Rehabilitation Specialist Visual Impairment; Unqualified

Rehabilitation Specialist Visual Impairment (Unqualified)

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 to train as a Visual Impairment Rehabilitation Specialist (VRS) through the FdSc Vision Rehabilitation Specialist (Adults) programme at Birmingham City University.

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

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, with a genuine interest in working with people living with visual impairment, and who is committed to making a positive difference to their quality of life. The successful applicant will be empathetic, patient, person‑centred, able 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, and embrace the opportunity to undertake a professional qualification and build a career within this specialist area of adult social care.

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.

• 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.

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

• Passionate about promoting independence, wellbeing, and prevention
• Experience working with adults in social care, therapy, rehabilitation, or related services
• Motivated to learn and develop specialist skills
• Can balance study commitments alongside their current role
• Demonstrate excellent communication, organisation, and problem‑solving skills
• 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.

• Gain a nationally recognised specialist qualification
• Develop professional knowledge and specialist…