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 for professional development and growth.

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

Position Title : Specialist, Low Vision

Location : Halifax, NS

Term : Full-time, Permanent

Reports To : Manager, Healthcare Operations

Date : October 25, 2024

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 functional low vision 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.

Relationships

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

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

• Takes initiative to keep abreast of new electronic travel aids and other advances / technologies and techniques in Orientation and mobility.
• Takes initiative to be knowledgeable of guide dog schools and their programs.
• 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.
• Facilitate and enhance team efforts on a professional level and share specialized knowledge, sources, experience, concepts, and skills.

Requirements

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 group education.
• 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 VLRC 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.
• Undergraduate degree or equivalent.
• High level of competency in relevant computer applications.
• Excellent verbal, written and math skills.
• French is considered an asset.

Work Environment

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

Benefits

Apply Now!

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 workplace and we are committed to a fair, transparent, and accessible recruitment process.

We strongly encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including but not limited to Indigenous peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, people who are blind, partially sighted, or deafblind, and those who identify as women and / or 2SLGBTQ+.

We strongly encourage applications from applicants with sight loss. Direct lived experience would be a definite asset.

VLRC is committed to accommodating applicants with disabilities and will work with applicants requesting accommodations at any stage of the hiring process.

Please note that the successful candidate will be required to pass a standard Vulnerable Sector Check.

Not sure if you qualify? Think about applying anyway!

We understand that not everyone brings 100% of the skills and experience for the role. If you possess similar experience to what we’ve listed above, we encourage you to apply.

We believe that diverse experience, transferable skills, and passion are key!

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

Closing Date for Applications : November 8, 2024