At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with sight loss to regain independence through tailored rehabilitation and training.
- Company: Join Southwark’s Adult Social Care division, dedicated to empowering residents with sensory impairments.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, home options, a local government pension, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a diverse and energetic team.
- Qualifications: A relevant degree in Rehabilitation Studies and experience with adults who have visual impairments are essential.
- Other info: Guaranteed interviews for specific groups; commitment to diversity and inclusion is a priority.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Do you see yourself making a lasting difference in the lives of people with sight loss? Can you use your specialist skills to support people to live more independently? Does the idea of joining a supportive and experienced team sound like the next step in your career? If yes, we have the perfect role for you!
Our Sensory Impairment Service is looking for a passionate and dedicated Visual Impairment Rehabilitation Officer to join our amazing team and help make a real difference today!
This is a rewarding and impactful role within Southwark’s Adult Social Care division. As a Visual Impairment Rehabilitation Officer, you’ll work closely with residents experiencing sight loss or dual sensory loss, helping them regain independence and achieve their goals. You’ll conduct assessments and provide tailored rehabilitation, including training in orientation, mobility, low vision, and independent living skills.
You’ll be part of a team that values empowerment and person-centred care. Working alongside another experienced Officer, your work will directly enhance the quality of life for people in the borough.
We’re looking for someone who is committed, compassionate, and professional. You will have:
- A relevant Honours Degree or DipHE/Foundation Degree in Rehabilitation Studies (Visual Impairment) or equivalent.
- Professional registration with RWPN (recommended).
- Practical experience of working with adults who have a visual impairment.
- Proven ability to assess and deliver training in: Orientation and mobility skills (including long cane and pre-cane techniques), Independent living skills and use of low vision aids, Guiding techniques and route planning.
- Experience prescribing specialist equipment and creating personalised rehabilitation plans.
- A commitment to continued learning and professional development.
The Sensory Impairment Team sits within Adult Social Care and provides essential services for residents with sight, hearing, or dual sensory loss. Our team’s mission is to promote independence, reduce isolation, and support people to achieve their outcomes. You'll be supported by experienced colleagues and managers, with access to resources, ongoing training, and development opportunities.
We are based at the Queens Road Complex, in a lively area of the borough with great transport links and local amenities. It’s a diverse, energetic place to work and grow.
This post requires a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at Enhanced level.
In your role, we want you to feel supported, challenged and rewarded. You will benefit from our family-friendly policies including flexible working, home working, and a local government pension scheme, plus many other staff benefits. You will join a motivated, driven and supportive team that strives for excellence and values its members.
For more information about the wide variety of benefits you can take advantage of please visit our Staff Benefits page.
As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:
- Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
- Are currently in care, or have previously been in care
- If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition
We are an organisation who is passionate about our people and understands that richness of diversity is a requirement to provide the best possible services to our communities.
Contact Detail:
Southwark Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Visual Impairment Rehabilitation Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of individuals with visual impairments. Understanding their challenges and how to address them will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of visual impairment rehabilitation. Attend relevant workshops or seminars to connect with others who share your passion, as they may provide insights or even referrals that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your practical experience in assessing and delivering training for orientation and mobility skills. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've helped individuals regain independence, as this will showcase your hands-on expertise.
✨Tip Number 4
Research our Sensory Impairment Service and understand its mission and values. Tailoring your conversation during the interview to align with our goals will show that you're not just looking for any job, but are genuinely interested in making a difference with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Visual Impairment Rehabilitation Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of a Visual Impairment Rehabilitation Officer. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise your practical experience working with adults who have visual impairments. Include specific examples of how you've assessed needs and delivered training in orientation, mobility, and independent living skills.
Showcase Your Qualifications: Make sure to mention your relevant qualifications, such as your Honours Degree or DipHE/Foundation Degree in Rehabilitation Studies (Visual Impairment). If you have professional registration with RWPN, include that as well.
Personalise Your Application: Craft a personal statement that reflects your commitment to empowering individuals with sight loss. Share your passion for making a difference and your dedication to continued learning and professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Southwark Council
✨Show Your Passion for Empowerment
During the interview, express your genuine passion for helping individuals with visual impairments. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in someone's life or how you plan to empower clients to regain their independence.
✨Demonstrate Your Skills and Experience
Be prepared to discuss your relevant qualifications and practical experience in detail. Highlight your training in orientation, mobility, and independent living skills, and be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully implemented these skills in past roles.
✨Understand the Team's Values
Familiarise yourself with the values of the Sensory Impairment Team. Emphasise your commitment to person-centred care and how you align with their mission to promote independence and reduce isolation among residents.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask at the end of the interview. Inquire about the team's approach to rehabilitation, ongoing training opportunities, or how they measure success in their programmes. This shows your interest in the role and the organisation.