Habilitation Specialist

EssentialEvidence of qualification in one of the following or equivalent: Habilitation and Disabilities of Sight Graduate Diploma - IOE. BSc Hons Top-up Degree Habilitation Studies (BCU Birmingham City University). Rehabilitation Officer Diploma / Advanced Certificate in Education (ACE) - Working with Children with Visual Impairment. Nationally recognised qualification in habilitation training for children and young people with visual impairment.Or hold one of the following and demonstrate the motivation and willingness to study for the BSc Hons Top-up Degree Habilitation Studies (BCU) or equivalent: Foundation Degree in Rehabilitation Work (Visual Impairment) Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care in Rehabilitation Studies (Visual Impairment) Both Mobility Officer and Technical Officer Certificates Diploma in Higher Education in Rehabilitation Studies (Visual Impairment)

Region

England

Experience requirements

Specialist Professional

Key Responsibilities
• To holistically assess the needs and capabilities of children and young people (CYP) with a vision impairment (VI) and produce appropriate person-centred training programmes and recommendations as required.
• Plan, implement and review habilitation training programmes for CYP with vision impairment (including those with complex needs).
• Deliver specialist habilitation (mobility and independence) services which support the Guide Dogs strategic objectives and bring independence and freedom to CYP with a vision impairment, across your region or nationally.
• Write reports, maintain accurate records, and monitor CYP's progress against set training programme goals, adapting these as required to ensure they continue to meet the CYP's individual needs and identify any further training requirements.
• Deliver habilitation awareness training to parents / carers and professionals.
• Provide advice, information and training to parents/carers, professionals including school staff and any others supporting CYP with a vision impairment to promote and ensure reinforcement of training programmes and to raise their awareness of vision impairment and resources available.
• Participate in and, as necessary organise extra-curricular activities for CYP with vision impairments as part of their habilitation training, including occasional residential events.
• Conduct environmental accessibility audits of educational, recreational, and work experience settings, and compile written reports with recommendations to assist with the inclusion and safety of learners with vision impairment.
• Liaise and make regular contact with other relevant statutory and voluntary agencies in order to support the development of habilitation skills.
• Lead, inspire and mentor trainee staff to achieve agreed objectives within available resources.
• Have a technical understanding of the needs of CYP in relation to the range of current products and services available from Guide Dogs and partner agencies with whom we work.
• Input and maintain records within given time frames and ensure our Data Protection policy is adhered to.
• Plan ongoing reviews of CYP's progress in relation to work programme objectives.
• Maintain a healthy, safe, and secure teaching and learning environment and to act in accordance with all relevant policies and procedures - Guide Dogs and partner agencies.
• Advise on appropriate technologies to support independence and integrate technology into service delivery.
• Any other activities relevant to the role that will enable blind and partially sighted children and young people to become independent and mobile.

Evidence of qualification in one of the following or equivalent:
Habilitation and Disabilities of Sight Graduate Diploma - IOE.
BSc Hons Top-up Degree Habilitation Studies (BCU Birmingham City University).
Rehabilitation Officer Diploma / Advanced Certificate in Education (ACE) - Working with Children with Visual Impairment.
Nationally recognised qualification in habilitation training for children and young people with visual impairment.

Or hold one of the following and demonstrate the motivation and willingness to study for the BSc Hons Top-up Degree Habilitation Studies (BCU) or equivalent:
Foundation Degree in Rehabilitation Work (Visual Impairment)
Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care in Rehabilitation Studies (Visual Impairment)
Both Mobility Officer and Technical Officer Certificates
Diploma in Higher Education in Rehabilitation Studies (Visual Impairment)