Vision Rehabilitation Specialist, High Technology

Location

Waterloo, ON | Canada

Job description

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.

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
• Complete exam notes, evaluation reports and recommendations, funding applications, statistics and other required paperwork in a timely fashion
• Follow-up with patients to ensure equipment is meeting needs

Administration

• Maintain electronic medical records describing all patient contacts and assessments
• Complete Assistive Devices Program (ADP) program funding applications for patients
• 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, anti-virus 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

• Post-secondary 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 co-op 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 non-technical skills to patients and adapt teaching method for individuals
• Demonstrated critical thinking skills/problem-solving skills
• Comfortable working collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team
• Ability to install, troubleshoot and maintain computer hardware and software
• Knowledge of accessibility features & software for computers
• Able to demonstrate general computer configuration hardware and software basics and standard operating systems and built in accessibility features
• Knowledge of visual system, eye conditions and their impact is an asset
• Knowledge of optical & non-optical equipment and intervention strategies is an asset
• Knowledge of braille and braille adaptive devices is an asset
• Bilingualism (English/French) is an asset

The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is co-ordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations .

The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion. As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources at  [email protected] or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.

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