Occupational Therapist

Scope and Summary

of Primary Responsibilities

In covering a broad range of duties responsibilities include completing initialinterview, ongoing assessment and therapy of children birth to school age with vision loss to identify rehabilitation goals and develops service plan to address goals with families. This position also develops individual intervention and therapy programs in accordance with goals. It also assists the child’s family to access available resources to address their vision needs. This position also facilitates a child’s transition into community and school programs.

This position provides functional expertise for the comprehensive multi-faceted service and operationsprogram within a matrix reporting structure.

II. Essential Functions

This position entails, but is not limited to the following:

General Responsibilities:

· Conducts/or participates in an initial and ongoing assessments for children aged, birth to school entry, with vision loss. Assists child, family and community team in developing rehabilitation goals.

· Develops and/or contributes to Individual Family Service or Intervention Plan developed by the local community IE Team to assist children with vision loss in developing motor, visual, cognitive, self-care, social, literacy and sensory skills in accordance with vision rehabilitation goals.

· Evaluates child’s progress to revise service plans and implement programs that address client and family needs.

· Assesses environmental conditions, accessibility and safety in settings that the child encounters (home, preschool, playgrounds, etc.)

· Provides support and information to parents and caregivers on methods and techniques for helping to overcome barriers to inclusion. Provides support and information to parents/caregiver to enhance advocacy skills.

· Acts as a consultant/resource to the professional and service community regarding issues pertaining to children with vision loss including children with additional disabling conditions.

· Provides interventions and supports to the child and family in the form of: direct intervention; resources and information; collaboration with other programs and service providers; presentations; and transition planning.

· Completes required documentation including assessments, progress reports, statistics on service delivery, etc.

· Keeps abreast of current materials, technology, standards of practice related to providing service to children with vision loss by review of professional literature, attending conferences/workshops and accessing other current sources of information

Relationships

· Interacts with children, their family, caregivers, and community team to develop and identify vision related goals and develop early intervention and therapy programs, and support families to follow through on recommendations.

· Works closely and collaboratively with key partner organizations.

· Builds and maintains good working relationships with professionals in other agencies and community groups, particularly others on the child’s therapy team.

· Educates stakeholders about VLRC and its specialized programs offered to children and their families and the importance of early intervention.

· Works as a multi-disciplinary team and participates in team meetings.

· Advocates on child’s behalf in medical clinics, schools, etc. when possible.

· Instructs and supervises volunteers and students (and Occupational Therapy Assistants where applicable) to work with children.

Problem Solving/Time Frame of Impact

· Position utilizes problem solving abilities related to implementing and developing intervention and therapy programs for children with vision loss.

· Problem solving involved in adapting programs, materials and equipment to address the needs of children with complex health conditions.

· In case of critical incidents such as indications of child abuse or medical emergencies the Occupational Therapist must immediately report concerns and ensure children are receiving appropriate care. Procedure varies by province.

· Must be able to work with a child’s family recognizing their complex needs including; cultural, religious, mental health needs and/or emotional support.

Decision Autonomy

· Decision making based on training and experience working with children with visual impairments, and individual assessment and reassessment, to develop an appropriate service plan.

· Judgment is utilized for making decisions about method, schedule, and type of assessment and treatment and the manner in which parents are taught to follow through on recommendations.

· This position is itinerant, requiring frequent visits to family homes.

Leadership

· Provides leadership and guidance when training and supervising volunteers, parents, students and community.

· Takes initiative to develop/implement the most appropriate intervention for client and in maintaining current knowledge associated with children with vision loss.

Requirements

III. Qualifications

Knowledge and Skill Requirements:

· Knowledge of childhood normal and abnormal development including extensive understanding of childhood disabilities

· Demonstrated understanding of vision loss in children is an asset

· Experience working with children with additional impairments.

· Training related to specialized seating and positioning, feeding, adaptive technology and sensory integration is an asset.

· Excellent communications and interpersonal skills

· Ability to build trusting relationships with children and families

· Experience supervising volunteers and support personnel an asset

· Ability to utilize computer and software programs.

· Excellent facilitation skills both in groups and individual situations

· Good organization and time management skills.

Experience and Education:

· Master of Occupational Therapy Degree

· Current practicing member of the designated provincial Occupational Therapy regulatory body.

· Knowledge of normal and abnormal early childhood development.

· 3 or more years experience working with children with vision loss as well as children with additional disabling conditions is an asset.

· A valid driver’s license is required.

· Current clean child abuse registry and criminal records check.

Work Environment:

· Willingness to work flexible hours

· Willingness to work in a variety of settings (in client home, outdoors, daycare, etc.)

· Travel may be required.

Benefits

At VLRC, your work has real impact. Join a team that empowers Canadians with vision loss to live independently, and where your growth, well-being, and contributions matter. We offer:

• Comprehensive benefits for health, vision, dental, corporate discounts employee and family assistance program
• Flexible work arrangements, generous paid time off, and work-life balance initiatives
• Career development through training, mentorship, and advancement opportunities
• Inclusive work culture with supportive teams, employee recognition, joy in work wellness program, and mental health supports

Join us to grow your career and make a difference everyday.

Inclusion, Accessibility & Accommodation

VLRC is committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive, equitable, and accessible workplace. We welcome applications from members of groups that have been historically marginalized, including but not limited to Indigenous peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, including those who are blind, partially sighted, or deafblind, women and 2SLGBTQ+. We strongly encourage applications from applicants with sight loss to apply. Direct lived experience is valued as an asset. The successful candidate will be required to complete a standard Vulnerable Sector Check.

If you require an accommodation to apply or participate in the selection process, please contact . We’ll be happy to work with you to meet your needs.

Not sure if you qualify? Think about applying anyway!
We understand that not everyone brings 100% of the skills and experience for the role. If you bring passion, transferable skills, and a desire to make a difference, we encourage you to apply!VLRC does not use AI tools in its screening, assessment, or selection process.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.