Rehabilitation Officer for Vision Impaired

We are St Helens Borough Council

Located in the heart of the Northwest close to Liverpool, Manchester and Lancashire, St Helens is a modernising Council which is passionate and ambitious for the children and families we support, our communities and our workforce. As part of our transformation journey, we continue to build on our progress and put children firmly at the centre of our care. We can only do this because of our highly valued, skilled, and supported workforce.

We are looking for enthusiastic individuals to apply for the position of Rehabilitation Officer for Vision Impaired people in St Helens.

To provide a comprehensive rehabilitation service for visually impaired adults in order to develop and maintain the individual’s maximum level of independence.

Key roles will include:

• Assessment: specialist assessment of a person’s functional vision and the relationship of this to all aspects of daily life and its impact on any other disability the person may have; identifying strengths, needs and possible solutions; agreeing goals and an ‘action plan’ to achieve those goals.
• Eye conditions: non-medical knowledge of eye conditions that can cause sight loss, in order to understand how those conditions may affect how a person uses their sight and the implications of their diagnosis for the future.
• Low vision: specialist knowledge and skills in using low vision devices such as optical magnifiers, high-tech video magnifiers, computers and close circuit TV; the use of non-optical devices, and training a person to make the most of their vision by using specific sight strategies.
• Orientation and mobility: working with people to increase their confidence to move around safely both indoors and outdoors; providing training in the use of mobility aids, such as white canes; route training in specific areas e.g. teaching the route to the shops or work; learning orientation skills to know where you are in your environment and to be able to interpret what the environment can tell you.
• Independent living/daily living skills: developing a person’s activities of daily living e.g. preparing and cooking meals and drinks; managing household tasks, such as laundry, cleaning, personal finances and money transactions; personal care, such as getting dressed, applying make-up, shaving, cutting nails; identifying and taking medication appropriately
• Communication skills: developing communication and information skills for a visually impaired person may involve using a number of formats such as print, audio or tactile systems like Moon or Braille. It may also encompass a number of platforms or settings including computer, tablet or smartphone with or without specialist access-software. Communication-skill development is of particular importance when working with someone who has dual-sensory loss.
• Assist the Senior Rehabilitation Officer in developing the Visual Impairment service for St Helens residents
  
  This is an exciting opportunity for the successful applicant to work alongside a dynamic and innovative team, promoting independence and maximizing quality of life for those who experience sight loss and visual impairment.
  
  The role encompasses Low Vision Assessment at our clinic and community based assessments with people in their own homes in the community, including mobility training.
  
  Should applicants wish to discuss the role, informally please contact the Senior Rehabilitation Officer on 01744675212 or alternatively you can email for further information on debbieallen@sthelens.gov.uk.
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  This post is subject to Enhanced DBS Disclosure
  
  Please note we reserve the right to close the advert early should we receive a sufficient number of applications and encourage you to apply early, to avoid disappointment.

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