Employment Advisor /Occupational Therapist- Employment, Training & Academia Team (Workability)

Vision Ireland is an organisation which provides support and services nationwide to people experiencing sight loss. We also provide a range of services to public and private organisations to make sure that their services are accessible to people who are blind and vision impaired

Vision Ireland currently has a vacancy for an Employment Advisor/Occupational Therapist for the Employment, Training & Academia team.

This is a full time, specific purpose role ending on 31st December 2028. Working days are Monday to Friday. Hybrid working option available.

The candidate will work with adults of working age who are blind and vision impaired providing inclusive pathways to employment and will be based in our National Training Centre in Whitworth Road, Drumcondra, Dublin 9.

Third level qualification in occupational therapy or related health discipline is essential. Experience of working with adults with a disability an advantage. The successful applicant will be expected to travel in the course of carrying out daily duties.

Apply with cover letter and CV which must be provided together to ensure the success of the application.

Key Relationships:

Internal

        Adults with vision loss and their families

        Colleagues within the Vision Ireland services team

        Other NCBI colleagues

        Employment, Training and Academic manager

        Vision Ireland Volunteers

External

        Referral agencies

        Eye Care Professionals

        General health care system

        Other statutory and voluntary bodies

RESPONSIBILITES

• To liaise with referrers and manage intake of referrals of adults according to Vision Ireland's agreed protocols.
• To provide in depth functional impact assessment at baseline and ongoing, with all adults deemed appropriate for referral to Vision Ireland services.
• To independently manage a caseload of adults using a tiered approach to intervention based on assessed needs.
• To advise and/or deliver intervention programmes to adults with vision loss, ranging from universal, targeted and/or individualised solutions and strategies which include the following areas.

1. Development/enhancement of independent living skills
2. Maximising residual vision
3. Development of compensatory skills
4. Communication skills & assistive technology
5. Safe and independent travel skills
6. Environmental adaptation

• To provide an appropriate level of emotional support and demonstrate empathy to adults with vision loss and their families and refer on for further support where necessary.
• Provide relevant and appropriate information regarding all aspects of sight loss to individuals, their families and general public as appropriate.
• Work in partnership with the individual referred and other professionals in all stages of service provision to ensure optimal outcomes for people with vision loss.
• Liaise with government, statutory and voluntary bodies in the promotion of the needs and rights of people with vision impairment and their families.
• To develop and maintain your own knowledge base and skills and to contribute to the team learning.
• Take an active role in the development of Vision Ireland services for adults working both independently and collaboratively within a skill mix team.
• To contribute to policy and assist in the setting & monitoring of standards as well as evaluation of practice & service.
• Maintain case and work records to the standards required within the Organisation and comply with all Vision Ireland policies in relation to electronic record keeping, file maintenance, information sharing, confidentiality, health and safety etc.
• To be aware of and adhere to Vision Ireland and statutory Service User Protection measures

GENERAL

• Be cognisant of and conform to all the Vision Ireland policies & procedures

Above responsibilities reflect the current service requirements and may be subject to amendment to meet the changing needs of the service.

Essential Qualifications & Experience:

• Relevant 3rd level qualification in Occupational Therapy or relevant health related qualification.
• A minimum of 3 years' experience of working with individual's disabilities or under-represented groups.
• Knowledge of advocacy and representing marginalised groups.
• Full driving licence and access to a vehicle

Desirable Qualifications:

        Qualification/Training in Access to the Built Environment, Standards and Legislation would be beneficial.

        Qualification/Training in Functional Vision

        Qualification/Training in Orientation & Mobility

Person Specification:

          Building and maintaining relationships

          Excellent interpersonal skills

          Problem solving & decision making

          Technical & professional expertise

          Driving Innovation

          Flexibility & adaptability

Vision Ireland is an equal opportunities employer.

Accessibility, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Vision Ireland is committed to creating an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated, and everyone is afforded equality of opportunity. It is our policy to recognise people as a key resource required for successful attainment of the organisation's mission. In support of this, it is important to remember that differences between people, whether devised from their different backgrounds and personalities, cultures and/or their different abilities, can be a source of strength to the organisation.

We welcome, encourage, and embrace people of all backgrounds, to include those with disabilities, accessibility plays a huge part of ensuring that the needs of all our employees and service users, can access our systems and services, with ease and respect, in a supportive environment, enabling all to effectively engage our services and achieve our goals whether they are an applicant for employment or an employee requiring special facilitation.