Early Childhood Visual Impairment Consultant – Part Time
<p><strong>Number of Positions:</strong> 1</p><p><strong>Wages:</strong> $32.00 - $35.00 per hour based on experience, <span>plus employer paid benefits after 3 months’ probationary period.</span></p><p><strong>Start Date:</strong> January 5, 2026 (can be negotiated)</p><p><strong>Term:</strong> Permanent</p><p><strong>Location: </strong>Interior BC</p><p><strong>Hours of Work: </strong>21<strong> </strong>hours per week, with scheduled time between Mon-Fri and very occasional weekends for program delivery. Remote work environment.</p><p><strong>Closing date: </strong>Posting will remain open until position is filled. Applications will be reviewed as they are received so we encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible. <strong>Who We Are</strong></p><p>Blind Beginnings is a charitable organization whose mission is to inspire and support children and youth who are blind or partially sighted, and their families, providing diverse programs, experiences, counselling and peer support, and opportunities for them to create fulfilling lives. We envision a world where seeing things differently inspires limitless possibilities. For more information on Blind Beginnings visit www.blindbeginnings.ca </p><p><span>Blind Beginnings strives to incorporate the following values in the work we do:</span></p><p>● <span>Build a diverse and inclusive community</span></p><p>● <span>Value and respect all abilities</span></p><p>● <span>Lead by example</span></p><p>● <span>Empower through growth and learning</span></p><p>● <span>Challenge the limits of possibility</span></p><p>● <span>Adapt and persevere</span></p><p><br></p><p><strong>What you’ll be doing</strong></p><p>Are you looking for a rewarding career where you can make a difference in the lives of children who are blind or partially sighted? Research indicates that approximately 80% of incidental learning occurs through vision. This employment opportunity involves providing learning and resource support to BC children (birth to Kindergarten entry), families, and community resources to understand the child's visual impairment and potential impact on their development.</p><p>Providing support to children and families in BC’s Interior and Northern regions. This involves daily visits to family homes, daycares, preschools and child development centres. This position reports to the Director of Programs and Community Engagement. The <strong>Early Childhood Visual Impairment Consultant </strong>will play a critical role in facilitating blind and/or partially sighted children’s learning journey. Areas of intervention include development of play skills and concepts; socialization; sensory processing and efficiency; supporting transitions into daycare, preschool and school settings; emerging literacy; movement and exploration; and connecting families to supports and resources.</p><p><strong>Key Responsibilities</strong></p><p>This position entails, but is not limited to the following general responsibilities: </p><p>· May conduct/or participate in initial and ongoing assessments or screenings for children aged, birth to school entry. Assists families in connecting with community Early Intervention programs and resources. </p><p>· Develops and/or contributes to an Individualized Family Service or Intervention Plan developed by the local community Early Intervention Team to identify and assist child-family-team in addressing development needs.</p><p>· Evaluates child's progress and contribute towards the service plan and program activities that address child and family needs. </p><p>· Supports transition, participation and staff education in daycare, preschool and community programs. Assesses environmental conditions, accessibility, and safety in settings that the child encounters (home, preschool, playgrounds, etc.)</p><p>· Provides support and information to parents/caregiver to enhance advocacy skills. </p><p>· Acts as a consultant/resource to the professional and service community regarding issues pertaining to children who are blind or have low vision including children with multiple disabilities. </p><p>· Provides support to the child and family in their homes in the form of direct intervention, resources and information, collaboration with other programs and service providers, presentations, and transition planning.</p><p>· Completes required documentation including individualized family service plan, assessments, progress reports, statistics on service delivery, etc. </p><p>· Keep abreast of current materials, technology, and standards of practice related to providing service to children who are blind by review of professional literature, attending conferences/workshops and accessing other current sources of information. </p><p><strong>Job Skills and Requirements</strong></p><p>· Bachelor's degree or diploma in early childhood education or a related field, ideally with a certificate in Special Education, or equivalent experience.</p><p>· Minimum 1 year of experience working in early intervention and family support.</p><p>· Experience working as an Infant Development Consultant, Daycare or Preschool Provider would be an asset.</p><p>· Experience with or knowledge of how vision impacts child development, or experience working with young children who are blind/low vision is considered and asset.</p><p>· Experience as a Supported Child Development Consultant or working in a coordinating role with a Strong Start or Head Start program would be an asset.</p><p>· Demonstrated ability to exhibit tact and discretion in preparing, disclosing, and handling information of a confidential and/or sensitive nature.</p><p>· Strong ability to work collaboratively with a Visual Impairment team, while working independently to effectively schedule family and community consultations.</p><p>· Observation and analytical skills with superior accuracy and attention to details.</p><p>· <span>Strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.</span></p><p>· Demonstrates interpersonal skills and ability to build trust and rapport with others.</p><p>· Demonstrates exceptional active listening skills and a strong ability to empathize with others.</p><p>· Strong computer skills including experience with Microsoft 365 and Case Management Database</p><p>· Ability to travel, including overnight regional Outreach trips and Family Retreats of 3-4 days.</p><p>· Must have a valid BC class 5 driver’s license and a reliable vehicle.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>How to Apply</strong></p><p><u>Please submit your resume and cover letter responding to the following question: Why is it important to you to support young people who are blind or partially sighted?</u> We thank all applicants for your interest. </p><p>We thank you for your interest in Blind Beginnings. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Please send cover letters and resume to lia@blindbeginnings.ca. </p><p>Blind Beginnings is committed to having our staff team, board and volunteers reflect the diversity of the community we serve. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and we encourage applications from persons within communities marginalized based on disability, race, colour, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression<span>.</span></p><p><br></p><p><strong><u>PLEASE NOTE</u></strong></p><p>· In accordance with the Criminal Records Review Act, successful applicants will be required to consent to a Criminal Record Check with a Vulnerable Sector Search and receive a clearance letter prior to employment.</p><p> </p>