Specialist, Orientation

Overview

Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada is a health services organization serving people who are blind or partially sighted across the country. Our certified specialists provide training to empower clients to develop or restore activities of daily living, promote independence, and enhance safety and mobility. We work with ophthalmologists, optometrists, and other health care professionals, providing essential care on a referral basis in homes, workplaces and communities. We offer competitive salaries and benefits, flexible schedules, and opportunities for professional development and growth.

For more information about Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada, please visit visionlossrehab.ca or call the number provided.

Position Title: Specialist, Orientation & Mobility

Location: Kelowna, BC

Term: Full-time, Permanent

Reports To: Provincial Manager, Healthcare Operations

Salary: $64,000 annually plus certification premium for current ACVREP certification

Start Date: June 2025

Responsibilities

I. Scope and Summary of Primary Responsibilities

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.

II. Essential Functions

- Conducts assessments and documents the O&M needs and personal goals of individuals with vision loss.
- With the individual, identifies and prioritizes goals and develops an orientation & mobility service plan.
- Teaches concept development, spatial and sensory awareness, pre-cane skills, cane techniques, and travel skills.
- Encourages and provides support in assertiveness / advocacy skills to individuals as it relates to orientation and mobility.
- Provides information and lessons in the use of electronic travel aids.
- Provides tactile maps as required.
- Teaches sighted guide to family members and others.
- 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.
- Acts as a resource in matters related to accessible design and the built environment.
- 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.
- Other duties as assigned.

Relationships

- Liaises and builds relationships with community-based rehabilitation teams, agencies, schools, partners and stakeholders.
- Provides support and consultation to individuals and their families re: adjustment to vision loss.
- Attends and participates in multi-disciplinary team meetings.
- 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.
- Ability to creatively and quickly problem solve to respond to unique individual needs.

Decision Autonomy

- Utilizes standard procedures and processes to work with individuals on developing an individual program to accommodate their unique needs.
- Utilizes judgment when determining if the individual requires referral to another VLRC service or external services.

Leadership

- 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.
- Facilitate and enhance team efforts on a professional level and share specialized knowledge, sources, experience, concepts, and skills.

Qualifications

Knowledge and Skill Requirements

- Knowledge and experience working with individuals with vision loss.
- Knowledgeable about disabilities and all life stages (children to seniors).
- Well developed interpersonal and communications skills.
- Decision-making and problem-solving ability.
- Mature and professional attitude.
- Self-directed, organized and detail oriented.
- Demonstrated client centred approach and commitment.
- Adherence to professional healthcare documentation, charting, and reporting.

Experience and Education

- Graduate of the Instructor for Blind and Visually Impaired Program (Mohawk College); or Diploma in Specialized Studies, O&M and Vision Rehabilitation (University of Montreal).
- Undergraduate degree or equivalent.
- ACVREP Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialist (COMS) certification.
- Good command of relevant computer applications.
- Excellent verbal and written communications skills.

Work Environment

- Service will be provided in office centers, individual homes and / or the community.
- Willingness to work flexible hours.
- Travel will be required.

Benefits & Application

Apply Now

How to Apply

Be sure to include a resume, cover letter, and mention how you heard about this opportunity. VLRC is committed to an inclusive workplace and a fair, transparent, and accessible recruitment process. We encourage applications from historically disadvantaged groups, including 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 is 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. The successful candidate will be required to pass a standard Vulnerable Sector Check.

Closing: Until Filled

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