The Canberra Blind Society (CBS) is a not for profit organisation incorporated in the ACT. It is a Disability Persons Organisation (DPO), providing information and referrals, publication of a monthly newsletter to 200 subscribers, peer support and advocacy, daily living programs and social, sporting and recreational activities.

Our Mission Statement is to maximise the personal resources and abilities of people who are blind or have low vision by responding to their needs, through the provision of care, communication and support.

We acknowledge the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and support the ACT Human Rights Act. Staff and volunteers are expected to understand these instruments and work to support them.

It is our belief that with the right training and support, people who lose their vision can maintain their independence and make a valuable contribution to the community. Blindness or vision loss can be managed provided necessary support is provided in an appropriate time frame.

The Role:

As a true professional, all intervention implemented will be evidence based with tried and proven results. With CBS clients and their wellbeing, at the forefront of your thinking, you will:

• In consultation with clients and their families plan, develop, deliver and evaluate individual or group specialised services as per their needs identified throughout the assessment process.
• Assess the client's capacity to independently participate in activities of daily living (self-care), and instrumental activities of daily living including home and community activities, learning and education, employment, play and recreation.
• Provide both individual and group Occupational Therapy training/intervention to achieve maximum independence and participation in activities appropriate to the client’s developmental level.
• Assess and train clients in the use of assistive devices and equipment to enhance access to developmentally appropriate activities.
• Assess, plan and coordinate environmental and/or task modifications according to client’s needs.
• Provide high quality case management services to people who are blind or vision impaired.
• Primarily responsible for the case coordination of people who are blind or vision impaired.

The focus of the role as Occupational Therapist with the Canberra Blind Society

• Apply a high level of professional judgement and knowledge to provide a wide range of occupational therapy services to adults who are blind or vision impaired,
• Assess the core needs by working collaboratively and as co-partners identifying essential relationships, interactions and physical functioning of the client utilising a range of assessment techniques and tools.
• Design intervention plans that are holistic, practical and outcomes driven.
• Provide support and assist clients and families with the implementation of intervention plans and programs.
• Establish and maintain positive working relationships with clients, families, team members and other key stakeholders.
• Produce accurate client files, reports and communicate to other health professionals.

A position description is attached.