At a Glance
- Tasks: Support visually impaired individuals by assessing needs and providing practical equipment solutions.
- Company: Join a compassionate charity dedicated to enhancing lives across Berkshire.
- Benefits: Part-time hours, flexible schedule, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and community impact.
- Why this job: Empower others and improve quality of life for those with sight loss.
- Qualifications: GCSE in English and experience working with people with disabilities.
The predicted salary is between 15252 - 15252 £ per year.
Are you passionate about problem solving and finding solutions for people? The Equipment Officer works within an assistive equipment/aids service for visually impaired people across Berkshire. A proactive role, it covers your own service and working closely with the Berkshire Vision team. We support adults and children with sight loss across the county. The aim is to increase quality of life and independence through assessing their needs and supporting them to identify practical equipment-based solutions to everyday challenges. This is a person‑centred role, helping individuals to find the solution which is right for them.
Purpose of the job
To develop and manage a comprehensive service enabling visually impaired people across Berkshire to access technology and equipment to improve their quality of life.
Description of the job activities
Key areas of responsibility:
- Deliver one to one and small group support to visually impaired people to access equipment including identifying needs and demonstrating equipment.
- Monitor and report on the impact of the service.
- Build strong working relationships with new and existing equipment providers.
- Act as an ambassador for equipment and assistive technology, maintaining a detailed knowledge of products and promoting them internally and externally.
Activities and tasks
- Identify the needs of service users and develop the service accordingly.
- Carry out one to one appointments to identify service users' needs in relation to equipment and assistive technology, identify solutions and demonstrate appropriate equipment.
- Hold small group sessions on equipment, both independently and at other Berkshire Vision activities/events as appropriate.
- Carry out needs assessment for equipment and assistive technology.
- Manage the monitoring and impact evaluation process for the equipment service.
- Accurately record appointments carried out, people supported and the outcomes achieved.
- Provide management data as required.
- Produce impact reports for funders and potential funders of the service when required.
- Promote the service, driving participation.
- Manage systems for demonstrating, loaning and selling equipment.
- Act as the equipment expert, producing briefings/training sessions for staff, volunteers and relevant partners on equipment.
- Develop relationships with equipment providers, taking the lead on negotiating contracts/terms of sale.
- Independently maintain a comprehensive knowledge of all equipment available in the market.
- Work closely with volunteer tech buddy team.
Internal and external relationships
Frequent liaison with service users, suppliers, colleagues and volunteers. Collaborates with others in the department/organisation on a regular basis.
Other
- Be responsible for own continuing development, keeping up to date with best practice, policies and procedures.
- Deal with all issues in a professional manner keeping confidences where appropriate and always being mindful of data protection implications.
- Always be an effective representative for the organisation and act in a professional manner conducive to promoting a positive image of the charity.
- Work under office conditions with extensive use of a display screen.
- Working extensively with people with sight loss, suppliers and the public.
- Pattern of work: 18 hours over 3‑4 days per week with some evening and weekend working for events and service user appointments for which time off in lieu will be given.
- Drive over 5,000 business miles annually, travelling across Berkshire visiting service users.
The above is a general description of the work to be carried out and not an exhaustive list. The role holder is also required to perform all reasonably assigned duties.
Person Specification
Qualifications
- Educated to GCSE in English grade C or above, or equivalent.
- Adult and child safeguarding.
- First Aid.
Knowledge & Experience
- Experience of working with people with disabilities.
- Experience of carrying out assessments of need with vulnerable people.
- Experience of working in partnership with professionals.
- Experience of meeting KPI's.
- Experience of the charity sector.
- Experience in the visual impairment field.
- Knowledge of the latest developments in assistive equipment for people with disabilities including sight loss, hearing loss and mobility issues.
Skills & Abilities
- Strong technical abilities with a passion for the latest developments in equipment.
- Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
- Able to organise workload to ensure work is completed in an effective and efficient manner.
- Ability to converse with others from different backgrounds.
- Competent in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, etc).
- Ability to multi‑task.
- Ability to work under pressure.
- Ability to support individuals with disabilities.
- Able to manage grants and produce reports.
Personal Qualities
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Approachable.
- Reliable.
- Self‑motivated.
- Good team player.
- Integrity and sensitivity to disability issues.
- Able to liaise with 3rd parties.
- Ability to work autonomously.
- Ability to work well under pressure.
- Time management.
- A positive outlook with ability to motivate others.
- A passion for supporting and enhancing the lives of visually impaired people.
Other
- Full driving license with regular access to a car (business‑use insurance required) or eligibility for Access to Work for travel.
- Flexible approach to working hours.
- Ability to successfully pass a DBS check at enhanced level.
Equipment Officer - Permanent - Part Time - 18 hrs p/w in Reading employer: Active Herefordshire & Worcestershire
Berkshire Vision is an exceptional employer dedicated to enhancing the lives of visually impaired individuals across Berkshire. With a strong focus on employee development, we offer a supportive work culture that values collaboration and innovation, providing opportunities for personal growth while making a meaningful impact in the community. Our part-time Equipment Officer role allows you to engage directly with service users, ensuring a fulfilling experience as you help them achieve greater independence through assistive technology.
Contact Details:
Active Herefordshire & Worcestershire Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Equipment Officer - Permanent - Part Time - 18 hrs p/w in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the visually impaired community and related sectors. Attend local events or workshops where you can meet potential employers and showcase your passion for assistive technology.
✨Tip Number 2
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Contact organisations directly, like Berkshire Vision, and express your interest in working with them. Sometimes, they might have opportunities that aren’t advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Prepare a portfolio or a presentation that highlights your experience with assistive equipment and your problem-solving abilities. This will help you stand out during interviews and demonstrate your commitment to improving lives.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our mission to support visually impaired individuals across Berkshire.
We think you need these skills to ace Equipment Officer - Permanent - Part Time - 18 hrs p/w in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for helping visually impaired people shine through. Share any personal experiences or motivations that drive you to support this community.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially in working with people with disabilities. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Equipment Officer, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter.
How to prepare for a job interview at Active Herefordshire & Worcestershire
✨Know Your Equipment
Make sure you brush up on the latest assistive technology and equipment available for visually impaired individuals. Being able to discuss specific products and their benefits will show your passion and expertise in the field.
✨Demonstrate Empathy
This role is all about helping people, so be prepared to share examples of how you've supported individuals with disabilities in the past. Highlight your ability to listen and understand their needs, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Think of scenarios where you've had to assess needs and find practical solutions. Be ready to discuss these experiences in detail, as they will illustrate your proactive approach and ability to think on your feet.
✨Build Relationships
Since the role involves liaising with various stakeholders, mention any experience you have in building strong working relationships. Talk about how you’ve collaborated with others to achieve common goals, as this will demonstrate your teamwork skills.
