Rehabilitation Instructor

We’re looking for an experienced Rehabilitation Instructor who is ready to bring their talents to a role that offers purpose and adventure.

Duties include, and are not limited to:

· Planning and implementing individual programmes for clients

· Delivering centre-based group Rehabilitation programmes

· Functional Low Vision/Vision Assessment and training in conjunction with orientation and mobility instruction

· Actively contribute to quality improvement activities to enhance service delivery

This is a specialised technical role and as a result we are looking for:

· Experience in the delivery of Orientation and Mobility (O&M) and Adaptive Daily Living programme (ADL)

· Recognised qualification in Orientation and Mobility and Adaptive Daily Living Instructor

· Experience in the delivery of Orientation and Mobility and Adaptive Daily Living programme for at least 3 years

· Experience in functional low vision assessments

· A recognised qualification in rehabilitation for people who are blind or have low vision with an emphasis on O&M and ADL

· Able to work effectively with people from a variety of backgrounds and culture

· You will also be an enthusiastic, honest and open communicator, with proven skills in client database use and Microsoft Office.

· You must secure appropriate eligibility to work in New Zealand

Ngā painga | What we offer*

At Blind Low Vision NZ, we genuinely care about our people and are proud to offer a community that supports your wellbeing and growth. Our benefits are designed to help you thrive both in and outside of work, creating the balance you need to do your best and feel your best.

Here are just some of the great benefits you’ll enjoy as part of our team

· 5 weeks of Annual Leave

· Flexible working options available

· 1 Day of Birthday Leave and 1 Wellbeing Day

· Health and Wellbeing Allowance

· Eye Test and Prescription Lens Reimbursement

· Access to 70+ discounts with businesses across the country

· And many more!

*conditions apply

Working in New Zealand means embracing a lifestyle rich with culture, connection, and discovery. Whether it’s the warmth of local hospitality, breathtaking natural beauty, or the vibrant professional scene, you’ll find inspiration at every turn.

This role is more than a job, it’s a chance to expand your horizons, grow your expertise and contribute to a meaningful cause. You’ll be part of a passionate and hard-working team, all working towards the empowerment of our blind, deafblind and low vision clients.

We are looking for someone to fill this full time, permanent role, based out of our Tauranga office (37.5 hours per week), with an annual salary range of $75,000 - $85,000. You will service clients across the wider Bay of Plenty region where you will provide appropriate assessments, plan, and teach, meeting agreed individual goals as required and help our clients achieve full participation in their community.

Key Results Area

Orientation and Mobility

· Plan, implement and evaluate individual assessments and vision rehabilitation programmes for clients in both centre-base and domiciliary settings as per professional guidelines and standards

· Deliver centre-based group Rehabilitation programmes as applicable

· Refer to internal and external agencies as appropriate

· Utilise technical knowledge base to inform and provide opinion on environmental audits, modifications and adaptations for individual clients

· Demonstrate effective maintenance of competence in Orientation and Mobility and Adaptive Daily Living

· Maintain and manage a client caseload

· Prepare and maintain appropriate technical equipment to fulfil the responsibility of the position

· Apply best practice standards, guidelines, service policies and procedures

· Document client assessment, implementation and evaluation data to the required professional standard

· Effectively identify and manage client and /or organisation risk, utilise professional judgement. Document and escalate as appropriate to ensure a safe provision of service

· Provide up to date record keeping and data entry to fulfil organisational requirements as per organisational guide to support Blind Low Vision NZ systems and meet expected timelines

· Actively contribute to quality improvement activities to enhance service delivery

· Contribute to the implementation of the Rehabilitation Service Goals

· Demonstrate currency in contemporary professional practice / specialist discipline

· Participates actively with multidisciplinary team approach for comprehensive client service as required

· Actively participate in quality improvement activities to enhance service provision

· Apply the skills involved in this teaching to clients that include, but are not limited to:

o Continued/concept development – including for those who have additional impairments or transitioning from children’s service. Includes body image, spatial, temporal, positional, directional, and environmental concepts

o Assessment of and training in use of senses, which includes visual, auditory, vestibular, kinaesthetic, tactile, olfactory, and proprioceptive senses, and the interrelationships of these systems

o Functional Low Vision / Vision Assessment and training – glare management, best viewing position and training in use of monoculars

o Functional hearing assessment

o Environmental assessment and modification

o Human guide technique

o Upper and lower protective techniques

o Locating dropped objects

o Trailing

o Squaring-off

o Cane techniques

o Soliciting/declining assistance

o Following directions

o Utilizing landmarks

o Search patterns

o Compass directions

o Route planning

o Analysis and identification of intersections and traffic patterns

o The use of traffic control devices

o Techniques for crossing streets

o Techniques for travel in indoor environments, outdoor residential, small and large business districts, mall travel, and rural areas

o Problem solving

o The use of public transportation

o Evaluation with sun filters for the reduction of glare

o Instruction in the use of GPS and other electronic O&M aids

Organisational Responsibility

· Undertakes performance development tasks/responsibilities in culture amp.

· Demonstrates a proactive commitment to a safe working environment to meet BLVNZ requirements

· Participates in and undertakes emergency management duties as required.

· Undertake specific projects and activities as necessary or as required to support BLVNZ.

· Maintains property and equipment.

· Fulfils administration - reporting requirements

· Ensure that the Health and Safety Policy is upheld and requirements are met

· Be a Health and Safety Champion

· Uphold BLVNZ’s values

· Recognised qualification in Orientation and Mobility and Adaptive Daily Living Instructor

· Experience in the delivery of Orientation and Mobility and Adaptive Daily Living programme for at least 3 years

· Excellent oral and written communication skills and ability to engage effectively with a variety of individuals – internally and externally

· Ability to build and maintain relationships and networks with external agencies

· Ability to work autonomously and with minimal supervision

· Ability to work in a team / multidisciplinary team effectively

· Strong planning, organisational and time management skills