Occupational Therapist & Clinical Services Coordinator

Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada•New Westminster, BC

7d•CA$44 - CA$47•Hybrid

About The Position

The Occupational Therapist (OT) assists clients of all ages to improve their ability to perform tasks in their daily living and working environment. They complete assessments, develop treatment plans, and provide independent living skills training, intervention strategies, recommendations, reports, and service coordination to clients, caregivers, and families. Operating under the philosophy and scope of Occupational Therapy, the therapist applies science, knowledge, skill and compassion to work with individuals with vision loss. This position also collaborates with external health care providers to identify needs, support care plan goals, and strengthen communication and care planning linkages across sectors. The OT ensures timely access to information, learning opportunities, and support for individuals with vision loss to achieve the following outcomes: Increased system capacity to provide navigation support, Improved client experience within the health care system, Enhanced capacity for individuals to remain in their own homes and engage in activities supporting independence and community interaction, Connection to the right services at the right time and place, Improved overall health and well-being.

Requirements

1-2 years experience in health and/or social service sectors.
Understanding of the impact of blindness and low vision.
Experience and knowledge in managing acute, chronic and complex health conditions.
Experience in assessment and care planning/coordination.
Understanding of roles and linkages across primary care, community care, and specialized services.
Strong knowledge of client-centered philosophy and clinical practices.
Proficiency with computer and software programs.
Ability to work in settings requiring inter-professional collaboration.
Capacity to travel for service delivery in homes or community settings.
Master of Occupational Therapy Degree (or equivalent)
Current registration with a provincial regulatory body in Canada
Valid driver’s license
Current clean criminal record and vulnerable sector check

Nice To Haves

Related experience in a community-based setting is an asset.
Experience or knowledge in neurological rehabilitation, job analysis, falls prevention, and/or accessibility standards is an asset.
Experience in strength-based approaches such as motivational interviewing and positive coaching is an asset.
Direct lived experience is valued as an asset.

Responsibilities

Conduct comprehensive occupational therapy assessments in a variety of settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, seniors’ residences, and clients’ homes.
Assess clients’ functional abilities, capacity for independent participation in activities of daily living, assistive technology needs, and environmental accessibility requirements.
Develop individualized, measurable, and time-limited treatment goals and intervention plans, obtaining informed consent in accordance with provincial regulatory standards.
Deliver occupational therapy interventions, consultation, education, and counselling to clients, families, caregivers, and other healthcare professionals.
Teach adaptive and independent living skills, including personal care, household management, communication, technology use, and functional mobility strategies.
Assess, recommend, and provide training in the use of adaptive equipment, assistive devices, mobility aids, and low vision supports to enhance occupational performance.
Provide instruction in spatial and sensory awareness, pre-cane skills, environmental navigation, and strategies to maximize independence and safety.
Plan, coordinate, implement, and evaluate individual and group rehabilitation services in collaboration with clients and their support networks.
Recommend and coordinate environmental, ergonomic, and task modifications to optimize participation and performance in daily activities.
Provide functional low vision assessment, education, and support to individuals and families adjusting to vision loss.
Complete documentation and maintain client records in accordance with College of Occupational Therapists standards and VLRC policies and procedures.
Provide consultation, public education, and community outreach related to vision loss, rehabilitation, and accessibility.
Serve as a professional representative of VLRC within the occupational therapy and healthcare communities.
Maintain professional registration and engage in ongoing continuing education and professional development.
Performs clinical case coordination for multidisciplinary client service delivery in inpatient care settings and during discharge.
Supports collaboration and communication between VLRC service providers and external allied healthcare professionals
Participates in case conferences and collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to support holistic care.
Support coordinated transition planning without creating additional referral pathways or burden on hospital teams.
Performs ongoing reassessment, documents progress and communicates outcomes to ensure continuity of care and appropriate referrals.
Establish and build positive working relationships at all levels.
Work as part of a team and independently as required.
Interact with clients, their families, and caregivers to develop rehabilitation care plans.
Educate community partners about the organization and its specialized services.
Advocate on clients' behalf in medical clinics, schools, etc.
Provides instruction, supervision, and mentorship to students and Occupational Therapy Assistants (where applicable) in the delivery of client care.
Utilize task analysis and problem-solving abilities related to intervention and rehabilitation.
Adapt services, materials, and equipment to address the needs of individuals with complex health conditions.
Report concerns and ensure appropriate care in case of critical incidents.
Be sensitive and aware of cultural, religious, mental health, and emotional needs.
Make decisions based on training and experience working with individuals with visual impairments.
Utilize judgment for assessment and treatment methods.
Determine scheduling efficiency for service delivery, including frequent visits to client homes.
Recognize limitations and consult with subject matter experts and Manager – Healthcare Operations as required.
Provide leadership and guidance when training and supervising rehab assistants, family, caregivers, students, and community.
Take initiative to develop/implement appropriate interventions according to best practice and maintain current knowledge in field