Social Worker at 50%

About the job

Retina Suisse is the association for patients affected by retinitis pigmentosa (RP), macular degeneration, Usher syndrome, and other diseases of the eye fundus. Its headquarters are based in Zurich. We inform and advise those affected and their relatives, promote exchange, and defend the interests of people with retinal diseases. At the same time, we are committed to research and to making scientific discoveries and medical advances accessible and understandable.

For our consultation service in Lausanne, we are looking for a committed individual for a social worker position at 50%, starting 1 March 2027 or by agreement.

Your mission

You will advise and support people affected by retinal diseases and their relatives. In this context, you combine expertise in social work with an interest in ophthalmic medicine, retinal diseases, and research.

Your varied tasks include:

• Providing individual and personalised advice to people affected by retinal diseases and visual impairments and their relatives
• Answering questions related to social insurance law, particularly in the areas of disability insurance (AI), old-age and survivors’ insurance (AVS), and supplementary benefits
• Providing information on retinal diseases, medical advances, treatment options, and ongoing research
• Collaborating with ophthalmologists, research teams, clinics, and specialists in health, social services, and visual impairment
• Organising and leading information sessions and support groups
• Participating in the development of Retina Suisse’s information and advisory services
• Establishing contacts with consultation services and specialised services in French-speaking Switzerland as well as with potential donors
• Working on Retina Suisse projects at the intersection of patient perspectives, medicine, and research
• Maintaining regular professional exchange with the main office in Zurich

Your profile

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Social Work or equivalent qualification
• Professional experience in advising and supporting people facing various life situations
• Particular interest in ophthalmic medicine, retinal diseases, and medical research
• Good knowledge of Swiss social insurance law, especially in the areas of AI/AVS
• Enjoyment of collaboration with specialists in medicine, research, social services, and visual impairment
• Empathetic, open, and caring attitude
• Autonomous, reliable, and structured working method
• Very good oral and written communication skills
• Good knowledge of common Office applications
• Excellent command of French and good command of German; knowledge of Italian and English is an asset
• Availability to work evenings and weekends and to occasionally travel within French-speaking and German-speaking Switzerland

Our offer

By joining Retina Suisse, you will hold a varied and meaningful position at the crossroads of advice, medicine, and research.

What we offer you:

• A position with varied and responsible tasks, in direct contact with people
• A working environment combining patient perspectives, medicine, and research
• Significant autonomy and scope for manoeuvre
• Collaboration with a dynamic, committed, and motivated team
• Regular professional exchange with our main office in Zurich
• Opportunities for specialised continuing education
• Employment conditions in line with current standards

Any experience related to visual impairment is welcome and considered an asset.

Workplace

Lausanne

Starting date

1 March 2027 or by agreement

Interested?

We look forward to receiving your complete application dossier by 23 October 2026 at the latest.

For further information, please do not hesitate to contact:

Susanne Trudel, Director
Retina Suisse
Ausstellungsstrasse 36
8005 Zurich
044 444 10 77
susanne.trudel@retina.ch
retina.ch