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Are you looking to develop your career while making a meaningful difference to the lives of people living with sight loss?

We are offering an exciting development opportunity for an existing member of staff to train as a Visual Impairment Rehabilitation Specialist (VIRO) through the FdSc Vision Rehabilitation Specialist (Adults) programme at Birmingham City University.

You can also see our full list of employee benefits on our careers site here: Why you should work for us | West Northamptonshire Council

Combining academic study with practical experience, this apprenticeship role, will equip you with the specialist knowledge and skills needed to support people with visual impairments to maintain their independence, confidence, and quality of life.

This is a significant development opportunity and successful applicants will be expected to:

• Attend university through a combination of weekly study and block learning
• Complete placements and work-based learning requirements
• Balance academic study alongside their substantive role

We are looking for someone who is passionate about supporting people to live independently and achieve positive outcomes. You will have a genuine interest in working with people living with visual impairment and be committed to making a positive difference to their quality of life.

The successful applicant will be empathetic, patient and person-centred in their approach, with the ability to build positive relationships and support individuals to maximise their independence and confidence.

You will be motivated to learn and develop specialist knowledge and skills, embracing the opportunity to undertake a professional qualification and build a career within this specialist area of Adult Social Care.

Essential Entry Requirements (Birmingham City University)

Applicants must meet the course entry requirements:

• GCSE English Language or Literature at Grade C/4 or above (or recognised Level 2 equivalent, or successful completion of the BCU equivalency test)

Plus one of the following:

• Level 3 NVQ, Diploma, or equivalent qualification (full award)
• Two or more A Levels (minimum DD / 48 UCAS points) or a BTEC National Diploma
• Level 2 NVQ or Diploma (full award), plus successful completion of a written assessment
• Five GCSEs at Grade 4 (C) or above, plus successful completion of a written assessment
• Significant and relevant experience within the disability sector, plus successful completion of a written assessment

Mature applicants without formal qualifications must be able to demonstrate relevant personal or professional experience within a health or social care setting, together with the ability to study successfully at Foundation Degree level.

Post-Qualification Expectations

Following successful completion of the programme:

• You will move into a qualified post within the Visual Impairment Team
• You will commit to working within the team for a minimum of two years following qualification

If this commitment is not met, you may be required to repay some or all of the course fees in accordance with organisational policy.

Things to Consider Before Applying

This is an exciting and rewarding opportunity, but it requires a significant commitment.

Before applying, please consider:

• Your ability to balance study, assignments, and your current workload
• Your willingness to commit to a two-year training programme
• The requirement to travel to university, placements, and training opportunities
• Your long-term interest in supporting people with visual impairments
• The expectation to work within the Visual Impairment Team for at least two years after qualifying

Who We Are Looking For

We are keen to hear from individuals who:

• Are passionate about promoting independence, wellbeing, and prevention
• Have experience working with adults in social care, therapy, rehabilitation, or related services
• Are motivated to learn and develop specialist skills
• Can balance study commitments alongside their current role
• Demonstrate excellent communication, organisation, and problem-solving skills
• Are committed to improving outcomes for people living with visual impairment

The successful applicant must be able to travel independently throughout Northamptonshire to undertake home visits, assessments, training, and placements. Therefore, a full driving licence and access to a vehicle is desirable/essential for the role.

Why Apply?

This is a unique opportunity to:

• Gain a nationally recognised specialist qualification
• Develop professional knowledge and specialist rehabilitation skills
• Support people with visual impairments to live independently and confidently
• Build a rewarding career in a specialist area of Adult Social Care
• Play a key role in strengthening and shaping our Visual Impairment Service
• Progress into a qualified Visual Impairment Rehabilitation Officer role within West Northamptonshire Council

Please note: Sponsorship is not available for this vacancy. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore subject to an enhanced DBS certificate. It is also a regulated activity and will be subject to a Children and Adults Barred List check. West Northamptonshire Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

At West Northants Council, it’s about our people. People who thrive with ambition, bubble with new ideas, demand better ways of working, caring about every detail, and who never shy away from a challenge. Our culture is a gateway for new experiences. A place to forge new opportunities. To empower you in your career and unite you with like-minded people.

Our vision is ‘to make West Northants a great place to live, work, visit and thrive’. We truly stand by this and work hard every day to make this a reality. Our corporate values, THRIVE, stand for: Trust, High Performance, Respect, Innovate and Empower, they underpin everything we do and how we deliver services.

We are committed to ensuring diversity, equality, equity, and inclusion is woven into the fabric of WNC and everything we do, to enable all colleagues to develop and maximize their full potential.  We are a disability confident employer, a member of the Armed Forces Covenant, and a Care Leaver Covenant partner

The following film was created by us to communicate our intentions - watch WNC colleagues explain what DEI means to us.

If you need additional support or reasonable adjustments during the application process, including needing the job description in another format or language, please email careers@westnorthants.gov.uk for support.

Please note we reserve the right to close the advert early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications, so we recommend applying as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

West Northants Council, where careers thrive.