Occupational Therapist

SUMMARY:  

Collaborating closely with the Director of Vision Services and providers within the department, the Occupational Therapist (OT) provides comprehensive vision rehabilitation services to participants with vision loss. The OT will assess a participant’s functional vision, develop an individualized treatment plan, and implement strategies that allows a participant to improve their ability to perform daily living activities. The OT also educates clients, families, and caregivers on adaptive techniques, assistive technology, and environmental modifications to promote safety and independence. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conduct evaluations, develop treatment plans, and prepare and deliver direct services to individuals. - 80%
  • Conduct Evaluations: Perform comprehensive functional vision assessments and occupational performance evaluations to determine the impact of vision impairment on daily tasks.
  • Develop treatment plans: Create individualized, goal-oriented, person-centered intervention plans that address functional challenges caused by vision loss.
  • Train adaptive techniques: Instruct participants in the use of compensatory strategies, such as eccentric viewing, to make the most of their remaining vision.
  • Recommend adaptive equipment: Assess and train participants on a wide range of assistive and adaptive devices, including magnifiers, reading stands, talking devices, electronic readers, and computer software.
  • Assistive Technology: Educate participants on the utilization of accessibility tools on smart phones, tablets and computers to allow for independence in the management of daily living activities and/or work activities. Have a working knowledge of apps relevant to those with vision loss.
  • Suggest environmental modifications: Evaluate a participant’s home, work, or school environment and recommend changes to increase safety and function. This includes adjusting lighting, increasing color contrast on important items, and removing fall hazards.
  • Educate clients and families: Teach participants and their support network how to manage vision loss effectively. This includes offering guidance on daily living skills like cooking, medication management, and grooming.
  • Maintain documentation. Keep timely and accurate records of participant assessments, treatment plans, progress, and billing information. Provide assessments and progress notes that will substantiate associated insurance claims.
    
• Provide Oversight on Medical Billing for OT and Resolve Rejected Claims – 5%
  • Through EMR system, respond to any rejected claims and provide necessary details to resolve.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams. 5%
  • Work closely referring doctors, orientation and mobility specialists, vision rehabilitation therapists and the team to ensure coordinated care. Participate in the delivery of group training as needed.
• Stay current on practice. – 5%
  • Collaborate with fellow providers to maintain an understanding of current devices, tools and techniques. Pursue continuing education to maintain professional knowledge and stay informed about the latest techniques and technologies in vision rehabilitation. 
• Participate in the delivery of Vision Services classes. – 5%
  • Provide group instruction for classes that are Vision Services initiatives. 

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.  

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Education: A master's degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program is required.
• Licensure: Must hold a current, unencumbered state license to practice as an Occupational Therapist.
• Certifications:
  • National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) certification is required.
  • Specialty certification in low vision, such as the American Occupational Therapy Association's (AOTA) Specialty Certification in Low Vision (SCLV) or the Occupational Therapist Certified in Adult Vision Rehabilitation (OTCAVR) is preferred.
• Experience: Previous experience working with individuals with visual impairments and/or in a clinical rehabilitation setting is highly desirable. 

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS:

The OT will possess:

• Strong verbal and non-verbal communications and the ability to explain interventions, instructions and feedback in ways that participants and their caregivers can understand. 
• Flexibility and adaptability in approaches based upon participant circumstances and preferences.
• Collaborative approach to service delivery, involving the participant, their caregiver and other service providers in the planning and execution of services.
• Motivational skills to inspire participants to engage in therapies to pursue their goals.
• The ability to maintain confidentiality and act with integrity in all situations.

COMPUTER SKILLS:

Must be proficient with computers, specifically Microsoft Office, electronic medical records platforms and case management systems.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to commute to participants’ homes, places of recreation, community locations and workplaces to deliver services.

The employe will regularly work on a computer among case management systems, medical records systems and within Microsoft Office programs.

The OT will regularly carry a kit including assistive devices and equipment and be able to place items as appropriate in participant locations.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  

The work environment will vary based upon participant’s setting and will require a high degree of flexibility, adaptability, and readiness to modify based upon location and participant preferences.

Referrals require the ability to work efficiently, with high attention to detail.

The noise level in the work environment is variable based upon the participant.