Community Sight Loss Adviser

We are looking for an enthusiastic and dedicated Community Sight Loss Adviser to take a lead role in providing our Information, Advice and Guidance Service for people with sight loss in Mid Wiltshire (covering Devizes, Calne, Marlborough & Pewsey).

The role will work 1-1 with clients, assessing their needs and preparing appropriate action plans to ensure that they are accessing support, equipment, and training to help them adjust to their sight loss. Working alongside the Head of Services, the postholder will plan and organise community hubs in key locations in the area to ensure maximum accessibility of the service. This is an exciting opportunity for a proactive person with strong people skills to make a real difference to the lives of people living with sight loss in the area.

Salary £22,300 **pro rata**. This is a part-time role, 3 days per week.

Prior experience of working with sight loss is not required, and comprehensive training will be provided.

To apply, please send a CV **and a covering letter** outlining your suitability for the post. Applications without cover letters will not be considered.

**Responsibilities**:
1. Provide information, advice and guidance to blind and partially sighted people using Wiltshire Sight’s services, including the provision of support with equipment and training to help clients adjust to their sight loss.

2. Conduct one-to-one Sight Loss Assessments and prepare action plans for clients.

3. Signpost and/or refer clients to other services and agencies where relevant.

4. Plan and organise community hubs in key locations in the geographical area of benefit

5. Support the recruitment and management of a team of volunteers who will offer support to clients to improve their independence and wellbeing.

6. Encourage clients to access Eye Health and Sight Loss Services such as High Street Optometry, Hospital Eye Units and Low Vision Clinics.

7. Liaise closely with the Local Authority Sensory Team, Eye Clinic Liaison Officers and other agencies as necessary.

8. Develop peer support in the local community by supporting social groups for the visually impaired.

9. Conduct home visits to clients where they are unable to access services otherwise

10. Work with the Administration & Communications Officer to ensure social groups, community hubs and other events (including those being delivered by partner agencies) are advertised promptly on our website and social media

11. Ensure that Wiltshire Sight marketing material is available in opticians, eye clinics, GP surgeries and other appropriate places in your geographic area

12. Proactively seek other opportunities to promote services to new audiences at a local level (e.g. parish magazines)

13. Record information on clients and interventions on our database according to agreed procedures

**Person Specification**

**Experience & Qualifications**

(Essential) Educated to GCSE level English and Maths or equivalent.

(Essential) Providing information, advice & guidance.

(Essential) Working in a caring profession.

(Desirable) Experience of working with people with disabilities

(Desirable) Experience of working with volunteers.

(Desirable) Experience in using an assessment framework.

**Knowledge & understanding**

(Desirable) Knowledge of the geography of the area of benefit.

(Desirable) Understanding of the needs of people with sight loss.

(Desirable) A knowledge of local and national service provision for blind and partially sighted people.

(Desirable) Knowledge and understanding of the use of Assistive Technology.

(Desirable) Knowledge of disability issues.

**Skills & abilities**

(Essential) Ability to manage a diverse caseload and deal with complex enquiries.

(Essential) Ability to communicate effectively, including listening and empathising.

(Essential) Ability to identify client needs and translate them into achievable goals.

(Essential) Ability to develop and maintain appropriate and positive relationships with clients and outside agencies.

(Essential) Ability to support and motivate a team of volunteers.

(Essential) Ability to respond imaginatively and flexibly to client needs and to solve problems.

(Essential) Well organised with an appreciation of the importance of forward planning and working to deadlines.

(Essential) Ability to work on own initiative and liaise with Line Manager as and when required.

(Essential) IT literate - competent and confident in use of Microsoft Office software
and case management systems.

**Personal qualities & competencies**

(Essential) Self-motivated.

(Essential) Able to work on their own but also as part of a wider team.

(Essential) Personal commitment to equal opportunities & anti-discriminatory practice.

(Essential) Able to respond to callers and visitors in a way which is both professional and friendly manner at the same time - this includes spoken and written communication.

(Essential) A commitment to empowerment.

(Essential) Ability to travel around th