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, Low Vision

Location: Winnipeg, MB

Term: Contract, Full-Time

Reports To: Provincial Manager, Healthcare Operations

Salary: $38.47/hour

Date: September 27, 2024

I. Scope and Summary of Primary Responsibilities

The Occupational Therapist, Low Vision operates under the philosophy of Occupational Therapy, delivering services in a client-centered framework. The occupational therapist applies science, knowledge and occupational therapy skills to work with individuals with vision loss, addressing vision and other physical conditions that impact occupational performance. This multifunctional role recognizes the diverse knowledge and skill set of the Occupational Therapist and its application to the rehabilitation of the individual with low vision.

The Occupational Therapist, Low Vision performs Functional Low Vision Assessments, which include education regarding vision related topics; training in the use of low vision devices; and instruction on how to maximize residual vision, in the home, at work, and in the community. This role expands the Low Vision Therapist role to include the application of occupational therapy strategies, including non-vision related areas of disability, to improve the overall health and well-being of the person with vision loss.

II. Essential Functions

The position entails, but is not limited to the following general responsibilities:

• Conducts functional low vision assessments.
• Teaches individuals with partial sight how to maximize residual vision.
• Recommends and trains in the use of optical and non-optical aids.
• Educates individuals about their eye condition and vision health.
• Refers individuals to other internal and external services.
• Handles public inquiries regarding vision health and low vision services
• Conducts research on new optical aids, adaptive equipment, and new findings in the eye care field. Attends professional development training and conferences as required.
• Delivers public speaking seminars and workshops on low vision services and related topics to community agencies/groups and health care professionals.
• Interprets medical information.
• Performs administrative duties, including, but not limited to, data input, documentation of assessments/client contact, and applicable subsidy program(s) as appropriate.
• Recommends therapies for energy management, injury prevention, and safety education
• Provides job site assessment and ergonomic recommendations, including return to work referrals
• Addresses additional challenges caused to stroke, TBI, and other cognitive impairments
• Assess and treat non-visual related abilities, alongside visual impairment, in occupational performance in all areas of life, including, self-care, leisure, and productivity
• Educates for physical rehabilitation needs related to daily living tasks and training and modification of daily living activities

Requirements

III. Qualifications

•Proficiency in French is a strong asset, and Level 1 Linguistic training can be offered/trained if applicable

•Demonstrated knowledge of ocular anatomy, physiology, pathology, and low vision rehabilitation including optical and non-optical aids, visual skills and adaptive technology, blindness, and deaf-blindness and the psychosocial aspects of vision loss.

•Demonstrated ability to facilitate various size groups.

•Knowledgeable about disabilities and all life stages

•Demonstrated decision making and professional judgement.

•Mature and professional attitude

•Self-directed, organized, and excellent attention to detail.

•Demonstrated individual centred approach and commitment.

•Uses current occupational therapy theory in day-to-day practice

•Demonstrates awareness of experiential knowledge of client and occupational therapist

•Clarifies the role of occupation and enablement when initiating services

•Demonstrates a systematic client-centred approach to enabling occupation

•Assesses occupational performance, and enablement needs of client

•Develops client-centred plan with client, interdisciplinary team members, and other stakeholders

•Implements plan for occupational therapy with low vision services

•High level of competency in relevant computer applications

•Excellent verbal, written and math skills

Experience and Education (minimum required)

•Master of Occupational Therapy Degree

•Current practicing member of the designated provincial Occupational Therapy regulatory body.

•Knowledge of normal and abnormal early childhood development.

•3 or more years' experience working with children with vision loss as well as children with additional disabling conditions is an asset.

•A valid driver's license is required.

•Current clean child abuse registry and criminal records check.

•All personnel hired to provide low vision services must meet the requirements of the VLRC National Vision Rehabilitation (Low Vision Specialist) Training Program.

•ACVREP certification required

Benefits

Apply Now!

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: November 1, 2024