Introduction

A Rehabilitation Worker is a professional who works alongside people with a visual impairment to help restore their independence. This could involve anything from teaching Braille or how to use a long cane to get about, to everyday skills such as how to make a cup of tea or prepare and cook a meal safely. Rehabilitation Workers are employed by local council Social Services Departments.

Work Environment

The majority of a Rehabilitation Worker’s day will be spent with one or more of their clients. This could be either at the client’s home or in their local area.

Daily Activities

The work is varied and includes assessing client needs and delivering and managing any further services required such as long cane or independent living skills training.

Some Rehabilitation Workers may work as part of a team, which is responsible for a number of cases. Each case is unique and will require a different approach.

As part of their daily activities, Rehabilitation Workers may be required to write reports and liaise with other professionals and eye specialists.

Skills & Interests

Rehabilitation Workers must be able to communicate with people from a variety of backgrounds. It is also critical that they have a positive attitude to disability and are able to deal with difficult situations. Most Rehabilitation Workers also need a driving licence.

Entry Requirements

The entry-level professional qualification for a Rehabilitation Worker is the Diploma of Higher Education in Rehabilitation Studies. The DipHE can be gained via a two year distance learning course through the Royal National Institute of the Blind (RNIB) School of Rehabilitation Studies, based at the University of Central England (UCE).

Qualifications for access to the DipHE course are 3 GCSEs and 2 A-Levels, or equivalent. Mature students may be accepted on the course without formal qualifications, depending on their life experience. However, they must be able to demonstrate their ability to study at higher education level.

Estimated salary range

£16,000 – 25,000.

Please note that salary information is a guide only and there may be local agreements in place. For further information about salaries for particular positions, please contact your local council directly.

Future prospects & opportunities

Experienced Rehabilitation Workers can become Senior Rehabilitation Workers or they can move into supervisory roles as a team leader or even a lecturer in rehabilitation studies. Opportunities to specialise are also on offer, e.g. working with children with a visual impairment.

Related Occupations

Follow this link to view a list of all related occuptions in Caring For Your Community.
Alternatively, follow this link to view all career profiles placed in the same job area.

Further Information & Services

Royal National Institute of the Blind www.rnib.org.uk

RNIB School of Rehabilitation Studies at UCE www.sightlossmatters.com

Community Service Volunteers www.csv.org.uk/socialhealthcare

Follow this link for social services recruitment contacts within local councils in your area.

You may find further information about this area of work in your local Connexions service/careers office/school careers library – under J.

What should I do next?

Look for current local government Rehabilitation Worker (Visual Impairment) vacancies in the following places:

• LGjobs.com - the official recruitment website for local government.
• Weekly, bi-weekly or monthly jobs bulletins produced by local councils themselves, available from libraries, community centres, town halls/main civic buildings and central council personnel departments.
• Local council websites.
• Local newspapers
• National newspapers – The Guardian is particularly well known for its public sector job advertisements on a Wednesday.

Find out about the council and get some work experience if possible by:

• Making the most of work experience placements arranged through your school, college or university.
• Contacting councils close to your home to find out about the work experience opportunities they offer.
• Talking to someone who does the job you are interested in – ring your local council to see if someone can spare some time.
• Making an appointment to see a careers adviser for more specific information about jobs and training.