Occupational Therapist

Do you want to make a difference in the lives of Canadians living with vision loss? Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada (VLRC) is a national health services organization dedicated to empowering people who are blind or partially sighted to live safely and independently. Our certified specialists provide client-centered rehabilitation, mobility training, and daily living skills programs that help clients build confidence and thrive. We work collaboratively with ophthalmologists, optometrists, and other health care professionals, offering essential care on a referral basis in homes, workplaces, and communities across the country. We value our employees as our greatest asset — and we’re committed to supporting their well‑being, professional growth, and work‑life balance.

The scope of the Occupational Therapist (OT) is to help people of all ages to improve their ability to perform tasks in their daily living and working environment for optimal functioning. OT is the art and science of enabling engagement in everyday living to ensure an inclusive society so that all people may participate to their full potential in their daily life. OTs work with individuals who are blind or partially sighted with additional complex needs. OTs use a systematic approach based on evidence and professional reasoning to enable individuals, families, groups, communities, organizations, or populations to develop the means and opportunities to identify and engage in the occupations of life.

The Occupational Therapist will complete assessments, develop treatment plans, organise, provide and direct occupational therapy treatment and educational programs for Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada clients, their families and caregivers in accordance with the standards of the College of Occupational Therapists within the specified jurisdiction. This position provides functional expertise for the comprehensive multi‑faceted service and operations program.

Essential Functions:

• Completes assessments of clients in a variety of treatment settings: private homes, schools, senior's residence, long term care facilities, group homes, and performs an analysis based on objective, subjective and functional findings.
• Establishes realistic, measurable and time limited treatment goals and develops treatment plan.
• Ensures that occupational therapy treatments are initiated with the informed consent of the client or substitute decision maker in accordance with the Health Care Consent Act.
• Provides direct treatment and/or support and teaching to informal caregivers, school personnel and other health care professionals involved.
• Participates in case conferences when required and consults with other members of the health care team in fostering a holistic approach to care.
• Completes reassessments to review patient's progress and treatment goals and reports to other members of the health care team in order to ensure continuity of care and determine if other resources and referrals are required.
• Provides support and consultation to individuals and their families regarding adjustment to vision loss on an individual or group basis.
• Provides consultation, public education, and in‑service training from an OT lens, teaches sighted guide to family members and other allied professionals.
• Completes assessments and recommendations for adaptation aids, assistive devices and equipment necessary to achieve treatment goals.
• Completes documentation and maintains appropriate patient records in accordance with the standards of the College of Occupational Therapists within a specified jurisdiction and VLRC policies and procedures.
• Teaches adaptive skills for independent living in areas of personal management, household management, communication, leisure activities, basic indoor orientation & mobility skills, and basic technology training within the OT scope of practice.
• Teaches concept development, spatial and sensory awareness, pre‑cane techniques, mobility aids and environmental assessments.
• Acts as a key resource in matters related to accessible design and the built environment.
• Acts as a resource for VLRC employees, service providers, school personnel, long term care facilities and community by providing educational programs as requested.
• Attends and participates actively in occupational therapy team meetings and general staff meetings.
• Assumes responsibility for maintaining professional knowledge current and skills up to date.
• Prioritises occupational therapy services in accordance with the VLRC Waiting List Management Policy.

Relationships:

• Interacts with clients, their family and caregivers to develop and identify vision related goals and develop early intervention and therapy programs, and support families to follow through on recommendations.
• Builds and maintains good working relationships with professionals in other agencies and community groups.
• Educates community partners about Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada and its specialised services offered to children and their families and the importance of early intervention.
• Participates in multi‑disciplinary team meetings.
• Advocates on client’s behalf in medical clinics, schools, etc. when possible.
• Instructs and supervises students (and Occupational Therapy Assistants where applicable) to work with clients.

Problem Solving:

Position utilises problem solving abilities related to implementing and developing intervention and therapy as part of the client’s vision rehabilitation plan. Problem solving involved in adapting services, materials and equipment to address the needs of individuals with complex health conditions. Sensitivity and awareness of cultural, religious, mental health needs and/or emotional support.

Decision Autonomy:

Decision making based on training and experience working with individuals of all ages with visual impairments, and individual assessment and reassessment, to develop an appropriate service plan. Judgment is utilised 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 rehab assistants, 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.

Qualifications Knowledge and Skill Requirements:

• Degree or diploma in Occupational Therapy and current certificate of registration with the College of Occupational Therapists within a specified jurisdiction.
• Related professional experience which would normally be attained over a period of two years in an Occupational Therapy role.
• Related experience in a community‑based setting is an asset.
• Previous Stroke Rehab experience is preferred.
• Experience supervising support personnel an asset.
• Ability to utilise computer and software programs.
• Excellent facilitation skills both in groups and individual situations.
• Good organisation 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.
• Registration or eligibility for registration on the Registry of Autism Service Providers (RASP).
• 3 or more years experience working with individuals with vision loss.

Work Environment:

• Willingness to work flexible hours.
• Willingness to work in a variety of settings (in client home, outdoors, daycare, etc.).
• Travel is required.

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, including health, vision, dental, corporate discounts, and an 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, a joy‑in‑work wellness program, and mental health supports.

Join us to grow your career and make a difference every day.

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 marginalised, including but not limited to Indigenous peoples, racialised persons, persons with disabilities, including people who are blind, partially sighted, or deafblind, women, and 2SLGBTQ+ communities. We strongly encourage people with sight loss to apply. Direct lived experience is valued as an asset.

The successful candidate may be required to complete a Vulnerable Sector Check, depending on the role. If you require an accommodation to apply or participate in the selection process, please contact janice.rego@vlrehab.ca. 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. Hiring Process Candidates selected to move forward may be invited to participate in interviews, assessments, reference checks, and/or background checks, depending on the role. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.