Low Vision Specialist

Job Title: Low Vision Specialist
Location: Cork
Reporting to: Low Vision Clinic Lead
Contract Type: Permanent / Part Time
Contract Hours: 20 per week
Salary Scale Range: €43,268 - €62,529
Annual Leave: pro rata of 30 days (full time equivalent)

Role Purpose

The Low Vision Specialist is responsible for assessing and supporting children and young people with visual impairments and complex needs. The role focuses on maximising each child’s functional vision, independence, and participation in education, play, and daily life through individualised, evidence-based interventions.

Working as part of the multidisciplinary team at ChildVision, the specialist will also support families—particularly in the early years—by providing guidance, triaging needs, and ensuring access to appropriate services.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess the functional vision abilities and individual needs of each child and young person.
• Design, implement, and review individualised vision programmes to maximise visual potential.
• Deliver vision skills training, including both visual and non-visual strategies.
• Provide advice, consultancy, and training to internal staff and external professionals.
• Work collaboratively with the ChildVision multidisciplinary team.
• Meet with prospective families, particularly in early years, to provide support, guidance, and triage of needs.

Core Duties

• Plan and organise assessment components based on presenting concerns and anticipated functional difficulties.
• Assess the child or young person’s ability to access educational, recreational, and social activities.
• Produce clear, comprehensive assessment reports for educational, medical, and clinical teams.
• Develop practical, individualised strategies and environmental adaptations to support access to the curriculum and daily life.
• Provide feedback, guidance, and support to families and external professionals.
• Work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team (MDT).
• Liaise with CDNTs and Primary Care services at a national level.

Core Competencies

Planning and Organisation

• Plans and prioritises workload effectively, managing time and resources efficiently.
• Organises assessments and interventions in a structured and responsive manner.
• Adapts to changing demands and manages unexpected situations with flexibility.
• Maintains consistent performance and professionalism under pressure.

Professional Integrity & Decision-Making

• Demonstrates high standards of professional ethics and behaviour in line with ChildVision policies.
• Makes informed, timely, and well-reasoned decisions.
• Uses analytical thinking to address complex challenges.
• Promotes and supports evidence-based practice.

Service Delivery & Initiative

• Delivers person-centred, goal-oriented interventions.
• Collaborates with children/young people, families, and stakeholders to achieve meaningful outcomes.
• Demonstrates initiative and contributes to service development and improvement.
• Maintains motivation and accountability in all aspects of work.

Communication & Relationship Building

• Builds positive, respectful relationships with the people we support, families, and colleagues.
• Communicates clearly and effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Demonstrates empathy and a collaborative, supportive approach.

Team Working

• Actively contributes to multidisciplinary team functioning.
• Participates in team meetings, supervision, and service planning.
• Engages in training, development, and research activities.

Health & Safety

• Complies with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and ChildVision policies.
• Adheres to safe working practices, including equipment use and incident reporting.
• Contributes to risk management, safety procedures, and emergency planning.

Professional Development & Quality

• Maintains high standards of professional practice and engages in continuous professional development (CPD).
• Contributes to service development, training, and research initiatives.
• Supports team development, including induction of new staff.
• Ensures accurate documentation and compliance with organisational policies and data governance requirements.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Minimum 3 years’ experience working with children and young people with visual impairments and complex or multiple disabilities.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience working with children and young people (0–18 years) with disabilities.
• Strong knowledge of the visual system, including oculomotor and neurological visual impairments.
• Understanding of visual development and its impact on overall development and functional ability.
• Ability to translate assessment findings into meaningful, functional interventions.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and report-writing skills.

Qualifications

• Degree in Health, Social Care, Education, or a related field.
• Specialist qualification or relevant experience in visual impairment, such as:
• Orientation and Mobility
• Assistive Technology
• Activities of Daily Living (ADL)
• Other relevant technical or rehabilitation skill

Why Join Us?

• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives
• Collaborative, supportive, and multidisciplinary team environment
• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities

Other Requirements:

• Eligible to work in Ireland
• Reference checks and Garda Vetting
• Available to interview in person

Benefits:

• Competitive Salary and Benefits package
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children/young people with visual impairments
• Supportive and Collaborative Work Environment
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Bike-to-Work scheme
• On-site Parking
• Company Pension
• Wellness Programme
• Onsite Café – Staff Discount