmental assessments. Interacts with clients, their family, caregivers and professional affiliates to identify and develop vision related goals including intervention and therapy programs. Provide support through consultation to individuals and their families regarding adjustment to vision loss. Evaluates clients’ progress as needed to revise service plans according to VLRC policy and procedures. Provides interventions and supports to the client in the form of direct service, resources and information, collaboration with other programs and health care providers and transition planning. Acts as a key resource in matters related to accessible design and the built environment. Acts as a resource person for information regarding guide dog and liaises with the guide dog schools. Provides skill development to prepare individuals to work with a guide dog. Liaises and builds relationships with community-based rehabilitation teams, hospitals, and other key VLRC stakeholders. Maintain all case data, service tracking, key performance indicator benchmarking, reports and documentation consistent with VLRC Systems and Procedures. Keeps abreast of current materials, technology, standards of practice (ACVREP) related to providing service to individuals with vision loss by review of professional literature.Requirements
Who you are:
You have knowledge about disabilities in general in all life stages including children to seniors. You have well-developed interpersonal, communications and diplomacy skills. You have strong decision-making and problem-solving ability. You are self-directed, organized and detail oriented. You have demonstrated maturity and sensitivity when dealing with the needs of persons who are blind or partially sighted. You are passionate about client centred approach and commitment. Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a part of a team environment.
We want to hear from you if you have:
Graduate of the instructor for the Blindness and Visual Impaired Program, Orientation amp; Mobility Specialist, post-secondary education and/or prior experience in Occupational Therapy or equivalent training. Are ACVREP Certified, or eligible for ACVREP certification. Good command of relevant computer applications. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Strong organizational and time management skills. Clear Criminal Record Check.
Work Environment:
Service to be provided within Vancouver Lower Mainland region. Travel within the region will be required. Service provided in VLRC centres, home, community locations, hospital, or clinical settings.Benefit
