VISION REHAB THERAPIST

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

Qualifications:

• 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