Low Vision Occupational Therapist - Per diem/outpatient

At Bristol Health, we begin each day caring today for your tomorrow. We have been an integral part of our community for the past 100 years. We are dedicated to providing the best possible care and service to our patients, residents and families. We are committed to provide compassionate, quality care at all times and to uphold our values of Communication, Accountability, Respect and Empathy (C.A.R.E.). We are Magnet ® and received the 2020 Press Ganey Leading Innovator award for our rapid adoption and implementation of healthcare solutions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Use your expertise, compassion, and kindness to transform the patient experience. Make a difference. Make Bristol Health your choice.

The Low Vision Occupational Therapist will provide specialized occupational therapy services to individuals experiencing vision loss or visual impairment. The therapist will focus on helping patients maximize their independence, safety, and ability to participate in daily activities through individualized assessment, treatment, adaptive strategies, and education.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform comprehensive low vision occupational therapy evaluations.
• Assess how visual impairment affects activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), mobility, work, and leisure activities.
• Develop individualized treatment plans based on each patient’s functional needs and goals.
• Provide training in compensatory techniques for vision loss.
• Recommend and train patients in the use of adaptive equipment and low vision devices.
• Address home safety and fall-prevention concerns related to vision impairment.
• Provide environmental modification recommendations, including lighting, contrast, organization, and visual cues.
• Educate patients and caregivers regarding strategies to improve independence and safety.
• Collaborate with ophthalmologists, optometrists, primary care providers, physical therapists, speech therapists, social workers, and other members of the healthcare team.
• Provide recommendations for community resources and additional vision-related services when appropriate.
• Document evaluations, treatment sessions, progress, and discharge recommendations according to organizational standards.
• Participate in interdisciplinary communication and care coordination.

Educational / Minimum Requirements:

Bachelors Degree in Occupational Therapy

State/Federal Mandated Licensure or Certification Requirements:

Current Connecticut Licensure.  CEU's as mandated by the State of Connecticut.

Bristol Hospital Mandated Educational Requirements:

General orientation at time of hire. Fire/Safety/Infection Control annually. Other programs as mandated by Hospital.  CPR annually.

Special Requirements:

Excellent written and oral interpersonal communication skills.

For Home Care Agency:  Must have a car to drive to home visits and a valid Connecticut driver’s license in good standing; $100,000-$300,000 automobile liability insurance.

Physical Requirements:

Physical agility including but not limited to ambulating, including prolonged walking and mobility within the Hospital setting, sitting, prolonged standing, kneeling, bending, twisting, and reaching.  Lifting over 50 lbs.  20 times daily and under 50 lbs.  30 times daily.  Ability to verbalize so that an average person can comprehend.

Work Environment:

Frequent exposure to body fluids, occasional exposure to hazardous chemicals.  Exposure to stressful situations.  Personal contact and varied levels of customers.

Cognitive Requirements:

Demonstrates an awareness of proper body mechanics and safety in lifting, transferring and guarding patients.  Basic math skills.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

Salary : $100,000 - $300,000