Royal Society for the Blind

ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND

POSITION DESCRIPTION

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TITLE: OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

DIVISION: CLIENT SERVICES

APPROVED BY EXECUTIVE MANAGER, CLIENT SERVICES SA, NSW & ACT – MAY 2017

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MAIN PURPOSE

Responsible to the Team Leader, for the provision of Occupational Therapy services to people who are blind or vision impaired and other stakeholders.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

·  Delivery of community based independent living services to people who are blind or vision impaired, by performing individualised assessments, preparing client service plans, and providing an appropriate range of vision rehabilitation services.

·  As a member of a multidisciplinary team, undertake assessments of clients to determine individual capabilities and apply professional expertise to maximise independence and quality of life.

·  To assist with the development and delivery of community education sessions to raise awareness about the needs of people who are blind or vision impaired.

·  Contribute to the promotion of RSB services to relevant groups in the local community.

DUTIES

·  Perform functional and needs assessments in regards to daily living skills and implement appropriate rehabilitation and maintenance programs in accordance with the clients’ needs and goals.

·  Ensure client centred programs are designed to empower clients to maximise their independence, choice and control.

·  Provide clients with information and independent living training, including the use of appropriate low vision aids, daily living skills, and assistance with adapting their home environment.

·  Provide holistic assessments which identify client’s physical, emotional and socio-economic needs.

·  Contribute to the identification and implementation of opportunities to improve service provision and the client’s quality of life.

·  Establish and work collaboratively with other health and community care providers to ensure continuity of care for clients. Liaise, consult and advocate; ensuring clients receive coordinated and integrated services.

·  Make referrals to other service providers, internally and externally where and when appropriate.

·  Provide consultancy, training and information regarding vision loss, to other service providers, community agencies, carers, and volunteer groups.

·  Ensure quality client records are gathered and maintained, and data is collected to assess and monitor the effectiveness and adequacy of services to meet necessary service agreement obligations.

·  Undertake Continuous Improvement practices to improve internal and external policies, practices and services.

·  Undertake intrastate trips as directed by the Team Leader.

·  Actively and positively contribute to team and employee meetings and the performance appraisal process.

·  At all times, ensure consumer rights are adhered to in accordance with the National Standards for Disability Services and any other relevant service standards and legislation as appropriate.

·  Undertake your duties and responsibilities in a safe and proper manner that observes RSB’s policies, procedures and operating practices including WHS and ensure that you do not expose yourself or others to any risk of injury.

·  Undertake any other duties as required by the Executive Manager, Client Services.

Organisational Compliance

·  Ensure sound operational knowledge of legislative, regulatory and Code of Conduct requirements including (but not limited to), RSB Code of Conduct, Workplace Health & Safety, Complaint Handling and Dispute Resolution.

·  Ensure a sound knowledge of RSB quality assurance policies, procedures, products, services and systems to comply within the authorities and restrictions in relation to the duties of this role.

·  Ensure adherence to privacy and confidentiality of information that conform to the requirements of the RSB and the Privacy Act when accessing client details.

Professional Development

·  Maintaining hours of continual professional development as required by the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia.

·  A willingness and capacity to become better equipped to perform job responsibilities by transferring new knowledge and skills gained through training to the workplace.

·  Ensuring the successful completion of individual training and development activities to update knowledge and skills relating to policy, system, procedure, product and service requirements inherent in current duties.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential Criteria

·  Bachelor of Applied Science (Occupational Therapy), or other recognised Occupational Therapy degrees.

·  Registration or provisional registration with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia.

·  Possess a proven high level knowledge of professional Occupational Therapy theory skills and practice.

·  Understanding of vision impairment and empathy for people who are blind or vision impaired.

·  Previous experience in demonstration and appropriate recommendation of aids and equipment that maximises independence and quality of life of individuals.

·  Strong commitment to principles of enhancing independence and client empowerment, choice and control.

·  Knowledge of relevant disability legislation, duty of care and access rights.

·  Ability to problem solve and work systematically to resolve issues.

·  Ability to work collaboratively with multiple stakeholders, including health professionals, case managers, family members, carers and other internal service providers.

·  Good organisational, planning and prioritising skills, including the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

·  Well-developed customer service skills and a commitment to providing quality service and implementing continuous improvement.

·  Demonstrate effective and appropriate communication skills in all mediums to a wide range of stakeholders.

·  Proven commitment to maintaining professional skills and knowledge.

·  Ability to effectively resolve conflict and difficult situations.

·  Ability to effectively manage dynamic workloads, plan, work and establish priorities effectively.

·  Sound computer skills, in particular Microsoft Office suite and database programs.

·  A current satisfactory Police Clearance.

·  A current driver’s licence in relevant state or territory.

Desirable Criteria

·  Previous experience in Disability, Aged, NDIS or Community Services sectors.

·  Experience working with people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

·  Experience working with people who are blind or vision impaired and other disability groups.

·  Minimum of 2 years’ experience in a similar field or role.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS:

·  Services are successfully delivered and matched to client needs.

·  Services to clients are being delivered as per their Individual Service Plan and client choice and control principles.

·  Clients, carers and families are well informed of internal and external services available.

·  Internal and external networks are established and maintained.

·  Contribute to the development and delivery of services as directed by the Team Leader/Coordinator/Manager.

·  Full compliance in recording all information relating to client records.

As the incumbent of this position, I confirm I have read this Position Description and understand its content and agree to work in accordance with the requirements of the position.

Employee Name: ______

Employee Signature ______Date: ______

Manager's Name: ______

Manager's Signature ______Date: ______