Occupational Therapist

The Arc Erie County New York has been supporting children and adults with disabilities, and their families in achieving their desired quality of life by creating opportunities through comprehensive services for over 70+ years.

The Arc Erie County is currently seeking an Occupational Therapist (OT) for our School Age program located in Cheektowaga, NY. Why Achieve with The Arc Erie County? Becoming an Occupational Therapist (OT) means:

• Advocating and working towards assisting the people we support

• Evaluating, clinically assessing, treating & consulting w/ other professionals

• Completing necessary paperwork in keeping with requirement for all regulating bodies

• Implementing treatment by administering and/or supervising therapy procedures

Successful completion of an Occupational Therapist program recognized by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) plus current licensure w/in NYS is needed for this position.

This position is Full Time (37.5 hrs) with a salary range between $31-$36 per hour. No evenings, no weekends, and no holidays Along with a great Benefits (medical, dental & vision insurance) package, generous PTO, and excellent work-life balance, we offer a positive and diverse work environment with on-the-job training and room for advancement

Job Description

Job Title:

Agency Occupational Therapist

Department:

Clinical Services

Job Grade:

6

Position Summary:

To provide Occupational Therapy services, within the parameters of the NY State Office of the Professions, to the people we support by evaluating, clinically assessing, treating, consulting with other professionals and/or supports, and completing the necessary paperwork in keeping with requirements of the Occupational Therapy Practice Act, New York State Office of the Professions, Policies and Procedures of the agency, the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities OPWDD, Medicaid, Medicare, insurance companies, municipalities, Department of Health, school districts, and other regulating bodies as necessary.

The Occupational Therapist should advocate and work toward assisting the people we support, through person centered planning by facilitating the plans, goals, and positive supports necessary to assist the person in progressing towards the person’s desired outcomes.

Reporting Relationship:

Receives direct supervision from the Coordinator of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Associate Director of Related Services and/or Associate Director of Clinical Services. Provides guidance and instruction to support staff and volunteers regarding Occupational Therapy techniques and/or equipment. Provides supervision and guidance to fieldwork students/interns and/or Occupational Therapists with Limited Permits and/or Occupational Therapy Assistants as assigned.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Screens and evaluates people in terms of motor skills, motor planning, sensory processing, activities of daily living (ADLs), impact and of environment on a person, adaptation of tasks as appropriate, and functional activities as related to the scope of practice for occupational therapy.

• Follows agency procedures for obtaining, maintaining, and renewing prescriptions for Occupational therapy services as applicable.

• Develop functional age-appropriate goals and outcomes/objectives for incorporation into the person’s plan (IEP, ITP, etc.) to meet the unique occupational therapy related needs of the people we support.

• Implement treatment by administering and/or supervising therapy procedures involving selected activities, treatment, and therapeutic/adaptive equipment as needed, to fulfill specific, person centered, goals and objectives.

• Completes the necessary documentation such as; assessments, evaluations, screening, plans (IEPs, ITPs, etc.), progress notes related to person specific progress on designated goals, session documentation, and equipment protocols, and letters of medical necessity for therapeutic equipment as necessary.

• Trains staff/caregivers to carry out occupational therapy programs (sensory diets, environmental adaptations, feeding programs etc.) related activities to further benefit the person for maximum carry over.

• Serves as a consultant to staff and team members addressing questions relating to motor development and adaptive equipment, as needed.

• Maintains accurate, truthful, and complete records as required by laws and agency policy including, but not limited to the New York State Education Department (SED), The Occupational Therapy Practice Act, New York State Office of the Professions, the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), Medicaid, Medicare, insurance companies, municipalities, Department of Health, school districts, and other regulating bodies as necessary.

• Prepares and maintains work setting, equipment, and supplies in accordance with health and safety requirements and agency policies.

• Plans and maintains a schedule for therapy according to assigned workload.

• Keeps current within the scope of practice of Occupational Therapy including, but not limited to; being informed of the current educational and therapeutic trends in this practice area as well as with current research in proven appropriate methods and practice.

• Attends and participates in conferences, treatment team meetings, and other meetings as needed.

• Immediately reports, all accidents or incidents of staff, or the people we support, and complete required documentation as directed by the agency’s policies and procedures.

• Provides supervisory oversight for an Occupational Therapist who may be on a limited permit or an Occupational Therapy Assistant in accordance with the regulations of the New York State Office of Professions.

• Maintains and protects confidential or other sensitive information such as Personal Health Information (PHI) and Personally Identifiable Information as defined in the agency’s policies and procedures.

• Maintains the necessary credentials (valid License to practice) from the New York State Office of Professions and other credentialing bodies (NPI enumeration, Medicaid provider number, etc.) as necessary.

• Will work at various sites throughout the agency depending on need.

• Performs other related duties as required by supervisor.

Qualifications and Education Requirements:

Successful completion of an Occupational Therapist program recognized by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) PLUS current licensure within NY state.

Essential Job Functions:

• Physical demands and Exposure Risk outlined on attached form (A)

• Mental Requirements:

• The ability to read, write legibly, write with proper grammar, analyze, memorize, process information, be perceptive/comprehensive, show good judgment, take initiative, have good math skills, demonstrate decision making skills, plan and prioritize to meet deadlines, as well as follow both written and oral directions. Adhere to and administer agency’s policies, procedures, rules and regulations. The willingness to accept and perform duties and responsibilities not ordinarily associated with the position in cases of emergency or when unusual/unpredictable circumstances arise.

• Human Relations Skills:

The ability to professionally communicate and interact with people in a positive manner, demonstrate the ability to be a leader, and serve as an appropriate role model to staff members. The ability to work independently as well as cooperatively with others. Receive supervision and instruction in a positive manner. The ability to demonstrate sensitivity and concern for the confidentiality, welfare, and rights of the people we support and their families while exhibiting the characteristics of understanding, patience, and tact. Maintain a professional attitude and appearance at all times.

• Equipment Operation:

The ability to safely utilize/operate typical household appliances, cleaners, and chemicals. The ability to operate office equipment, such as, but not limited to, computer, copier/printer, phone, fax machine, etc. The ability to maintain and adjust therapeutic equipment as needed.

Agency Principles:

• All staff members will assure and demonstrate the promotion of fundamental rights and protections for the people that we support. These include practices that treat people with dignity and respect at all times, ensure safety, best possible health/well-being and provide the person with continuity and personal security through the use of natural supports, positive relationships and opportunities for integration in the community. Staff members should also advocate and work toward assisting the people we support through person-centered planning to achieve the personal outcome goals that they have chosen by facilitating the plans and positive supports necessary to assist the person in progressing toward each outcome.

• Demonstrates the agency values of integrity, respect, responsibility, trust, teamwork, positive attitude, learning and honesty in working with students (persons), families, colleagues and members of our community.

• Good attendance is vital for the efficient and effective operation of quality programming and is an essential job function of this position.

• In the event of a weather, health or other emergency, staff may be REDEPLOYED as needed to provide necessary staffing coverage. This may include a redeployment/temporary reassignment to another physical location or line of business, i.e. Clinicians may be redeployed to temporarily work in an IRA, a school location or Day Hab site. This may be a remote or in person assignment and will be determined based on the needs of the individuals we serve.

This position is EXEMPT from the overtime requirements of the Fair Labor Standard Act.

The Arc Erie County New York retains the right to change this job description at any time.

The Arc Erie County New York is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and strong advocate of workforce diversity. Minority/Female/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Disability/Veteran.

Job Details

Job Family Arc Erie

Pay Type Salary

Education Level Certification

Travel Required Yes

Hiring Min Rate 31 USD

Hiring Max Rate 36 USD