Specialist - Data Assets

Do you want to work for a health care organization that changes people's lives? One that not only cares deeply about clients, but also values that its employees are its greatest asset?

Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada is a unique health services organization that serves people who are blind or partially sighted across the country. Our certified specialists provide training that empowers clients to develop or to restore activities of daily living skills, to promote their independence, to enhance safety and mobility. We work closely with ophthalmologists, optometrists, and other health care professionals, by providing essential care on a referral basis in homes, workplaces and communities across the country.

We offer competitive salaries and benefits, flexible schedules, and opportunities for professional development and growth.
Position Title : Specialist, Orientation & Mobility
Term : Full-time, Permanent
This position covers a broad range of duties and responsibilities including instructing individuals with vision loss on orientation and mobility which aid in the acquisition of movement skills and the concept development of spatial orientation, and environmental analysis related to independent travel by individuals who are visually impaired.

Conducts assessments and documents the O&M needs and personal goals of individuals with vision loss.

• Teaches concept development, spatial and sensory awareness, pre-cane skills, cane techniques, and travel skills.
• Provides information and lessons in the use of electronic travel aids.
• Acts as a resource person for information regarding guide dog schools. Provide skill development to prepare individuals to work with a guide dog. Works with guide dog schools as required.
• Maintains all case data and documentation consistent with VLRC Systems and Procedures.
• Performs administrative duties including but not limited to service tracking, benchmarking, report writing, etc.
• Liaises and builds relationships with community-based rehabilitation teams, agencies, schools, partners and stakeholders.
• Promotes an understanding and awareness of vision health related issues through consultation, public education and in-service training.
• Assists with the training, placement and supervision of volunteers and students.

Problem Solving/Time Frame of Impact

• Provide timely delivery of orientation & mobility lessons to ensure individuals with vision loss acquire travel skills to remain/regain independence.
• Takes initiative to keep abreast of new electronic travel aids and other advances/technologies and techniques in Orientation and mobility.
• Takes initiative to be knowledgeable of guide dog schools and their programs.
• Provides leadership to community groups and partners by educating, advocating and promoting awareness about vision loss.
• Provides mentorship supervision to apprentice staff within the organization, leadership in training and coaching volunteers, students and staff.
• Knowledgeable about disabilities and all life stages (children to seniors).
• Graduate of the Instructor for Blind and Visually Impaired Program (Mohawk College); Undergraduate degree or equivalent.
• ACVREP Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialist (COMS) certification.
• Good command of relevant computer applications.
• Service will be provided in office centers, individual homes and/or the community.
• Willingness to work flexible hours.
• Travel will be required.

We strongly encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including but not limited to Indigenous peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, people who are blind, partially sighted, or deafblind, and those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.Direct lived experience would be a definite asset.
VLRC is committed to accommodating applicants with disabilities and will work with applicants requesting accommodations at any stage of the hiring process.