Do you want to work for a health care organization that changes people's lives? One that not only cares deeply about clients, but also values that its employees are its greatest asset?
Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada is a unique health services organization that serves people who are blind or partially sighted across the country. Our certified specialists provide training that empowers clients to develop or to restore activities of daily living skills, to promote their independence, to enhance safety and mobility. We work closely with ophthalmologists, optometrists, and other health care professionals, by providing essential care on a referral basis in homes, workplaces and communities across the country.
We offer competitive salaries and benefits, flexible schedules, and opportunities for professional development and growth.
For more information about Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada, please visit visionlossrehab.ca or call 1-844-887-8572.
Position Title: Occupational Therapist
Location: Beresford, NB
Term: Full-time, Permanent
Reports To: Provincial Manager, Healthcare Operations
Date: June 20, 2024
I. Scope and Summary of Primary Responsibilities
In covering a broad range of duties and responsibilities the occupational therapist will assist clients of all ages to improve their ability to perform tasks in their daily living and working environment. The OT utilizes their specialist knowledge and skills to provide assessment; treatment plans; independent living skills training and intervention strategies; recommendations; reports and service coordination to clients, caregivers, and their families. The role includes providing instruction and guidance in compensatory independent living skills, and assistive technology, enabling individuals living with vision loss to independently carry out daily activities.
They operate under the philosophy of Occupational Therapy, delivering services in a client-centered framework. The therapist applies science knowledge and occupational therapy skills to work with individuals with vision loss referred to VLRC.
This position will also work with external health care providers to identify needs, support care plan goals and to strengthen the communication and care planning linkages between providers and across sectors along the continuum of care.
The OT will strive to ensure that every person diagnosed with vision loss have timely access to information, learning opportunities and support when and where they need it to achieve the following outcomes:
•Improved client experience for the person with vision loss within the health care system
•Enhanced capacity for the person living with vision loss to remain in their own home, engage in activities that support independence and community interaction.
•Connect the person with vision loss with the right services at the right time in the right place.
•Improved overall health and well-being of the person with vision loss.
II. Essential Functions
Accountabilities
This position provides functional expertise for the comprehensive multi-faceted service and operations program within a matrix reporting structure.
The position entails, but is not limited to the following general responsibilities:
•In consultation with clients and their families plan, develop, deliver, and evaluate individual or group specialised services as per their needs identified throughout the assessment process.
•Assess the client's capacity to independently participate in activities of daily living (self-care), and instrumental activities of daily living including home and community activities, learning and education, employment, play and recreation.
•With the individual, identifies and prioritizes goals, and develops an independent living plan.
•Provide both individual and group OT training/intervention programs to achieve maximum independence and participation in activities appropriate to the client's developmental level.
•Assess and train clients in the use of assistive devices and equipment to enhance access to developmentally appropriate activities.
•Assess, plan, and coordinate environmental and/or task modifications according to client's needs.
•Provide low vision advice as required.
•Provide support and consultation to individuals and their families regarding adjustment to vision loss.
•As required, act as a clinical services coordinator to coordinate the provision of services to clients and families and to liaise with external service providers to achieve desired outcomes for clients.
•Plans in collaboration with the patient, family, and caregiver for the termination of service when patient's goals are achieved and/or when patient no longer requires the service.
•Provides consultation, public education, support and teaching about vision loss and related interventions to family, caregivers, school personnel and other health care professionals involved.
•Participates in case conferences when required and consults with other members of the health care team.
•Performs job analysis and jobsite assessment, develops ergonomic recommendations, and acts as a key resource in matters related to occupational performance.
•Teaches adaptive skills for independent living in areas of personal management, household management, communication, leisure activities, indoor orientation & mobility skills, and technology training.
•Identify, develop, and review information and resources; promote and represent VLRC regarding OT issues in relevant forums; develop and maintain internal and external networks.
•Assumes responsibility for maintaining professional registration current and continuous professional development including keeping up to date with new research and maintaining skills and knowledge level.
•Monitor and maintain accurate, up to date client records in accordance with professional standards, VLRC policy and procedures and other relevant legislation.
•Promotes self-advocacy skills for individuals living with vision loss to access community programs and resources (i.e. leisure programs, acquisition of adaptive equipment, etc.).
