Our Vision Therapist uses a comprehensive assessment to prioritize treatment targets and is efficient with administration of all vision and perceptual assessments. They apply existing primary research so treatment protocols are optimally dosed in the scope of practice for visual rehab and use specialized interventions with evidence in conjunction with recommendations from neuro-optometry or neuro-ophthalmology. The Vision Therapist will effectively interact with neuro-optometrist or neuro-ophthalmologist and related medical professionals to establish communication regarding follow up assessments and interventions.

The Occupational Therapist will consistently demonstrate support of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab statement of Vision, Mission and Core Values by striving for excellence, contributing to the team efforts and showing respect and compassion for patients and their families, fellow employees, and all others with whom there is contact at or in the interest of the institute.

The Occupational Therapist will demonstrate Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Core Attributes: Communication, Accountability, Flexibility/Adaptability, Judgment/Problem Solving, Customer Service and Core Values (Hope, Compassion, Discovery, Collaboration, and Commitment to Excellence) while fulfilling job duties.

Required Skills

Principal Responsibilities

The Occupational Therapist:

1. Evaluates, assesses, and plans treatment including orienting patient and significant others to the purposes and processes of OT evaluation and treatment.
2. Evaluates patient impairments, disability and handicap appropriate to patient diagnosis, life roles, age development, functional status, and medical condition.
3. Facilitates patient participation in the therapy process and collaborates with others advocating for patients and family to achieve desirable outcomes.
4. Identifies areas in which abilities and impairments affect function in order to establish goals in conjunction with the patient, family, and other team members.
5. Implements patient treatment plans utilizing occupational therapy treatment approaches, which includes selecting activities to achieve desired outcomes, transferring and positioning patients, and modifying treatment when necessary.
6. Participates in patient care conferences to coordinate treatment, educating patient and family.
7. Documents patient care activities following department protocols utilizing RICIS and appropriate manual report forms.
8. May supervise affiliated OT students.
9. May teach in Department and Education and Training courses.
10. Performs all other duties that may be assigned in the best interest of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.

Reporting Relationships

1. Reports directly to the Therapy Manager, Ability Lab, Therapy Manager, Innovation Center, or Clinical Manager

Required Experience

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required

1. Work requires the level of knowledge normally acquired by completing a Master's program in Occupational Therapy from an accredited college or university.
2. Current Illinois License to practice as an Occupational Therapist.
3. Current CPR certification required.
4. Approximately 2 years of experience preferred but not required.
5. Current Vision certification, pursuing vision certification, or experience with vision interventions.
6. Able to develop professional skills by completing development plans, participating in continuing education and in-service offerings, using written resources to keep current with advancements.
7. Understanding of the growth and development of infant, child, adolescent and geriatric patients.
8. Ability to interpret growth and development related information to assure patient needs are met.
9. Analytical ability to gather and interpret data from patient's charts and to recommend solutions for treatment related problems.
10. Interpersonal skills are needed to communicate with other health care professionals and establish therapeutic relationships with patients and families.
11. Ability to transfer and position patients.

Working Conditions

1. Normal office environment with little or no exposure to dust or extreme temperature.
2. Some exposure to infectious diseases when working with patients.
3. May include exposure to community, home, work, school and off-site clinic settings.
4. Includes Saturday and Sunday rotation work.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

Principal Responsibilities

The Occupational Therapist:

1. Evaluates, assesses, and plans treatment including orienting patient and significant others to the purposes and processes of OT evaluation and treatment.
2. Evaluates patient impairments, disability and handicap appropriate to patient diagnosis, life roles, age development, functional status, and medical condition.
3. Facilitates patient participation in the therapy process and collaborates with others advocating for patients and family to achieve desirable outcomes.
4. Identifies areas in which abilities and impairments affect function in order to establish goals in conjunction with the patient, family, and other team members.
5. Implements patient treatment plans utilizing occupational therapy treatment approaches, which includes selecting activities to achieve desired outcomes, transferring and positioning patients, and modifying treatment when necessary.
6. Participates in patient care conferences to coordinate treatment, educating patient and family.
7. Documents patient care activities following department protocols utilizing RICIS and appropriate manual report forms.
8. May supervise affiliated OT students.
9. May teach in Department and Education and Training courses.
10. Performs all other duties that may be assigned in the best interest of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.

Reporting Relationships

1. Reports directly to the Therapy Manager, Ability Lab, Therapy Manager, Innovation Center, or Clinical Manager