Lead Vision Rehabilitation Specialist

NHS; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading organization where you will lead vital services that support individuals facing visual impairments. As a Lead Vision Rehabilitation Specialist, you will supervise a dedicated team, develop personalized rehabilitation programs, and collaborate across various sectors to enhance the quality of life for those with sight loss.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent experience/skills required.
• Diploma in Rehabilitation Studies in Visual Impairment required for mobility training.
• Significant IT skills with ITQ Level 2 or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team in delivering specialist assessments and rehabilitation programmes.
• Manage complex cases and ensure quality of work.
• Develop relationships with health and social partners.

Skills

Leadership skills

Communication skills

Empathy

Relationship-building

Education

Degree in a relevant profession

Diploma in Rehabilitation Studies in Visual Impairment

Job description

Are you ready to lead a service that truly changes lives? We're looking for a passionate and experienced Lead Vision Rehabilitation Specialist to join our Hearing & Vision Team.

Main duties of the job

Note: Applications are currently not accepted via NHS. Please use the provided link to our Careers site to apply.

This role supports adults across Wiltshire who are blind or partially sighted. You will lead a team of dedicated professionals, delivering specialist assessments and personalised rehabilitation programmes that help people live independently and safely in their own homes and communities.

You will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the service, supervising staff, managing complex cases, and working closely with partners across health, social care, and the voluntary sector. You will also play a key role in safeguarding, service development, and shaping how we support people with sight loss across the county.

We are seeking someone with a recognised qualification in vision rehabilitation, strong leadership skills, and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by people with sensory loss. You will be based in County Hall, Trowbridge, but work flexibly across our hubs in Chippenham, Devizes, and Salisbury, with some home working and travel beyond Wiltshire.

If you are committed to inclusion, independence, and making a real difference, we would love to hear from you.

About us

Wiltshire Council is a friendly, welcoming place to work, with a 'One Council' ethos. We focus on getting the things that matter to our people right.

Job responsibilities

Specific duties include:

1. Undertake regular supervision and appraisal of the ROVIs in the team, in accordance with policy.
2. Oversee the day-to-day running of this service area.
3. Deputise responsibilities across the team in the absence of the Team Manager.
4. Monitor the quality and quantity of work, and others as required.
5. Assess eligibility for registrations where appropriate.
6. Provide advice, guidance, and support to colleagues to meet customer and team outcomes.
7. Manage complex issues, including complaints from customers, carers, elected members, and partners, with recommendations for service improvements.
8. Chair multi-agency meetings for customers with complex needs or contentious situations.
9. Ensure timely and cost-effective professional advice, assessments, or referrals.
10. Oversee incoming work and waiting lists, allocating work and escalating risks.
11. Manage the CVI registration process.
12. Plan and deliver training activities for internal and external knowledge sharing.
13. Meet performance standards and report to the Team Manager.
14. Build positive relationships with professionals for effective joint working.
15. Support service development initiatives to improve provision.
16. Engage in continuing professional development, including vision networks.
17. Develop relationships with relevant services, including health, employment, and education sectors.
18. Design and implement complex rehabilitation programs to promote independence and reduce risks, including equipment training and provision.
19. Maintain lifelong learning on equipment and services.
20. Be aware of beneficial specialist equipment for clients with specific needs.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Degree in a relevant profession or equivalent experience/skills.
• Required license/certification for the role.
• ITQ Level 2 or equivalent ICT skills, demonstrating significant experience with IT systems.

Experience

• Diploma in Rehabilitation Studies in Visual Impairment or equivalent (required for mobility training).
• At least 4 years' experience working with this customer group.
• Understanding of disabled people's rights and legislation such as Valuing People and the Care Act 2014.
• Proven ability to conduct low vision assessments, including complex clients.
• Knowledge of specialist equipment and training in daily living skills.
• Ability to train clients with various eye conditions in mobility, orientation, mental mapping, and cane skills.
• Strong relationship-building skills.
• Excellent communication skills across various media.
• Familiarity with care management and Deafblind manual.
• Effective time management and independent working skills.
• Specialist knowledge of eye conditions.
• Empathy and listening skills tailored to individual needs.
• Experience with Liquid Logic and staff supervision.
• Experience in managing and reporting data for performance review.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This role is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. A Disclosure check will be required to assess any criminal convictions.