Jobs for People with MS: National MS Society

Occupational Therapist

Job Details

Job Location

Chicago, IL

Position Type

Part Time

Education Level

4 Year Degree

Salary Range

$3,000.00 - $4,000.00 Salary/month

Travel Percentage

Up to 50%

Job Shift

Day

Job Category

Professional Services

Job Description

BASIC FUNCTION: Performs low vision evaluation, treatment planning, goal setting and administration of Occupational Therapy treatment programs under the guidance of a qualified optometric physician.

TRAVEL REQUIRED: 50% within metro Chicago and suburbs.

PRINCIPLE RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Implements assessment/treatment/care based on the visual function and developmental stages of the patient.

• Evaluates patients utilizing techniques appropriate to the patient type including assessment of Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, safety, visual/perceptual abilities, performance of activities of daily living (bath, dress, groom, feed), transfers, cognitive perceptual, and home management skills.

• Administers and instructs patients in performance of all aspects of the treatment plan, assessing the effectiveness and modifying as necessary in accordance with Medicare requirements for reimbursement of rehabilitation services.

• Communicates and works in cooperation with physicians and other staff to provide optimal patient care.

• Considering the developmental needs of the patient, involves patient and family/guardian in plan of care planning; conducts patient and family education, as appropriate.

• Assists with planning and conducting in-service programs and participates in staff meetings, rehab conferences, and educational programs.

• Prepares and completes all patient records in a timely manner and forwards billing to Medicare/Medicaid and other insurance according to departmental guidelines and third-party requirements.

• Trains patients as outlined in the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) older individuals who are blind contract.

• Maintains an assigned caseload, develops short and long-term goals for each patient, and designs individualized programs to encourage highest level of independence.

• Prepares case notes, progress reports, and other documentation on individual patients, authorizes necessary services, ascertains progress, and identifies diagnostic and functional needs.

• Interviews applicants for services to determine eligibility based upon patient records, testing results, and state/federal rules and regulations.

• Prepares Individualized Written Rehabilitation Plans (IWRP), instructional plans, and/or vocational plans, ensuring coordination of plan with overall service objectives.

• Establishes and nurtures effective working relationships with patients, public and private agencies, family members, specialized residential facilities, training centers, etc. to improve services to the patient.

• Conducts research and participates in the development of new methods for instruction techniques specifically designed for people who are blind, visually impaired, and deaf/blind.

• Maintains case files, prepares progress notes and other documentation.

• Supervises OT fieldwork students completing educational assignments in evaluation, treatment, and management techniques for low vision rehabilitation.

• May supervise trainees, interns, or volunteers.

• Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor.

SPECIFICATIONS :

• Bachelors in Science, Masters or Doctorial Degree in Occupational Therapy required.

• Current Illinois licensure or eligibility.

• National Registration by American Occupational Therapy Certification Board.

• C.P.R. certification.

• Must possess excellent communication, interpersonal, and analytical skills.

• Experience working with adults and geriatric population is required.

• Two or more years' experience in low vision rehabilitation or equivalent experience working with adults who are visually impaired is preferred.

• AOTA low vision certification preferred.

• Commitment to our mission of providing opportunities for people who are blind, visually impaired, deaf-blind, multi-disabled and veterans is essential.

The Chicago Lighthouse for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired is an Equal Opportunity Employer in full compliance with local, state, and federal Civil Rights & Affirmative Action laws. The Chicago Lighthouse for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired maintains a strong policy of accommodation and a consistent practice of employing qualified individuals with disabilities. All applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunity without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin or ancestry, citizenship status, age, physical or mental disability unrelated to ability, sexual orientation, military status, order of protection status or unfavorable discharge from military service.