Occupational Therapist, Vision Rehabilitation Specialist II

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

14d•$80,000 - $90,000

About The Position

The Occupational Therapist, Vision Rehabilitation Specialist (OTVRSII) is a fun and creative practitioner who specializes in pediatric care and is interested in developing expertise in vision rehabilitation for all ages. The OTVRSII is an integral member of the Lighthouse team, conducting assessments and interventions across Lighthouse locations, in the community, and in client homes/work environments. Responsibilities require a holistic approach to Vision Rehabilitation, utilizing best practices to ensure optimal quality of services, excellent verbal and written communication skills, a strong collaborative spirit, and solid computer skills.

Requirements

Degree in occupational therapy with license to practice in Louisiana required.
At least 350 hours’ experience serving pediatric patients under the supervision of a licensed OT required.
Experience performing Occupational Therapy assessments and creating intervention plans required.
Skilled with the assessment and treatment of pediatric patients
Knowledge of early intervention strategies to optimize developmental progress for infants and toddlers
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Ability to develop and perform professional presentations
Proficiency in the use of Office software products and the internet.
Valid driver’s license and clear driving record required with valid Louisiana insurance coverage.
Background Check, Drug Testing, and motor vehicle report required: Employment is contingent upon satisfactory results.

Nice To Haves

Additional credentials in pediatrics or vision rehabilitation preferred.
Knowledge of the Early Steps program and other Medicaid programs for youth with disabilities preferred.
Skilled with the assessment and treatment of adult patients who are blind or visually impaired preferred.
Experience serving patients in vision rehabilitation preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide client-centered, occupation-based services and support to children aged 0 to 3 as an Early Intervention (EI) provider. Collaborate with the transdisciplinary EI team, families, childcare providers, and educators who implement Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSP) and intervention plans.
Enhance smooth transitions for families and children out of the Early Steps program by collaborating with service providers, promoting intra-agency coordination, and communicating across settings and systems.
Provide OT intervention to children ages 3-21 who have vision impairment to enhance their participation in activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs).
Collaborate with the VRS team to develop social, educational, recreational, and enriching event opportunities for youth with vision loss.
Perform quality OT assessments and interventions to support the ADL needs of adult clients across the New Orleans and Baton Rouge service areas. Collect pre and post data to measure service outcomes. Work collaboratively with the Occupational Therapy team to support all Lighthouse OT programs. Travel to Baton Rouge, as needed, to support program growth.
Develop and implement Plans of Care (POC) based on goals and aims from the OT assessment to be comprised of evidenced based OT interventions. This includes, but is not limited to, use of adaptive strategies, assistive technology recommendations, and environmental modifications to enhance participation and self-advocacy. All documentation procedures must comply with appropriate funding sources and Lighthouse policies and procedures.
Continuously develop expertise as a vision rehabilitation specialist. Participate in professional development opportunities to enhance knowledge and skills. Actively strive to achieve certification as a vision specialist through the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP).
Submit progress summaries, discharge summaries, daily notes, and billing documents 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 effective communication with Lighthouse staff, referring Physicians, and contracting agencies.
Supervise interventions provided to clients by the Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) per OT plan of care and set up/maintain OTA competency in all areas of practice per Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners (LSBME) and Lighthouse guidelines.
Advocate for access and opportunities for people of all ages with vision loss by participating in education andoutreach events. Assist with VRS marketing efforts to increase referrals from physicians, eye care professionals, andother community partners.
Participate in collaborative presentations by the VRS team to educate future occupational therapy practitioners,medical professionals, and special interest groups on the fundamentals of vision rehabilitation.
Supervise OT students as decided by contract guidelines to ensure successful internships and to grow the field of Vision Rehabilitation.
Foster a team environment with effective communication and a coordinated approach to providing vision rehabilitation services.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Vision Rehabilitation Services.