Combination VRT/AT Specialist

The Lighthouse for The Blind in New Orleans•New Orleans, LA

8h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Combination Vision Rehabilitation Therapist (VRT) / Assistive Technology (AT) Specialist is a member of the Vision Rehabilitation Services (VRS) team and serves as the lead instructor for AT classes for seniors with vision loss, providing independent living skills (ILS) training and technology inside and outside of the organization. The VRT/AT Specialist is a techie with a passion for problem solving and a desire to assist people in achieving their dreams for developing new life skills, starting new career paths, or achieving upward mobility. The Lighthouse VRT/AT Specialist embraces new assistive devices and software and is eager to keep up with current trends to support program development.

Requirements

Degree and dual certification as a Vision Rehabilitation Therapist and Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist. Student progress toward certification may be considered.
Expert knowledge of adaptive strategies for people with varying degrees of vision loss
Proficiency to teach braille
Excellent computer skills to include expert knowledge of all versions of Microsoft Windows and Office products
Working knowledge of both Apple and Android products and accessibility features
Current working knowledge of Assistive hardware, software, and assistive devices for the blind
Effective teaching skills with ability to assess and adjust training to optimize progress
Strong troubleshooting skills
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Ability to develop and perform professional presentations
Minimum of 350 hours experience instructing people with vision loss on the use of adaptive strategies to enhance ADL/IADL performance.
Minimum of 350 hours experience instructing people with vision loss on the use of computer and mobile devices.
Experience with proficiency in completing assessments and drafting professional reports.
Must be energetic and able to function in a dynamic office setting.
Must be able to tolerate travel across service regions for extended periods.
Must be able to tolerate sitting at a computer for extended periods.
Professional who maintains appearance and attitude appropriate to the position
Superior verbal and written communicator who demonstrates integrity and confidentiality
Creative and proactive problem solver who is comfortable working on new initiatives
Team player who is responsive to directions and suggestions
Leader who assumes responsibility for project completion and enjoys team building, but is able to work independently
Confident practitioner who maintains focus on work in dynamic environments, solves problems effectively, and demonstrates good attention to detail.
Valid driver’s license and clear driving record required with valid Louisiana insurance coverage.

Responsibilities

Serve as lead instructor for Independent Living Skills (ILS) and Assistive Technology (AT) group classes for seniors with vision loss as outlined in the Older Blind contract.
Conduct AT assessments and training on use of computers, smart phones, and other AT to support the needs of clients with vision loss across all service areas to include facility, home, and work environments. Work with each client to identify meaningful goals.
Support Lighthouse employees by ensuring they have the AT skills and tools for success in their current job and the training needed for career advancement.
Conduct assessments and training to enhance employability for vocational rehabilitation consumers. Work with each individual to identify meaningful goals. Collect pre-and-post data to measure progress.
Conduct braille assessments and training, as needed. Work with each client to identify meaningful goals. Collect pre-and-post data to measure progress.
Consult with the Workforce Development teams to support employment initiatives for people with disabilities.
Collect pre and post data to measure service outcomes. Submit assessments, progress summaries, discharge summaries, daily notes, and invoices by procedure to support reimbursement from all funding sources. Accurately document all services as determined by department policy to ensure timely invoicing and to maintain good communication with Lighthouse staff, referring Physicians, and contracting agencies.
Collaborate with VRS staff to develop and implement youth activities for the Light Steps and Forward Steps programs. Contribute to team effort in planning, executing, and attending seasonal Lighthouse Youth events.
Collaborate as a member of the Sense Abilities team to advocate for blind and low vision accessibility by conducting environmental assessments for public venues, educational presentations, and interactive training opportunities to staff and volunteers of partnering organizations.
Represent Lighthouse Louisiana and the interests of the blind and visually impaired (BVI) community as a member of specified coalitions or local advocacy groups regarding public access. Stay current with trends in the field of vision rehabilitation and new developments in assistive technology.
Maintain clean and clutter-free spaces for clients and guests.
Advocate for access and opportunities for people with vision loss by participating in education and outreach events.
Foster a team environment with effective communication and a coordinated approach to providing vision rehabilitation services. Follow all Lighthouse standard operating procedures.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Vision Rehabilitation Services.