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

VIA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and as such affirms the right of every person to participate in all aspects of employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic. If you are interested in applying for employment and need special assistance or an accommodation to apply for a posted position, contact our Human Resources department via phone at (716)882-1025.
VIA is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of any legally protected status or characteristic. Race/Color/Gender/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Veteran.