Relationships
•Ability to establish and build positive working relationships at all levels.
•Ability to work as part of a team and independently as required.
•Interacts with clients, their family and caregivers to develop and identify vision related goals, develop therapy programs, and support them to follow through on recommendations.
•Builds and maintains good working relationships with professionals in other agencies and community groups.
•Educates community partners about Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada and its specialized services offered to clients and their families and caregivers.
•Participates in multi-disciplinary team meetings.
•Advocates on client's behalf in medical clinics, schools, etc.
•Instructs and supervises students, vision rehab assistants, and OT assistants (where applicable) to work with clients.
•In collaboration with internal and external parties, engage in problem solving and develop strategies to address/overcome barriers in effective coordination/integration of supports and services.
Problem Solving / Time Frame of Impact
•Position utilizes task analysis and problem-solving abilities related to implementing and developing intervention and therapy as part of the client's vision rehabilitation plan.
•Problem solving involved in adapting services, materials, and equipment to address the needs of individuals with complex health conditions.
•In case of critical incidents, such as indications of client abuse or medical emergencies, the occupational therapist must immediately report concerns and ensure clients are receiving appropriate care.
•Sensitivity and awareness of cultural, religious, mental health needs and/or emotional support.
Decision Autonomy
•Decision making based on training and experience working with individuals of all ages with visual impairments, and individual assessment and reassessment, to develop an appropriate service plan.
•Judgment is utilized for making decisions about method, schedule, and type of assessment and treatment and the way clients and caregivers are taught to follow through on recommendations.
•This position is itinerant, requiring frequent visits to family homes.
•Reports to the Provincial Manager.
Leadership
•Provides leadership and guidance when training and supervising rehab assistants, family, caregivers, students, and community.
•Takes initiative to develop/implement the most appropriate intervention for client and in maintaining current knowledge associated with vision loss and other relevant health conditions.
Requirements
III. Qualifications
Knowledge and Skill Requirements
•Experience in the health and/or social service sectors is an asset.
•Related experience in a community-based setting is an asset.
•Strong planning skills including sound time management skills.
•Training and intervention strategies for individuals and groups.
•Experience in providing client support and OT services in person and/or through other communication mediums.
•Experience or knowledge in neurological rehabilitation, job analysis, falls prevention or accessibility standards is an asset.
•Understanding of roles and linkages across primary care, community care and specialized services.
•Strong knowledge of client-centred philosophy and clinical practices related to client centered practice.
•Ability to utilize computer and software programs.
•Experience in assessment and care planning/coordination.
•Ability to work in settings requiring inter-professional collaboration.
•Experience in strength-based approaches such as motivational interviewing and positive coaching is an asset.
•Training will be provided in Low Vision/ Independent Living Skills.
•Bilingual in English and French is mandatory.
Certifications or Designations
•Master of Occupational Therapy Degree.
•Current practicing member of the designated provincial Occupational Therapy regulatory body.
•. A willingness to travel and stay overnight
•Current clean criminal records check.
Work Environment
•Willingness to work flexible hours.
•Willingness to work in a variety of settings (in client home, outdoors, daycare, etc.)
•Travel is required.
Benefits
If this sounds like the role for you, apply now to [email protected]
Be sure to include a resume, cover letter, and mention how you heard about this opportunity.
VLRC is committed to creating and fostering an inclusive workplace and we are committed to a fair, transparent, and accessible recruitment process. We strongly encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including but not limited to Indigenous peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, people who are blind, partially sighted, or deafblind, and those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.We strongly encourage applications from applicants with sight loss. Direct lived experience would be a definite asset.
VLRC is committed to accommodating applicants with disabilities and will work with applicants requesting accommodations at any stage of the hiring process. Please note that the successful candidate will be required to pass a standard Vulnerable Sector Check.
Not sure if you qualify? Think about applying anyway!We understand that not everyone brings 100% of the skills and experience for the role. If you possess similar experience to what we've listed above, we encourage you to apply. We believe that diverse experience, transferable skills, and passion are key!
We thank all applicants for their interest in VLRC, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Closing Date for Applications: July 19, 2024