Occupational Therapist

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work – 40 hours, flexible to the needs of the program

Qualifications - Graduation from an accredited program of Occupational Therapy with a Bachelors, Masters, or Doctorate in Occupational Therapy; Licensed and Registered by the New York State Department of Education as an Occupational Therapist. Work may require lifting, pushing, or pulling, in excess of 30 pounds.

Work Authorization/Security Clearance – Authorized to work in the United States.

Summary/Objective - Adhere to professional, ethical and legal standards of practice as well as all agency specific policies and procedures. Serve individuals of any age with a variety of congenital, developmental, neuromuscular, skeletal or acquired disorders/diseases through the Early Intervention Program, Preschool Program, Day Habilitation Programs, Residential Programs or Article 16 Clinic as indicated. Communicate treatment protocols to team members in writing as well as through direct training as needed to allow the protocols to be implemented by team members as appropriate. Administer direct treatments as indicated or delegate the treatments to an OTA or COTA that is licensed by the New York State Education Department as appropriate. Perform and document an initial exam evaluating the data to identify problems and determine intervention using appropriate tests, skilled professional observation and supplementary information from other agencies and records. Develop, implement, modify, and maintain plans of care and treatment goals / desired outcomes based off of the initial exam and subsequent re-evaluations. Ensure all paperwork requirements are adhered to in a timely manner. Document therapeutic interventions in a manner that is compliant with industry standards and that will achieve reimbursement from our funding sources.

Essential Functions – Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Assess individuals who have various neurological, developmental, psychological, physical and musculoskeletal conditions to determine appropriate interventions to maximize independent function in daily living.
Delineate treatment protocols for each person as needed for direct or indirect services using adaptive techniques, devices, direct or indirect treatment as needed.
Document treatments, adaptations and procedures in a way that satisfies funding sources.
Complete all documentation within timelines outlined by agency, departmental and regulatory standards.
Provide training for staff related to all indirect staff services, documenting said trainings for each staff member’s staff development record.
Request adaptive equipment, prosthetics, orthotics and environmental modifications that are likely to maximize independence and prevent further decline.

Consult other team members to assist in problem solving various areas of difficulty related to eating dressing, grooming, bathing, rest, functional communication and areas of interest for the person involved.
Complete required visitations at residential and day program sites.
Adhere to local and federal laws, ethical, agency, and professional standards of practice.
Participate with improving building accessibility and planning environmental modification.
Document need, advocate and provide recommendations in ordering/purchasing equipment for agency use.
Provide clinical educational opportunities for students of occupational therapy.
Complete incident reports as indicated.
Will comply with Code of Conduct for Service Delivery.
Remain aware of agency requirements and changes in regulatory requirements.
Complete 36 contact hours of continuing education requirements as delineated by national OT credentialing agencies as well as any state requirements applicable over a 3 year renewal period to maintain credentials as an OTR/L.
Supervision of an OTA or COTA.

Competencies –

Exhibit ethical and professional conduct at all times
Excellent time management, organizational, communication skills
Protect and maintain confidentiality at all times.
Good attention to detail.
Proficient with computer skills
Personal effectiveness/credibility

Supervisory Responsibility – May be required to provide service supervise for an OTA or COTA that is licensed by the State of New York if assigned.

Travel – Travel is expected for this position. This could include county to county travel, home visits, school and/or county meetings, conferences and trainings.

Work Environment - This job operates in a professional office environment and therapy rooms. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

Physical Demands - The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; lift; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. Work may require lifting, pushing, or pulling in excess of 30 pounds.

Other Duties – This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. I have read and received a copy of the above job description and understand the responsibilities fully. I understand that the preceding job description will be reviewed/updated at least annually; more frequent updates will depend on contract needs.

AAP/EEO Statement – The Arc Jefferson – St. Lawrence has and will continue to provide all employees and applicants’ equal opportunity in the manner provided by law in all aspects of employment regardless of their age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, genetic predisposition, or carrier status, or marital status. These individuals will be recruited, referred for hiring consideration, and employed with regard to the positive and appropriate utilization of their skills and capabilities. Qualified employees will be afforded non-discriminatory consideration for promotion and job advancement, and there will be no discrimination with regard to assignments, rates of pay, promotions, transfers, training, termination, accessibility, working conditions, and benefits.