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, Orientation & MobilityLocation: Winnipeg, ManitobaTerm: Full-time, Contract (1 Year)Reports To: Regional Manager, Healthcare OperationsSalary: $27.37/hourDate: May 24, 2024I. Scope and Summary of Primary ResponsibilitiesThis position covers a broad range of duties and responsibilities including instructing individuals with vision loss on orientation and mobility which aid in the acquisition of movement skills and the concept development of spatial orientation, and environmental analysis related to independent travel by individuals who are visually impaired.II. Essential FunctionsThis position entails, but is not limited to the following general responsibilities:\xc2\xb7 Conducts assessments and documents the O&M needs and personal goals of individuals with vision loss.\xc2\xb7 With the individual, identifies and prioritizes goals and develops an orientation & mobility service plan.\xc2\xb7 Teaches concept development, spatial and sensory awareness, pre-cane skills, cane techniques, and travel skills.\xc2\xb7 Encourages and provides support in assertiveness/advocacy skills to individuals as it relates to orientation and mobility.\xc2\xb7 Provides information and lessons in the use of electronic travel aids.\xc2\xb7 Provides tactile maps as required.\xc2\xb7 Teaches sighted guide to family members and others.\xc2\xb7 Acts as a resource person for information regarding guide dog schools. Provide skill development to prepare individuals to work with a guide dog. Works with guide dog schools as required.\xc2\xb7 Acts as a resource in matters related to accessible design and the built environment.\xc2\xb7 Maintains all case data and documentation consistent with VLRC systems and procedures.\xc2\xb7 Performs administrative duties including but not limited to service tracking, benchmarking, report writing, etc.\xc2\xb7 Other duties as assignedRelationships\xc2\xb7 Liaises and builds relationships with community-based rehabilitation teams, agencies, schools, partners and stakeholders.\xc2\xb7 Provides support and consultation to individuals and their families re: 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 orientation & mobility lessons 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 CNIB 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 Knowledge and experience working with individuals with vision loss.\xc2\xb7 Knowledgeable about disabilities and all life stages (children to seniors).\xc2\xb7 Well-developed interpersonal and communications skills.\xc2\xb7 Decision-making and problem-solving ability.\xc2\xb7 Mature and professional attitude.\xc2\xb7 Self-directed, organized and detail oriented.\xc2\xb7 Demonstrated client centred approach and commitment.\xc2\xb7 Adherence to professional of healthcare documentation, charting, and reporting.Experience and Education\xc2\xb7 Graduate of the Instructor for Blind and Visually Impaired Program (Mohawk College); or Diploma in Specialized Studies, O&M and Vision Rehabilitation (University of Montreal).\xc2\xb7 Undergraduate degree or equivalent.\xc2\xb7 ACVREP Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialist (COMS) certification.\xc2\xb7 Good command of relevant computer applications.\xc2\xb7 Excellent verbal and written communications skills.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