Center for The Visually Impaired
POSITION DESCRIPTION
October 2011
POSITION TITLE: Vision Rehabilitation Therapist
RESPONSIBLE TO: Independent Living Services Team Leader, New View Adult Rehabilitation Services
QUALIFICATIONS: Master’s degree in vision rehabilitation therapy from an accredited college or university and/or ACVREP certification as a Vision Rehabilitation Therapist, or a willingness to obtain ACVREP certification within the first year of employment. Passing score on the National Literary Braille Competency Test or equivalent, or willingness to obtain a passing score within first year of employment.
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES: Under the direction and supervision of the Independent Living Services Team Leader, is responsible for the organization, planning and direct provision of all areas of vision rehabilitation; including braille, ADL, keyboarding, communications, and adult education instruction to individuals who have visual impairment and blindness.
SPECIFIC DUTIES:
- Assesses client's knowledge and skills in all areas of: braille reading and writing (including note takers with braille displays), personal and home management skills, keyboarding skills, and communication skills, including technology access training, and develops individualized plans of instruction to meet client’s needs.
- Carries out individualized and small group instruction in communication skills, as appropriate for the client's needs, including all levels of braille, use of PDAs, notetakers, and other braille devices, jumbo braille, handwriting and signature, telephone dialing, low vision reading using adaptive devices, use of audio devices, and remedial education.
- Develops plan for remedial education as recommended by the client’s Vocational Specialist as appropriate to the chosen vocational goal and provides individualized instruction to assigned clients.
- Carries out programs of instruction with individuals and small groups in food preparation, budgeting, money management, understanding prescribed diets, diabetes management, house cleaning, clothing care and identification, personal grooming, sewing, eating skills, and social graces.
- Emphasizes the effective use of any residual vision, tactile and other sensory modes and reinforces learning associated with other areas of instruction.
- Makes careful observations and evaluations concerning clients' progress and maintains appropriate records. Participates in client staffings and prepares monthly progress and statistical reports on assigned clients by due date.
- Cooperates and consults with other staff members and appropriate community resources on behalf of client. Is an integral member of the rehabilitation team, coordinating the individual training with other client services.
- Participates in departmental and agency-wide planning and evaluation functions. Makes recommendations to supervisor concerning vision rehabilitation therapy services.
- Maintains accurate records of all inventory in the teaching area.
- Participates in the public education function of the agency as needed.
- Maintains a working knowledge of local and national resources and of significant trends in the field of blind rehabilitation through review of the literature and participation in seminars and professional organizations.
- If the primary braille instructor, coordinates the braille production generated by the New View Adult Rehabilitation Services Department with the assistance of volunteers.
- May be asked to perform any of the above mentioned duties on an itinerant basis when case loads warrant it.
- Other duties as assigned.
CVRT Position in Atlanta
Position: Vision Rehabilitation Therapist: Primarily teaching Braille and Technology Access Training, at a center-based, non-residential facility.
Responsible to: Independent Living Skills Team Leader, Rehabilitation Services
Qualifications: Master’s degree in vision rehabilitation therapy from an accredited college or university and/or ACVREP certification as a Vision Rehabilitation Therapist, or a willingness to obtain ACVREP certification within the first year of employment. Passing score on the National Literary Braille Competency Test or equivalent, or willingness to obtain a passing score within first year of employment.
General responsibilities: Responsible for the organization, planning and direct provision of all areas of vision rehabilitation; including braille, ADL, keyboarding, communications, and adult education instruction to individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Opportunities for providing individual and group classes in a variety of community settings, including home visits.
Salary: Competitive, with an additional $3,000 in salary for certification. Excellent benefits package including health and dental insurance, free life and disability insurance, free parking, participation in 403b retirement program, opportunities to participate in conferences and presentations. Assistance with relocation costs.
Location: Atlanta has earned its reputation as the cultural capital of the South. We have award winning theaters, opera and museums. Our diverse population guarantees great ethnic restaurants and nightlife. For those with families we have Zoo Atlanta, Fernbank Museum of Natural Science ,Center for Puppetry Arts, Children’s Museum, and the Georgia Aquarium. Abundant parks and playgrounds can be used virtually year round. Our public transit system includes both bus and rail. Our college and pro sports teams offer excitement throughout the year. For nature enthusiasts, Atlanta is less than an hour away from the Georgia mountains, and hiking and biking trails are even closer. All this in a city that still has not outgrown its southern charm and hospitality. Atlanta truly has something for everyone. Please find out more about CVI by visiting our website.
Send letter of interest and resume (Email preferred) to:
Harvey Clark, Director of New View Adult Rehabilitation Programs
Mail: Center for the Visually Impaired; 739 West Peachtree; Atlanta, GA 30308
Email: hclark@cviga.org
