Job Description

VLRC CAREER OPPORTUNITIESDo 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 or call 1-844-887-8572\xe2\x80\x8b.Position Title: Specialist, Low VisionLocation: Winnipeg, ManitobaTerm: Full-time, Contract (1 Year)Reports To: Regional Manager, Healthcare OperationsSalary: $27.37/hourDate: May 24, 2024I. Scope and Summary of Primary ResponsibilitiesPerforms 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 FunctionsThis position entails, but is not limited to the following general responsibilities:\xc2\xb7 Conducts functional low vision assessments.\xc2\xb7 Teaches individuals with partial sight how to maximize residual vision.\xc2\xb7 Recommends and trains in the use of optical and non-optical aids.\xc2\xb7 Educates individuals about their eye condition and vision health.\xc2\xb7 Refers individuals to other internal and external services.\xc2\xb7 Handles public inquiries regarding vision health and low vision services.\xc2\xb7 Conducts research on new optical aids, adaptive equipment, and new findings in the eye care field.\xc2\xb7 Attends professional development training and conferences as required.\xc2\xb7 Delivers public speaking seminars and workshops on low vision services and related topics to community agencies/groups and health care professionals.\xc2\xb7 Interprets medical information.\xc2\xb7 Performs administrative duties, including, but not limited to, data input, documentation of assessments/client contact, and applicable subsidy program(s) as appropriate.Relationships\xc2\xb7 Liaises and builds relationships with community-based rehabilitation teams, agencies, schools, partners, health practitioners and stakeholders.\xc2\xb7 Provides support and consultation to individuals and their families regarding adjustment to vision loss.\xc2\xb7 Attends and participates in multi-disciplinary team meetings.\xc2\xb7 Promotes an understanding and awareness of vision health related issues through consultation, public education, and in-service training.\xc2\xb7 Assists with the training, placement and supervision of volunteers and students.Problem Solving\xc2\xb7 Provide timely delivery of low vision services to ensure individuals with vision loss acquire travel skills to remain/regain independence.\xc2\xb7 Ability to creatively and quickly problem solve to respond to unique individual needs.Decision Autonomy\xc2\xb7 Utilizes standard procedures and processes to work with individuals on developing an individual program to accommodate their unique needs.\xc2\xb7 Utilizes judgment when determining if the individual requires referral to another VLRC service or external services.Leadership\xc2\xb7 Takes initiative to keep abreast of new electronic travel aids and other advances/technologies and techniques in Orientation and mobility.\xc2\xb7 Takes initiative to be knowledgeable of guide dog schools and their programs.\xc2\xb7 Provides leadership to community groups and partners by educating, advocating and promoting awareness about vision loss.\xc2\xb7 Provides mentorship supervision to apprentice staff within the organization, leadership in training and coaching volunteers, students and staff.\xc2\xb7 Facilitate and enhance team efforts on a professional level and share specialized knowledge, sources, experience, concepts, and skills.RequirementsIII. QualificationsKnowledge and Skill Requirements\xc2\xb7 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.\xc2\xb7 Demonstrated ability to facilitate group education.\xc2\xb7 Knowledgeable about disabilities and all life stages (children to seniors)\xc2\xb7 Demonstrated decision making and professional judgement.\xc2\xb7 Mature and professional attitude\xc2\xb7 Self-directed, organized, and excellent attention to detail.\xc2\xb7 Demonstrated individual centred approach and commitment.Experience and Education\xc2\xb7 All personnel hired to provide low vision services must meet the requirements of the VLRC National Vision Rehabilitation (Low Vision Specialist) Training Program.\xc2\xb7 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.\xc2\xb7 Eligible for ACVREP certification.\xc2\xb7 Undergraduate degree or equivalent.\xc2\xb7 High level of competency in relevant computer applications.\xc2\xb7 Excellent verbal, written and math skills.\xc2\xb7 French is considered an asset.BenefitsWork Environment\xc2\xb7 Service will be provided in office centers, individual homes and/or the community.\xc2\xb7 Willingness to work flexible hours.\xc2\xb7 Travel will be required.Apply Now!If this sounds like the role for you, apply now toBe 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\xe2\x80\x99ve 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: June 21, 2024

Vision Loss Rehabilitation