Location
London Borough of Sutton

Hours
Full Time (hours not specified)

Salary
£44,026 per annum

About the Role
As a Habilitation Specialist, you will provide specialist assessment, teaching and support to children and young people with visual impairment across educational settings, homes and community environments. You will work collaboratively with families and professionals to develop programmes that promote independence, mobility and preparation for adulthood.

Key Responsibilities:
Specialist Assessment and Intervention
- Undertake specialist habilitation assessments to identify mobility, orientation, independent living and social development needs.
- Design, implement and review individual habilitation programmes.
- Deliver direct teaching to develop mobility, orientation, independent travel and independent living skills.
- Support children and young people to access educational, social and community environments safely and independently.

Planning and Monitoring
- Monitor progress against agreed outcomes and adapt programmes accordingly.
- Maintain accurate records, reports and assessments.
- Contribute to Education, Health and Care Needs Assessments and Annual Reviews.
- Provide written reports and recommendations for families, schools and professionals.

Advice, Guidance and Training
- Advise families, schools, early years settings and colleges on strategies to promote independence and accessibility.
- Deliver training and awareness sessions to staff and stakeholders.
- Promote understanding of Habilitation and the importance of developing independence skills.

Multi-Agency Working
- Work collaboratively with Qualified Teachers of the Visually Impaired, therapists, educational psychologists, SENCOs and other professionals.
- Participate in multi-agency meetings and contribute to coordinated planning.
- Support effective transitions between educational phases and into adulthood.

Service Development
- Contribute to service development, evaluation and quality assurance activities.
- Maintain knowledge of current legislation, guidance and best practice in habilitation and visual impairment.

Safeguarding
- Always promote and safeguard the welfare of children and young people.
- Follow all Cognus safeguarding policies and procedures.

Experience
Experience working with children and young people with visual impairment or in habilitation is highly desirable. Experience in educational or community settings supporting independence and mobility is advantageous.

About you
- A compassionate and patient professional committed to promoting independence and wellbeing.
- Able to work collaboratively with families, schools and multi-agency teams.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to design, implement and review individual programmes tailored to children’s needs.
- Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
- Willingness to keep up to date with current legislation, guidance and best practice.

Qualifications
Relevant qualifications in habilitation, visual impairment support, rehabilitation teaching or related fields are required or highly desirable. Professional registration or accreditation related to habilitation or visual impairment support is advantageous.