For more information and to apply, please download an application pack from our website at http://www.kab.org.uk/working-with-us/current-vacancies.html or call 01622 691357 for a postal pack. We will not accept CVs in application for this post without a completed application pack.

Kent Association for the Blind currently have a vacancy for a full time permanent Rehabilitation Worker in our Canterbury office. The post involves carrying out needs assessments, providing mobility training and practical rehabilitation programmes, and giving advice, information and support to sight impaired people, their families and professionals.

The ideal candidate will be enthusiastic and motivated, have a client-centred approach and be committed to empowering people to maximise choice and control, and to achieve their goals. We are seeking someone with experience in rehabilitation for people with sight impairment, or a similar background in a health/social care setting. A qualification in the delivery of rehabilitation programmes and of orientation and mobility training would be an advantage.

To apply, please download an application pack or call 01622 691357.

Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 5th August 2019

Interview Date: Week commending Monday 19th August 2019

Hours of work: 35 per week Monday to Friday.

Based at: Canterbury Sight Centre, 51 London Road, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 8LF.

Salary: £19,921 - £24,047 for unqualified/part qualified Rehabilitation Workers. £24,863 - £29,338 for qualified Rehabilitation Workers.

Job Description

Job Purpose

To work as part of a KAB Rehabilitation Team; to provide assessments of need on behalf of the local authority and to plan and deliver programmes of rehabilitative training for people who are sight impaired.

The post involves working in clients’ homes, events in the community and KAB Centres; providing training on a one to one basis and in groups.

Duties

- Promote and support the independence, enablement and empowerment of newly registered clients through the provision of relevant information regarding entitlement to services, welfare benefits and concessions and other services available to them.
- Perform assessments of needs for sight impaired people within contracted target times and service standards and to document records accurately and within specified timescales using the required paper and computer based systems.
- Take a functional and outcome focused approach to assessment and support planning.
- Perform environmental assessments including consideration of lighting, fire safety, trip hazards etc.
- Maximise independence, health and wellbeing of clients by developing and delivering individual programmes of support and rehabilitation training and undertake the necessary review of progress, in areas including: Daily Living Skills, Orientation and Mobility Training, Communication (Braille, Deafblind Manual and assistive technology), Low Vision Training, including enabling clients to learn skills to maximise remaining useful vision – e.g. eccentric viewing, Group rehabilitation training sessions – food preparation, household management, managing finances, personal care etc.

- Where required, complete analysis of services recommended/provided to include timesheets, monthly data capture sheets or case studies.
- Undertake additional training (including local authority training) as required to enable the post holder to provide a more efficient and holistic service.
- Provide current information regarding relevant welfare benefits and concessions, including supporting clients to apply for appropriate benefits.
- Provide emotional support in relation to sight loss within the parameters of the role and refer on where appropriate.
- Develop programmes that are tailored to the individual needs of the client, including specialist provision for clients with additional needs such as learning disabilities or dementia.
- Assess, recommend and provide appropriate equipment with reference to the eligibility criteria applied by the local authority.
- Risk assess activities in relation to the safety of clients, volunteers and staff as appropriate.
- Involve and inform friends, family members and carers as appropriate; consider and discuss the need for a separate carer’s assessment and facilitate where necessary.
- Follow protocols in relation to safeguarding adults and children, supporting referrals as required.
- Respond to telephone and personal enquiries, taking referrals as part of the information and advice giving process.
- Provide support to KAB social clubs, including making occasional visits to ensure the club’s provision is in line with KAB values and standards and to assist in the development of new clubs according to identified need.
- Organise and be involved in training and awareness raising sessions for other disciplines within Social Services, Health Authorities, voluntary and community groups and the general public.
- Deliver appropriate in-service training and shadowing for KAB colleagues, external students and staff on placement with KAB.
- Maintain and update knowledge in key areas including equipment and technology, local policy and relevant legislation.
- Contribute to evaluation methods to demonstrate the impact of rehabilitation skills training.
- Act as a team lead on a specific area of service provision – e.g. for clients who are deafblind or who have experienced a stroke.
- Refer clients to KAB Volunteer Co-ordinators, so they can receive appropriate services from a volunteer such as befriending or driving support.
- Refer clients to KAB Assistive Technology (AT) Workers for more complex AT needs where required.
- Perform other duties that the Chief Executive of the KAB or their authorised Deputy may consider appropriate.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

Be able to demonstrate:

- Knowledge of the issues affecting sight impaired and severely sight impaired people, an understanding of the range of rehabilitation support available and the ability to put this knowledge into practice.
- The ability to analyse and use professional judgement to assess risk and understand safeguarding indicators.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate with a range of audiences.
- A good pass at O Level/GCSE Mathematics and English Language or equivalent.
- The ability to work independently and as a team member, with a clear understanding of responsibilities and when it is appropriate to seek the support and advice of a manager.
- Confidence in delivering training in a one-to-one or group setting.
- Excellent organisational skills and the ability to work to tight deadlines and manage workload effectively.
- Competent IT skills, including the ability to be self-supporting in the use of MS Office, including Outlook, Excel and the use of databases for inputting and information retrieval.
- Ability to undertake all administrative procedures appropriate to the role and within given timescales.
- A commitment to KAB’s aims and values and to anti-discriminatory practice, in addition to an empathetic client centred approach and a focus on maximising enablement.
- Possession of a professional manner and flexible approach to working.
- Ability to travel independently across the area of service and occasionally to other KAB centres when required.
- A good pass at O Level/GCSE Mathematics and English Language or equivalent.
- Confidence in positively and professionally representing KAB at a variety of events.
- A commitment to professional development and a willingness to undertake training – specifically in Rehabilitation Studies and social care practices.

Desirable criteria

- Foundation Degree/Diploma/Certificate in Rehabilitation Studies.
- Qualification in the delivery of orientation and mobility training.
- Knowledge of the uses of new and emerging assistive technology in enabling independence of sight impaired people.

This job description is not exhaustive, but is provided to assist the post holder to know what her/his main duties are. It may be amended from time to time without change to the levels of responsibility appropriate to the grade of the post and in discussion with the post holder.

KAB is an equal opportunities employer.

For more information and to apply, please download an application pack from our website at http://www.kab.org.uk/working-with-us/current-vacancies.html or call 01622 691357 for a postal pack. We will not accept CVs in application for this post without a completed application pack.