Vision Rehabilitation Specialist, High Technology - Waterloo, Canada - University of Waterloo

University of Waterloo

Verified Company

Waterloo, Canada

2 weeks ago

Posted by:

Sophia Lee

beBee Recruiter

Description

Overview:

Term: 1 Year

The Vision Rehabilitation Specialist, High Technology is responsible for assessing patients for adaptive technologies for the blind and visually impaired, determines the patient's eligibility for government funding towards the purchase of technology devices and provides training with visual aids.

The Vision Rehabilitation Specialist, High Technology works as part of a vision rehabilitation team comprised of optometrists, optometry student interns, an optometric resident, a vision therapist, a high technology assessment specialist, a counsellor, a counselling intern and a social work intern.

Responsibilities:

Clinical/Home Assessments

Review patient intake information, other clinical assessments and reports prior to patient assessment to understand patient's condition, history, capabilities and goals
Communicate and collaborate with rehab team, other health care workers, and teachers in patient's circle of care and provide input and recommendations for patient's rehabilitation program
Visit/assess/work with patient in the clinic, community or home setting
Perform high technology assessments exploring a variety of adaptive technologies for the blind or visually impaired patient. Devices explored might include Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) systems, adapted computer systems and combined systems. Consider different input technology (keyboard only, keyboard and mouse, braille displays, voice recognition) related to productivity, recreation and special accessibility programs. Consider use of appropriate environmental modifications such as ergonomics, illumination and size control, speech output settings, tactual markings
Identify modifications and alternatives to adapt vision aids for accommodation of other disabilities
Train patient in the use of high technology or low technology adaptive equipment
Identify accessibility problems in the home environment and suggest solutions
Adjust assessment and communication styles as required for patient
Refer patient for additional services (e.g. other services within clinic or Augmentative Communications Clinics) as required
Followup with patients to ensure equipment is meeting needs

Administration

Maintain electronic medical records describing all patient contacts and assessments
Work with booking coordinator to set appointment schedule
Provide written reports as required
Provide patient contact statistics as required for government reporting

Technology

Conduct maintenance and troubleshooting including updates, configurations, malware, antivirus on demonstration equipment
As technology changes, the Vision Rehabilitation Specialist, High Technology must keep abreast of changing technology for the visually impaired and be prepared to learn the use of new devices independently
Participate in evaluation of vision aids equipment
Submit requests annually for new demonstration equipment
Act as a resource for other authorizers at Regional Assessment Centres and government staff sharing knowledge about devices and assessment protocols

Teaching

Provide learning opportunities for optometry students, interns and residents by participating in annual low vision lab and providing instruction to interns who sit in on assessments
Explain role and technology aids to groups touring the clinic
Promote vision rehabilitation at health expos, public education events and/or through workshops
Share technology updates with authorizers at Regional Assessment Centres

Qualifications:

Postsecondary degree in Occupational Therapy, Vision Science, and/or certification as a Certified Low Vision Therapist, Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist or Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist
Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered
Must be licensed/registered with relevant professional college if applicable

- [KS2] As a condition of job offer, would be required to provide a satisfactory police information check (original document) completed in the last 3 months

Two years' experience working with the elderly and individuals with a disability
Some experience working with individuals with vision loss. Experience can be a combination of work, volunteer positions, placements, internships and coop positions
Experience working in a health care environment
Will be required to complete training and registration as an Assistive Devices Program (ADP) high technology authorizer
ADP Authorizer status would be an asset
Demonstrated competence in organizational skills and effective time management
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Able to teach and technical and nontechnical skills to patients and adapt teaching method for individuals
Demonstrated critical thinking skills/problemsolving skills
Comfortable working collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team
Ability to install, troubleshoot and maintain computer hardware and software