Deafblind Coordinator

**Job Type**:Fixed term/Full-time

**Location**:Auckland

**Closing date**:Saturday, 07 September 2024

**Mō mātou | About Us**:
Blind Low Vision NZ is the leading national provider of vision rehabilitation services for people who are blind, deafblind or have low vision. Now more than ever, the opportunities are here to make a real difference for people with sight loss, and you’ll help us achieve our vision of empowering New Zealanders who are blind, deafblind or low vision, to live the life they choose. As well as supporting individuals, we seek to make big-picture change by advocating for inclusive communities and for optimal eye care services for all New Zealanders. We have a rich history stretching back to 1890 and as we continue to connect people with sight loss to expert staff and their peers, we also continue to be one of New Zealand's most trusted and iconic not for profit organisations.

**Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role**:
In this full time, fixed term (ending 19 May 2025 (Parental Leave)) role as the Deafblind Coordinator, you will be responsible for screening and identifying the appropriate level of deafblind support required. You will work closely with the client/their support network/whānau to identify needs and provide fundamental service and support to achieve the best outcome. The successful applicant will also provide support/advice on hard of hearing and deafblindness and work collaboratively with Client Services staff and external agencies to ensure hard of hearing and deafblind clients’ mobility, daily living, communication, socialisation, and other hard of hearing and deafblind needs are connected.

You will provide specialist vision rehabilitation services for Deafblind / dual sensory loss clients, taking a holistic view of service delivery in assisting them to live the life they choose. Deafblind is a unique sensory loss of both hearing and vision, where neither sense can fully compensate for the other, the combination of which fundamentally affects every aspect of a person’s life, most notably communication, socialisation, mobility, and daily living.

**Ko wai koe | About you**:
**To be successful in this role, it is essential you have the following;**
- Demonstrated experience and a tertiary qualification in Human, Social Services or Rehabilitation
- Experience in service delivery within this field, general health, occupational therapy or rehabilitation

**It is desirable you have a mix of the following**:

- Demonstrated skills and knowledge of common communication methods used by hard of hearing and deafblind people or the willingness to up skill in this area
- Knowledge and understanding of blindness/hard of hearing and deaf blindness and its implications
- Excellent oral and written communication skills and ability to engage effectively with a variety of individuals - internally and externally
- Ability to build and maintain relationships and networks with external agencies
- Strong planning, organisational and time management skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Applications and Salesforce
- Ability to work autonomously and without supervision
- Ability to work outside normal office hours, travel and stay away over night when needed
- Familiar with and applies Treaty of Waitangi principles**Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply**:
This is a great opportunity to join an organisation that is truly passionate about helping their clients, while also offering rewarding career opportunities, great staff benefits, and a flexible work environment where possible As we strive to be a for purpose organisation, our staff take an active interest and participate in fundraising and volunteer opportunities.

Joining Blind Low Vision NZ means being part of a whānau that values and celebrates the unique contribution each individual brings. We encourage suitably qualified individuals who are blind, have low vision or any other disability to apply. We aspire to increase the representation of a diverse workforce within our organisation. We care about the wellbeing and success of our people, providing a supportive and inclusive working environment where people can thrive and be their true selves. We are dedicated to the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and continue to develop our understanding and implementation of the principles through all aspects of our work.