What are the responsibilities and job description for the VISION REHAB THERAPIST position at VIA: Visually Impaired Advancement?
Job Description
Employment Opportunity
Vision Rehab Therapist
Job Description:
Provide Vision Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) training and adaptive equipment instruction to referred individuals of all ages, who are blind/legally blind and reside, work or are enrolled in an education program within the eight counties of WNY to increase independence in accordance with the service plan.
Essential Functions:
VIA is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of any legally protected status or characteristic. Race/Color/Gender/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Veteran.
Employment Opportunity
Vision Rehab Therapist
Job Description:
Provide Vision Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) training and adaptive equipment instruction to referred individuals of all ages, who are blind/legally blind and reside, work or are enrolled in an education program within the eight counties of WNY to increase independence in accordance with the service plan.
Essential Functions:
- Provide Vision Rehabilitation Therapy instruction to individuals of all ages in order to maximize the safety, functionality and independence of clients
- Conduct assessments and prioritize cases to determine goals and needs
- Schedule assessments and visits in a timely manner
- Review all client information provided in NYSCB database and/or in client file
- Document progress/outcomes and complete all reporting within established VIA and NYSCB contractual guidelines
- Prepare lesson plans and provide regular visits to meet identified goals and achieve successful outcomes
- Complete all reporting and data entry to both internal and external databases in accordance with established guidelines, including case closure in timely manner
- Maintain all electronic documentation in accordance with established guidelines for all assigned individuals
- Order adaptive equipment in accordance with internal guidelines and seeking appropriate authorization from Manager when applicable, dispense and train
- Meet all NYSCB contractual guidelines based on referrals
- Develop and implement curricula for summer youth programs
- Attend conferences, seminars and trainings related to the provision of Vision Rehab Therapy
- Acquire appropriate CEUs in order to maintain certification
- Act as Mandatory Reporter if necessary and complete annual on-line training certification
- Conduct trainings as determined by Vice President or Manager.
- Stay current on knowledge and use of new adaptive equipment.
- Lead and/or participate in the development of special programs or projects at the direction of the Vice President or Manager of Rehabilitation Services
- Participate in new staff trainings; provide in-services as directed
- Provide instruction within VIA as deemed necessary (students, new hires, etc.)
- Sit on agency or external collaborating agency committees acting as a liaison to inform staff on external organizations/policies
- Participate and provide supervision to VRT student interns
- Proficient in use of MS Office: Word, Excel, Outlook, Internet, and general applications
- Proficient in use of assistive technology
- Demonstrate flexibility and patience
- Demonstrate independent thinking, problem solving and detail orientation in completion of duties
- Demonstrate excellent internal and external customer service
- Achieve results independently and work well as a team
- Effectively work with individuals of diverse backgrounds
- Caring and counseling skills with an ability to balance agency policy with the individual perceptions and sensitivity of clients
- NYS drivers license and reliable transportation OR the ability to travel effectively within assigned geographic area required, including the ability to transport equipment
- Masters Degree in rehabilitation teaching program accredited or recognized by New York State Commission for the Blind (NYSCB) OR Bachelor’s Degree successful completion of NYSCB approved certificate program OR
- ACVREP certification or meets all eligibility to sit for the certification exam
- Prior experience with Grade I and Grade II Braille preferred
- Regularly lift and carry equipment of 15 pounds or more
- Regularly stoop and kneel
- Regularly sit for a minimum of 2 hours at a time
- Regularly stand for a minimum of 2 hours at a time
- Regularly walk outdoors for a minimum of 1 hour at a time
- Regularly perform repetitive motion of the wrists, hands and/or fingers
VIA is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of any legally protected status or characteristic. Race/Color/Gender/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Veteran.