Job Description

Overall Objectives:

Our information and advice service works with people with a sensory impairment to identify the support they require, access services, information and equipment, assist them to develop skills to live more confidently and independently and make decisions about their own lives. This role will support people living with a sensory impairment to access technology. The Sensory Impairment Advisor (Technology) will ensure that the service is responsive, person-centred, strengths-based, informed by the latest knowledge and professional.

Expected impact:

People who are sensory impaired will increase their skills, knowledge and confidence in choosing and using technology, including smart phones, tablets, computers. This will result in an improvement to their quality of life and overcoming barriers to, for example, accessing services, education, work, social interaction and/or leisure activities.

Main accountabilities and activities:

Information and advice service delivery

Provide information and advice for people living with sensory impairment, their families, and people who are supporting them.

Conduct initial client needs assessment face-to-face, over the telephone, or online.

Promptly and accurately input new referrals and ongoing case notes to maintain our client relationship management (CRM) database.

Provide person-centred, strengths-based advice to enable individuals to overcome the emotional, physiological, and practical challenges faced through sensory impairment.

Support the project delivery model to provide an integrated and person-centred support plan, focused on the provision of appropriate outcome goals.

Provide short-term, focussed interventions to support people with vision impairment to overcome challenges, make adaptations and Connect with services which enable them to develop and maintain independence.

Avoid dependency by concentrating on strategies which empower the individual and give them the confidence and skills to progress to successful independent living.

Actively manage a caseload, making appointments, completing risk assessments, and prioritising tasks in a timely and professional manner, maintaining communication with the client and other staff.

Understand and take appropriate steps to identify and manage risks, behaviours, and concerns to protect and safeguard vulnerable adults and maintain their right to self-determination.

Assistive Technology

Develop one to one and group training sessions and workshops relating to a variety of assistive technology solitons at our centre and in the community.

Coordinate regular technology information events and open days.

Recruit and train volunteer 'tech buddies' and match them with clients who would like support with technology for specific, time-limited training sessions delivered at our base or public locations such as libraries and coffee shops.

Build partnerships with and train local providers in basic sensory impairment accessibility tips to support their service delivery, using a train the trainer approach where possible.

Coordinate technology drop-in clinics with existing partners and seek to develop other partnership opportunities.

Train colleagues in basic accessibility tips and provide 'how to guides' and resources (from other organisations or written by Sensory Matters Worcestershire as needed).

Aids and equipment

Demonstrate and sell a range of low vision aids, daily living equipment and assistive technology solutions within Sensory Matters Worcestershire's ethical sales framework.

Work with partners such as Worcestershire Council Sensory Impairment Team, grant-making bodies and equipment providers to support access to the most appropriate equipment at the best price.

Partnership working

Work collaboratively with other professionals and organisations involved with clients to ensure the best possible support is provided throughout the pathway, particularly the Sensory Impairment Team.

Support people with sensory impairment to develop links with other service providers, community groups, activities, volunteers, and befrienders, where appropriate.

Effectively manage working relationships and referral mechanisms with other agencies and relevant stakeholders.

When necessary, work with trained volunteers to provide basic vision impairment awareness and sighted guide training to local businesses and community groups to support better client integration in the community.

Service marketing

Research the work of other organisations locally and nationally and actively promote our service in the community and via professional networks.

Provide content for Sensory Matters Worcestershire's communications and media, obtaining consent and facilitating the sharing of good news stories or case studies Support Sensory Matters marketing activity, including social media posts.

Teamwork and professional development

Support Sensory Matters events and wellbeing activities.

Work with the Wellbeing and Volunteering Team Lead to ensure that volunteers are effectively mentored in their work supporting clients.

Maintain knowledge of eye and ear health guidance, programmes, and support, including Sensory Matters Worcestershire's and partner literature, websites, and other resources to provide up-to-date information and advice.

Regularly contribute to the upkeep of the online and hardcopy Knowledge Hub.

Data management

Promptly and accurately enter data into the CRM to enable reporting on outputs and outcomes. Support outcome measurement processes for this service.

Use Sensory Matters Worcestershire's systems appropriately to ensure client data is captured in a way that is compliant with data protection legislation. This will enable clients to receive the information they want on an ongoing basis and enable us to measure the impact of what we do.

General

The following points are common to all job descriptions:

Undertake any other duties commensurate with the post.

Attend training, supervision, and appraisals as and when appropriate.

Adhere to legislative and organisational policy and procedure.

Use Sensory Matters' systems appropriately to ensure client data is captured in a way that is compliant with data protection legislation and enables clients to receive the information they want on an ongoing basis and Sensory Matters to measure the impact of what we do.

Work with other parts of the organisation to promote and support the work of the Sensory Matters and provide opportunities for support and involvement in local fundraising and awareness activities and events.

Assist in the planning of the delivery of service improvement and participate positively in the implementation of new working methods and practices as required.

Person specification:

Criteria are essential unless otherwise stated

Experience of working in a public-facing role (e.g., customer service, advice, health, social care).

Understanding of the issues and barriers faced by people with a sensory impairment.

Knowledge of assistive technology solutions.

Experience of working with people with disabilities, including visual impairment (desirable).

Commitment to and understanding of working in a person-centred way.

Experience of offering person-centred support, advice or guidance (desirable).

Experience of managing a challenging and varied workload (desirable).

Basic BSL communication skills (desirable).

Knowledge of and strong commitment to equality and diversity.

Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding adults and a clear focus on taking appropriate action.

Experience of working with volunteers (desirable).

Experience of multi-agency working (desirable).

Ability to work remotely and autonomously.

Excellent communication skills with an ability to adapt to the needs of others appropriately.

Competent IT user, including use of Microsoft Office and databases.

Experience of using Charity Log or other CRM (desirable).

Ability to work within professional boundaries and to respect and adhere to confidentiality aspects of the work.

Willingness to be flexible and work as part of a whole-organisation team.

Ability to travel throughout the county, with the support of Access to Work where appropriate.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: 12.60 per hour

Expected hours: 16 - 24 per week

Benefits:

Health & wellbeing programme On-site parking Sick pay
Application question(s):

Are you based and/or able to travel to our office in Worcester?
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 14/07/2025