Apprentice Rehabilitation Officer - Visual Impairment

Apprentice Rehabilitation Officer – Visual Impairment (Sensory Impairment Team)

Full-Time, Fixed-Term for 2 years –

Start date:

August/September 2026 (exact date to be confirmed).

This is an exciting opportunity to work with people with visual impairments to maximise their independence while completing the Vision Rehabilitation Specialist course at Birmingham City University.

Vision rehabilitation is crucial to ensuring that someone who is losing their sight remains as independent as possible. A Rehabilitation Officer delivers structured support to help people adapt to their sight loss, providing one-to-one training in daily living skills, mobility and communications to maximise independence, confidence and quality of life.

In your role as an Apprentice Rehabilitation Officer, you will work with the Sensory Impairment Team, which includes Rehabilitation Officers, a Rehabilitation and Equipment Officer, Social Workers and Customer Services Officers. We provide support, advice and rehabilitation services to Bristol citizens in line with the Care Act 2014. As a multi-professional team, we apply a strengths-based approach throughout our work, supporting Bristol citizens to maximise their independence and achieve their goals, and collaborating closely with health and community partners.

• Plan and deliver rehabilitation programmes under the guidance of a qualified Vision Rehabilitation Officer
• Undertake rehabilitation assessments in partnership with the visually impaired person
• Identify, issue and demonstrate safe use of specialist equipment or provide advice on private purchase of equipment
• Contribute to case discussions with colleagues and provide information and advice to other professionals and organisations
• Contribute to the evaluation and improvement of services in accordance with relevant legislation and policies; also, undertake partnership work with community organisations

You will combine work with completing the two‑year Vision Rehabilitation Specialist course at Birmingham City University. The course requires in‑person attendance during 8 block learning weeks per year (approximately 37 days each academic year), spread from September to May. The course fees will be fully funded by Bristol City Council.

The course requires students to learn to teach people with visual impairment in high-risk situations, such as crossing roads independently, working safely in the kitchen and managing home and personal care. Students must already be competent in these daily activities and capable of monitoring safety.

Formal offer of employment will be made only after acceptance onto the Vision Rehabilitation Specialist (Adults) – FdSc course. Remote working is not available. The role is subject to an Enhanced DBS Check.

We offer a fast-moving, supportive work environment, generous rewards including flexible working, membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme and a generous annual leave allowance. You will have the chance to make Bristol a better place and contribute to its future.

To be shortlisted for interview, demonstrate how you meet each of the essential criteria in the Person Specification. We may also consider desirable criteria against a high volume of applications. Applications will be reviewed as they are received and we reserve the right to close this vacancy early. Apply as soon as possible.

We are a Disability Confident employer and value recruiting and retaining disabled people. Any job applicant who considers themselves disabled and meets the essential criteria is guaranteed an interview. We will make reasonable adjustments throughout the interview process and provide ongoing workplace support.

We welcome applications from LGBQT+, Black and racially minoritised candidates who are currently under-represented within this Service. Appointments will be made on merit.

Sia Goulia, Team Manager – tel 07584 480626, email [insert email]

Tom McDonough, Vision Rehabilitation Officer – tel 07721 622275, email [insert email]