Job Description
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 Irelands 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. Development/enhancement of independent living skills Maximising residual vision Development of compensatory skills Communication skills & assistive technology Safe and independent travel skills 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 workingboth 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 individuals 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 Irelandis committed to creating aninclusiveenvironment where diversity is celebrated, and everyone is affordedequality of opportunity.It is our policy to recognise people as a key resource required for successful attainment of the organisations 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. Skills: employment support occupational therapy case management