Current Opportunities

Early Childhood Visual Impairment Consultant – Full Time

Description

Number of Positions: 3

Salary: $56,000-$59,000 based on experience, plus employer paid benefits after 3 months’ probationary period.

Start Date:  May 2024

Term: Permanent, 35 hrs/wk

Hours of Work: Flexible with scheduled time between Mon-Fri and some weekends

Closing date: May 10, 2024. Applications will be reviewed as they are received so we encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible. 

Who We Are

Blind Beginnings is a charitable organization whose mission is to inspire and support children and youth who are blind or partially sighted, and their families, providing diverse programs, experiences, counselling and peer support, and opportunities for them to create fulfilling lives.  We envision a world where seeing things differently inspires limitless possibilities. For more information on Blind Beginnings visit www.blindbeginnings.ca

Blind Beginnings strives to incorporate the following values in the work we do:

●      Build a diverse and inclusive community

●      Value and respect all abilities

●      Lead by example

●      Empower through growth and learning

●      Challenge the limits of possibility

●      Adapt and persevere

What you’ll be doing

Are you looking for a rewarding career where you can make a difference in the lives of children who are blind or partially sighted? Research indicates that approximately 80% of incidental learning occurs through vision. This employment opportunity involves providing learning and resource support to BC children (birth to K entry), families, and community resources to understand the child's visual impairment and development.

Reporting to the Director of Programs and Community Engagement, the Early Childhood Visual Impairment Consultant will play a critical role in facilitating blind and/or partially sighted children’s learning journey. Areas of intervention include understanding visual impairment diagnosis and potential implications for learning; development of play skills and concepts; socialization; sensory development; transitions into daycare, preschool and school settings; emerging literacy; movement and exploration; and connecting families and resources.

Key Responsibilities

This position entails, but is not limited to the following general responsibilities:

• May conduct/or participate in an initial and ongoing assessments or screenings for children aged, birth to school entry. Assists families in connecting with community Early Intervention programs and resources.

• Develops and/or contributes to an Individualized Family Service or Intervention Plan developed by the local community Early Intervention Team to identify and assist children-family-team in addressing development needs.

• Evaluates child's progress to contribute towards the service plan and program activities that address child and family needs.

• Supports transition, participation and staff education in daycare, preschool and community programs. Assesses environmental conditions, accessibility, and safety in settings that the child encounters (home, preschool, playgrounds, etc.)

• Provides support and information to parents/caregiver to enhance advocacy skills.

• Acts as a consultant/resource to the professional and service community regarding issues pertaining to children with vision loss including children with multiple disabilities.

• Provides interventions and supports to the child and family in the form of direct intervention, resources and information, collaboration with other programs and service providers, presentations, and transition planning.

• Completes required documentation including individualized family service plan, assessments, progress reports, statistics on service delivery, etc.

• Keep abreast of current materials, technology, standards of practice related to providing service to children with vision loss by review of professional literature, attending conferences/workshops and accessing other current sources of information.

Job Skills and Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in early childhood education or a related field, ideally with a certificate in Special Education.

• 3-5 years of experience working in early intervention. Experience working as an Infant Development Consultant, Daycare or Preschool Provider would be an asset.

• Experience supporting Child Development Consultant or working in a coordinating role with a Strong Start or Head Start program.

• Demonstrated ability to exhibit tact and discretion in preparing, disclosing, and handling information of a confidential and/or sensitive nature.

• Strong ability to work collaboratively with a Visual Impairment team, while working independently to effectively schedule family and community consultations.

• Proven analytical skills with superior accuracy and attention to details.

• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

• Demonstrates interpersonal skills and ability to build trust and rapport with others.

• Demonstrates exceptional active listening skills and a strong ability to empathize with others.

• Ability to travel, including overnight regional Outreach trips and Family Retreats of 3-4 days.

• Must have a valid BC class 5 driver’s license and a reliable vehicle.

How to Apply

If you are interested in this position, we encourage you to send your cover letter and resume to shaneika@blindbeginnings.ca. This opportunity will remain posted until filled.

PLEASE NOTE

We offer accommodation for applicants with disabilities to take part in the selection process. If we invite you for an interview, please do not hesitate to let us know if you require accommodation.

In accordance with the Criminal Record Review Act, successful applicants will be required to consent to a Criminal Record with a Vulnerable Sector Check prior to employment.

We thank you for your interest in Blind Beginnings; however, only those persons selected for interviews will be contacted.