ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND
POSITION DESCRIPTION
TITLE:
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST - CANBERRA
DIVISION:
COMMUNITY SERVICES
REPORTS TO:
ACT COORDINATOR
APPROVED BY:
CLIENT SERVICES MANAGER – AUGUST 2014
LOCATION:
CANBERRA, ACT - This position may be required to work at
various locations in accordance with operational requirements.
MAIN PURPOSE
Responsible to the ACT Coordinator, 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 needs assessments, preparing client service plans, and
providing an appropriate range of vision rehabilitation services.
 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.
 As a member of a multidisciplinary team undertake assessments of clients, determine
individual capabilities and apply professional expertise to maximise independence and
quality of life.
 Contribute to the promotion of RSB services to relevant groups in the local community.
DUTIES
 Assess individual clients’ needs in regards to daily living skills, accommodation support
and recreation and community environments, and implement appropriate service plans
or actions.
 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.
 Establish and work collaboratively with other health and community care providers to
advocate for, and ensure continuity of care for clients. Liaise, consult and advocate,
ensuring clients receive coordinated and integrated services.
 Cross-refer to other RSB Services, who can provide associated services and support.
 Make referrals to other service providers, internally and externally where and when
appropriate.
 Provide holistic assessments which identify client’s vision, physical, emotional and
socio-economic needs.
 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.
 Ensure client centred programs are designed to empower clients to maximise their
independence.
 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.
 Contribute to the identification and implementation of opportunities to improve service
provision and the client’s quality of life.
 Contribute to the identification and implementation of opportunities to improve internal
and external policies and practices.
 Undertake assessments and implement rehabilitation and maintenance programs for
people who are blind or vision impaired who require occupational therapy services and
participate in home visits and outreach when required.
 Ensure that services provided are culturally relevant.
 Maintain compliance with relevant and current legislations and standards.
 Actively and positively contribute to team and employee meetings and the performance
appraisal process.
 Contribute to the development and innovation of the RSB’s services.
 Identify and maintain appropriate links with relevant agencies and partners.
 Liaise with external services and agencies, and participate in programs, meetings and
activities that contribute to the ongoing improvement of the RSB’s services.
 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.
 Other duties as required.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential Criteria
 Bachelor of Applied Science (Occupational Therapy).
 Registration or provisional registration with the Occupational Therapists’ Registration
Board.
 Understanding of vision impairment and empathy for people who are blind or vision
impaired.
 Strong commitment to principles of enhancing independence and client empowerment,
choice and control.
 Proven commitment to maintaining professional skills and knowledge.
 Well-developed customer relations skills and a commitment to providing quality service
and implementing continuous improvement.
 Ability to effectively resolve conflict and difficult situations.
 Sensitivity to the needs of ageing persons, persons with a disability and of different
social and cultural backgrounds.
 Ability to produce clear, timely and concise documentation.
 Ability to maintain confidentiality.
 Possess a proven high level knowledge of professional Occupational Therapy theory
skills and practice.
 Knowledge of relevant disability legislation, duty of care and access rights.
 Ability to demonstrate, instruct and guide clients with the use and benefits of aides and
equipment.
 Ability to effectively manage dynamic workloads, plan, work and establish priorities
effectively.
 Ability to work collaboratively with multiple stakeholders, including health professionals,
case managers, family members, carers and other internal service providers.
 Demonstrated effective and appropriate communication skills in all mediums to a wide
range of stakeholders.
 An ability to deal with people of all ages, and in particular, understanding of the issues
involved when working with elderly people.
 Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
 Good organisational, planning and prioritising skills, including the ability to work both
independently and under direction.
 Excellent problem solving skills and ability to work systematically to resolve issues.
 Ability to work as part of a team.
 Good computer skills, in particular word processing and database programs.
 A current ACT Driver’s Licence.
Desirable Criteria
 Previous experience in Disability, Aged or Community Services sectors.
 Experience working with people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
 Experience working with people who are blind or vision impaired.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
Occasional country travel and after hours work will be required.
CHECKS:
Police check and working with vulnerable people check.
.
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS:
 Services are successfully delivered and matched to client needs.
 Clients, carers and families are well informed of internal and external services available.
 Services to clients are being delivered as per their Individual Service Plan.
 Internal and external networks are established and maintained.
 Contribute to the development and delivery of services as directed by the ACT
Coordinator.
 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: ________________