Occupational Therapist Assistant/ Vision Care Coordinator II

CABVI is seeking a Occupational Therapy Assistant/Care Coordinator II to provide occupational therapy to children and adult consumers enabling them to achieve their highest level of functioning. Provide information on CABVI services and programs. Reach out to consumers, markets programs, complete intakes, develop service plans, coordinates therapy, processes referrals, provide services and rehabilitation therapy assistive services to enable consumers who are blind and visually impaired to achieve their highest level of functioning.

KEY JOB ELEMENTS

• Provide occupational therapy to adults and children, including personal life management, communication, home management, and leisure activities under the supervision and clinical direction of an Occupational Therapist.
• Assist Occupational Therapist in development of occupational therapy protocols, procedures, interventions and policies updating, as needed, as the OT program is established.
• Meets contractual and grant obligations as well as established occupational therapy clinical productivity goals.
• Provide vision therapy training children identified through screenings and direct referral.
• Respond to community inquiries regarding services for previously unserved (new) consumers. Provide comprehensive accurate information on all therapy and programs available. Complete insurance and medical network information, obtain signed releases. Review privacy practices and confidentiality guidelines. Secure medical records. Assist with reopens and self-referrals as needed.
• Complete regular and ongoing follow up with consumers who have completed services. Assess if additional services are needed. Re-open those consumers for whom circumstances have changed. Update releases, insurance, and medical records.
• Determine eligibility for funded programs which may include advocating with funding program staff. Convey financial responsibility to the consumer.
• Develop rehabilitation plans for both new and reopened consumers and make internal therapy referrals. Monitor timeliness of services, general progress, document therapy provided and report results.
• Assist the consumers in applying for programs that are available to those with visual impairment such as the NY State Park Pass, NY State Veterans Annuity Benefit, Talking Books, and others.
• Make internal referrals to agency departments or services, including but not limited to social work, orientation and mobility, vision rehabilitation therapy, occupational therapy, low vision, assistive technology, and more.
• Make referrals to community programs when needs are identified such as childcare, food bank, HEAP applications and more.
• Distribute marketing materials to community groups for promotion of special events. Reach out to consumers to solicit special event program engagement. Provide representation at any needed community events to promote services.
• For patients who receive the low vision exams at one of our low vision centers, follow up on equipment dispensed. Read through exams notes, ensure the devices are used successfully, review device care and usage, identify natural supports and work toward implementing assistance. Schedule a return to clinic as needed. Instruct consumers in use of low vision aids and adaptive equipment.
• Provide VRT/OT instruction, under the supervision of a VRT, in areas of communication, dispensing adaptive equipment as needed. This equipment may include timepieces, calendars and writing tools. Mark appliances and other equipment to ease consumer usage; this would include instruction in use of markings. Assist VRT’s/OT staff with group instruction.
• Consult, refer and network with primary care givers, NYSCB personnel, associated professionals and CABVI staff.
• Maintain awareness of current academic material and research. Continue professional development in rehabilitation field. Complete any vision rehab identified research, including soliciting research subjects, serving as the first line of contact for consumers, coordinate with the clinical team to administer study treatments as needed, ensure proper protocols are followed, collect and document data, process any research payments to consumers.
• Develop weekly schedule to maximize efficiency and enter your schedule on outlook. Document mileage and services on TICR daily.
• Complete all required documentation in a timely manner.
• Adapts to change and completes other duties as assigned.
• Consistently achieves annual performance objectives.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Must have ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from consumers, professionals, and the general public.  Must be able to write effective plans, reports, and correspondence.  Must have ability to provide visual cues according to consumer’s visual status.  Must have excellent listening skills and the ability to develop confidence and self-esteem.

COMPUTER/TECHNICAL SKILLS

Must possess basic computer skills to effectively use Microsoft Word, Excel, CIS and TICR. Must be knowledgeable and remain current with low vision aids and adaptive equipment. Must be willing to learn new technology.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Frequently required to talk, hear, stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, stoop and kneel.  Occasionally must lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.   Position requires stamina for indoor/outdoor training. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the key job elements.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Extensive travel required.  Instruction may occur in a variety of environments including consumer’s home or school, CABVI, or the community. Must be flexible to meet the business demands and alter ones work schedule/work hours as needed.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Minimum of an Associate’s degree and COTA certification required. Experience with adaptive sports and recreation, serving individuals with vision loss and children’s recreational programming a plus. Experience with community presentations, public speaking, or sales helpful.

$49,000/year

 

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CABVI is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic data or any other legally protected status.