Occupational Therapist

Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada • London, ON

10d • Hybrid

About The Position

Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada (VLRC) is a national health services organization dedicated to empowering people who are blind or partially sighted to live safely and independently. Our certified specialists provide client-centered rehabilitation, mobility training, and daily living skills programs that help clients build confidence and thrive. We work collaboratively with ophthalmologists, optometrists, and other health care professionals, offering essential care on a referral basis in homes, workplaces, and communities across the country. We value our employees as our greatest asset — and we’re committed to supporting their well-being, professional growth, and work-life balance.

The scope of the Occupational Therapist (OT) is to help people of all ages to improve their ability to perform tasks in their daily living and working environment for optimal functioning. OT is the art and science of enabling engagement in everyday living to ensure an inclusive society so that all people may participate to their full potential in their daily life. OTs work with individuals who are blind or partially sighted with additional complex needs. OTs use a systematic approach based on evidence and professional reasoning to enable individuals, families, groups, communities, organizations, or populations to develop the means and opportunities to identify and engage in the occupations of life.
The Occupational Therapist will complete assessments, develops treatment plans, organizes, provides and directs occupational therapy treatment and educational programs for Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada clients, their families and caregivers in accordance with the standards of the College of Occupational Therapists within the specified jurisdiction.
This position provides functional expertise for the comprehensive multi-faceted service and operations program.

Requirements

• Degree or diploma in Occupational Therapy and current certificate of registration with the College of Occupational Therapists within a specified jurisdiction
• Related professional experience which would normally be attained over a period of two years in an Occupational Therapy role
• Ability to utilize computer and software programs.
• Excellent facilitation skills both in groups and individual situations
• Good organization and time management skills.
• Master of Occupational Therapy Degree
• Current practicing member of the designated provincial Occupational Therapy regulatory body.
• Knowledge of normal and abnormal early childhood development.
• Registration or eligibility for registration on the Registry of Autism Serves Providers (RASP)
• 3 or more years experience working with individuals with vision loss

Nice To Haves

• Related experience in a community-based setting is an asset
• Previous Stroke Rehab experience is preferred
• Experience supervising support personnel an asset
• Direct lived experience is valued as an asset.

Responsibilities

• Completes assessments of clients in a variety of treatment settings: private homes, schools, senior's residence, long term care facilities, group homes, and performs an analysis based on objective, subjective and functional findings.
• Establishes realistic, measurable and time limited treatment goals and develops treatment plan.
• Ensures that occupational therapy treatments are initiated with the informed consent of the client or substitute decision maker in accordance with the Health Care Consent Act.
• Provides direct treatment and/or support and teaching to informal caregivers, school personnel and other health care professionals involved.
• Participates in case conferences when required and consults with other members of the health care team in fostering a holistic approach to care Completes reassessments to review patient's progress and treatment goals and reports to other members of the health care team in order to ensure continuity of care and determine if other resources and referrals are required.
• Provide support and consultation to individuals and their families regarding adjustment to vision loss in an individual or group basis.
• Provides consultation, public education, and in-service training from an OT lens, teaches sighted guide to family members and other allied professionals.
• Completes assessments and recommendations for adaptation aids, assistive devices and equipment necessary to achieve treatment goals.
• Completes documentation and maintains appropriate patient records in accordance with the standards of the College of Occupational Therapists within a specified jurisdiction and VLRC policies and procedures.
• Teaches adaptive skills for independent living in areas of personal management, household management, communication, leisure activities, basic indoor orientation &mobility skills, and basic technology training within the OT scope of practice.
• Teaches concept development, spatial and sensory awareness, pre-cane techniques, mobility aids and environmental assessments.
• Acts as a key resource in matters related to accessible design and the built environment.
• Acts as a resource for VLRC employees, service providers, school personnel, long term care facilities and community by providing educational programs as requested.
• Attends and participates actively in occupational therapy team meetings and general staff meetings.
• Assumes responsibility for maintaining professional knowledge current and skills up to date.
• Prioritizes occupational therapy services in accordance with the VLRC Waiting List Management Policy.
• Interacts with clients, their family and caregivers to develop and identify vision related goals and develop early intervention and therapy programs, and support families to follow through on recommendations.
• Builds and maintains good working relationships with professionals in other agencies and community groups.
• Educates community partners about Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada and it’s specialized services offered to children and their families and the importance of early intervention.
• Participates in multi-disciplinary team meetings.
• Advocates on client’s behalf in medical clinics, schools, etc. when possible.
• Instructs and supervises students (and Occupational Therapy Assistants where applicable) to work with clients.
• Position utilizes problem solving abilities related to implementing and developing intervention and therapy as part of the client’s vision rehabilitation plan.
• Problem solving involved in adapting services, materials and equipment to address the needs of individuals with complex health conditions.
• Sensitivity and awareness of cultural, religious, mental health needs and/or emotional support.
• Decision making based on training and experience working with individuals of all ages with visual impairments, and individual assessment and reassessment, to develop an appropriate service plan.
• Judgment is utilized for making decisions about method, schedule, and type of assessment and treatment and the manner in which parents are taught to follow through on recommendations.
• Provides leadership and guidance when training and supervising rehab assistants, parents, students and community.
• Takes initiative to develop/implement the most appropriate intervention for client and in maintaining current knowledge associated with children with vision loss.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits, including health, vision, dental, corporate discounts, and an employee and family assistance program
• Flexible work arrangements, generous paid time off, and work-life balance initiatives
• Career development through training, mentorship, and advancement opportunities
• Inclusive work culture with supportive teams, employee recognition, a joy-in-work wellness program, and mental health supports

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level