Vision Rehab. Therapist

LIGHTHOUSE GUILD INTERNATIONAL, INC; New York (NY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Upper West Side location

Job summary

Lighthouse Guild is seeking a Vision Rehabilitation Therapist to assess, instruct, and guide individuals who are blind or visually impaired to develop adaptive independent living skills. Much of the work occurs in participants' homes across NYC with travel throughout the five boroughs.

The role requires a master's or specialized bachelor's in rehabilitation therapy for the blind, knowledge of Grade II Braille, and NYSCB-approved training. CVRT is preferred; supervision of interns is included.

Qualifications

• Master's or bachelor's degree with specialization in rehabilitation therapy for individuals who are blind and knowledge of Grade II Braille.
• Knowledge of Grade II Braille.
• NYSCB-approved training program for rehabilitation therapy professionals which meet nationally accepted standards.

Responsibilities

• Assess and evaluate participants' vision rehabilitation needs and identify goals for instruction in adaptive independent living skills.
• Provide individualized instruction in adaptive skills for safety and independent living.
• Teach adaptive techniques for completing daily tasks using nonvisual methods.
• Identify adaptive equipment and devices and provide instruction on their use within budgetary parameters.
• Teach problem-solving and use of community resources to promote independence.
• Instruct on use of mobile devices and accessibility features for independent living.
• Use Braille and other accessible reading/writing/labeling methods in instruction.
• Tailor instruction to participants of varying ages and vision levels.
• Assess progress, modify instruction, and make resource recommendations.
• Write assessments, progress notes, and final reports per NYSCB and agency requirements.
• Collaborate with rehabilitation professionals, staff, families, and resources.
• Manage cases and maintain documentation.
• Provide supervision to VRT interns and participate in training programs.
• Meet with supervisor for case review and knowledge updates.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Time management

Independent in home/community settings

Education

Master's degree or bachelor's degree in rehabilitation therapy for the blind

Knowledge of Grade II Braille

NYSCB-approved training program for rehabilitation therapy professionals

Job description

Lighthouse Guild
250 W 64th St
New York, NY 10023, USA

Description

Lighthouse Guild is the leading not-for-profit healthcare organization dedicated to addressing and preventing vision loss. Our mission is to provide exceptional services that inspire people who are visually impaired to attain their goals. Our vision is a world in which no person is limited by their visual capacity. Our Rehabilitation Department is seeking a Vision Rehabilitation Therapist (VRT) to provide assessment, instruction, and guidance to individuals who are blind or visually impaired to help them develop and maintain the adaptive skills necessary for safety and the pursuit of independent living and vocational goals.

A significant portion of the VRT's work takes place in the community, primarily in participants' homes, with some services also provided at Lighthouse Guild. The position requires regular travel and a willingness and ability to travel throughout the five boroughs of New York City.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Assess and evaluate participants' vision rehabilitation needs and identify appropriate goals for instruction in adaptive independent living skills.
• Provide individualized instruction in adaptive skills needed for safety and independent living, including personal management, household management, communication skills, meal planning and preparation, financial management, leisure activities, and other activities of daily living.
• Teach adaptive techniques and strategies for completing everyday tasks using nonvisual methods and/or available vision as appropriate.
• Identify adaptive equipment and devices appropriate to participants' needs, provide instruction in their use, and follow departmental procedures for purchasing within budgetary parameters.
• Teach problem-solving skills and effective use of community and rehabilitation resources to promote greater independence.
• Provide instruction in the use of mobile devices and related accessibility features and applications that support independent living, including smartphones, accessibility apps, wearable devices and similar mobile technologies.
• Utilize and provide instruction in appropriate communication techniques, including Braille and other accessible methods of reading, writing, labeling, and organizing information.
• Provide instruction to individuals of varying ages, abilities, and levels of vision, adapting teaching methods to meet individual learning needs.
• Assess participant progress, modify instruction as appropriate, and communicate recommendations regarding additional services or resources when needed.
• Write assessments, progress documentation, and final reports in compliance with New York State Commission for the Blind (NYSCB) and agency requirements.
• Collaborate with other rehabilitation professionals, agency staff, family members, caregivers, and community resources as appropriate to support participant goals.
• Manage assigned cases and maintain timely and accurate documentation of services.
• Periodically provide supervision, mentorship, and instruction to VRT interns in coordination with university training programs, including observation, feedback, and evaluation as appropriate.
• Meet regularly with supervisor for case review and consultation.
• Maintain current knowledge of adaptive techniques, devices, and practices relevant to Vision Rehabilitation Therapy.

Education/Experience

Individuals must possess a master's degree or bachelor’s degree with specialization in rehabilitation therapy of individuals who are blind and a knowledge of Grade II Braille; or a bachelor’s degree and successful completion of a NYSCB approved training program for rehabilitation therapy professionals which meet the nationally accepted standards, as well as knowledge of Grade II Braille. Occupational Therapy or a related rehabilitation or education field will be considered.

• Knowledge of adaptive equipment and devices used by individuals who are blind or visually impaired.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare professional assessments, progress notes, and reports.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, problem-solving, and time-management skills.
• Ability to work independently in participants' homes and other community settings and collaboratively as part of a rehabilitation team.

Certifications

• Current Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist (CVRT) credential through the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation & Education Professionals (ACVREP) preferred.
• Candidates who are eligible for CVRT certification or are working toward certification may be considered.

We offer a very competitive salary and benefit package. Convenient Upper West Side location.

Bachelors or better in Rehabilitation Therapy or related field.

Masters or better in Rehabilitation Therapy or related field.

Equal Opportunity Employer
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