Employer: Guide Dogs
Job Title: Trainee Vision Rehabilitation Specialist
Job Location: South West
Salary: Starting from £23,113 gross per annum
Hours: 35 hour per week
Job Description:
As a Trainee Vision Rehabilitation Specialist, you will contribute, as a full-time member of staff, to the services delivered by the Southampton Team while successfully completing all elements of the two-year Training programme in Rehabilitation Work (Visual Impairment). The team covers a large geographical area, therefore a considerable amount of driving will be expected; this includes Hampshire, Wiltshire, and Dorset. We would ideally like the role holder to live within a commutable distance of Dorset.
The content of the training will be covered through a mix of on the job, and off the job training.
On the job training will be provided by Guide Dogs as part of the job role of Trainee Vision Rehabilitation Specialist. Off the job training will be covered by the Training Providers course, delivered by Birmingham City University (BCU). Guide Dogs will pay the tuition fees as part of the position of Trainee Orientation and Mobility Specialist.
BCU Course key dates:
Application deadline (if successful, applications must be made to BCU by this date): May 2025, date TBC
Assessment dates: TBC
Course dates: Starting in September 2025, 2-year course.
This role requires an Enhanced Disclosure check, job offers are subject to the receipt of a satisfactory check. Sponsorship cannot be provided for the role.
We reserve the right to close adverts earlier than the closing date.
Please contact susie.baker@guidedogs.org.uk should you have any queries on the role.
The starting salary for this role once qualified is is £34,805.
Diversity
Guide Dogs welcome applications from all sections of the community and actively encourages diversity to maximise achievements, creativity, and good practice. We positively welcome and seek to ensure we achieve diversity in our workforce and that all job applicants and employees receive equal and fair treatment, regardless of age, race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or nationality.
We encourage applications from people with disabilities as they are currently under-represented in the organisation and guarantee an invitation to interview for all applicants with disabilities who demonstrate, within their application form, sufficient evidence to meet the essential criteria for the job.
Safeguarding
Guide Dogs is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, young people and adults at risk of harm with whom we work. We expect all our employees and volunteers to fully share this commitment.
At Guide Dogs, we believe in fair and equitable hiring practices. A criminal record will not automatically disqualify an applicant from consideration for a position. Each case will be evaluated individually, taking into account the nature of the offense, its relevance to the role, and the time that has passed since the incident. We encourage all candidates to disclose relevant information, and we assure you that it will be handled confidentially and fairly.
We will be hosting a question and answer call to talk about the role on Tuesday 21st January 2025 at 6pm, we welcome you to join us via the following link Vision Rehabilitation Specialist apprenticeship with Guide Dogs.
Successful applicants will study the Rehabilitation worker Visual Impairment apprenticeship course at Birmingham city University. This course involves achieving a Foundation Degree in Rehabilitation Work and completing an Apprenticeship End Point Assessment. Learning is a combination of block learning weeks and application of skills to the workplace. The applications need to be submitted after a job offer has been made and accepted. Places on the University course are limited for the September 2025 start date, and offers will be made on a first come, first served basis. Positions are not held back for Guide Dogs employees.
Note – Guide Dogs will pay the tuition fees as part of the position of Trainee Orientation and Mobility Specialist.
Please refer to the recruitment pack below for more information on the Apprenticeship and University course.
For the complete list of essential and desirable criteria necessary to be successful in this role please see the Person Specification within the Job Description below. The candidate pack contains more information about this role & the recruitment process at Guide Dogs.
If you are successful you will need to provide evidence of your right to work in the UK. We cannot provide sponsorship for this role.
Application Deadline: 2 February 2025
Application Details: Please apply via the website link below. If you have any accessibility needs, please contact our Recruitment Team on 0118 3540345 or TATeam@guidedogs.org.uk
Website Link: The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association – Trainee Vision Rehabilitation Specialist