Trainee Vision Rehabilitation Specialist

3 to 4 travel days per week and 1 study day.

You must:

• be able to meet the travel requirements of the role. This may be through holding a valid full UK driving licence or alternative arrangements such as Access to Work support or public transport, if suitable for the role location.
• be able to undertake physical demands of the role, including walking long distances daily for extended periods of time, in all weather conditions.
• be able to handle equipment and specialist resource required for the role.

The Trainee Vision Rehabilitation Specialist (TVRS) supports visually impaired adults, enabling and empowering them to live the life they choose. They support individuals to develop and maintain the independence and confidence they need to progress through life, in the home, at work, socially and help them to adjust to new situations. Through personalisation, the TVRS will learn to provide specialist holistic assessment of client needs that will improve their independence and wellbeing. Following the successful completion of a structured training programme and accredited qualification, the individual will advance into the Vision Rehabilitation Specialist post as a fully qualified, competent and effective member of staff.

Key Responsibilities

• Apprenticeship structured learning
• Attend, fully participate in and meet the course-work requirements of all assigned apprenticeship modules and assessment.
• Carry out independent and work based learning activities, required by both the Apprenticeship course provider and Guide Dogs.
• Workplace learning
• Plan and manage coursework commitments within the work environment and time.
• Use time effectively to arrange and organise work with people with a visual impairment that equally meets the needs of the mobility team and those of the apprenticeship course work.
• Independent learning
• Set aside time outside of the working day to plan, prioritise and undertake independent academic learning activities.
• Performance and Behaviour
• Meet the standards and codes of conduct for all employees set by Guide Dogs policies and procedures.
• Actively contribute to regular supervision with Tutors and Line Manager to secure the skills, knowledge and experience required of the Rehabilitation Worker Apprenticeship programme.
• During the training programme (Rehabilitation Worker Apprenticeship), learn to undertake the duties below at the agreed levels of supervision, putting theory into practice and identify areas for review, follow up and that require further development:
• Delivery Plan - Together with the client co-produce a staged delivery plan which is tailored to meet individual client needs and goals.
• Plan ongoing reviews of client progress in terms of the extent to which their desired outcomes have been achieved.
• Input and maintain Guide Dogs’ client records within given time frames and ensure our Data Protection policy and Safeguarding policies are adhered to.
• Personalisation
• Build on the information already gained from initial contact or referral information about a client.
• Use person-centred skills to organise around the client.
• Focus on wellbeing, identify ambitions and challenges facing each client and their families.
• Together with the client, prepare a plan to deliver outcomes, including facilitating referrals and signposting where required.
• Assessment
• Assess the orientation and mobility needs, (including functional vision), capabilities, abilities and skills-gaps for clients seeking to improve their mobility.
• Client Training
• Deliver a staged mobility plan (Agreed Training Programme) in line with the specific needs and capabilities related to the clients desired outcomes.
• Provide information to clients on alternative services and equipment available, as such needs arise.
• Participate in team events and fundraising activities and to get to know Guide Dogs clients, volunteers and employees.

Education requirements

• Level 2 Maths and English (GCSE at grade 4 or grade C)
• Plus one of the following:
• Level 3, NVQ or Diploma or equivalent (full award)
• Level 3, 2 or more A-Levels or a BTEC ordinary National Diploma
• Level 2, 5 GCSE passes at grade 4 (grade C) including Maths and English.