Occupational Therapist

• Job Location: Ann Storck Center - Fort Lauderdale, FL 33317
• Position Type: Full-Time/Part-Time
• Education Level: Graduate Degree
• Salary Range: $89,000.00 - $89,000.00 Salary
• Job Shift: Day

Position Summary

As a member of a multidisciplinary team dedicated to providing high quality services to individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, the Occupational Therapist provides occupational therapy to adults and/or children in an ICF, group home or Preschool environment to develop and/or improve the skills needed for daily living.

Areas of Responsibility: Service Delivery – Delivers quality occupational therapy services in support of the physical, social, and psychological well-being of intellectually and/or developmentally disabled individuals. Manages caseload effectively to ensure therapy services result in successful outcomes.

Activities include but are not limited to: Administering evaluations, tests, or examinations to collect information on type and degree of impairments, using written or oral tests or special instruments; Evaluating medical and/or background information to diagnose and plan treatment; Developing and implementing appropriate treatment programs; Providing therapy to adults on a one-to-one basis, and in groups, as appropriate; Providing early intervention therapy to infants and toddlers who have, or are at risk of having, developmental delays; Monitoring and evaluating each individual’s progress; Making adjustments, as necessary.

Evaluates disabled children’s abilities, modifies classroom equipment and environment to accommodate children with certain disabilities, and helps children participate in school activities.

Evaluates disabled adults’ abilities and identifies the environmental factors that present a challenge to their daily living activities; Provides recommendations for modifying their environment and/or using adaptive equipment to accommodate their disability.

Instructs individuals on using adaptive equipment, such as leg braces, wheelchairs, eating aids, etc. Develops individual or group activities, lesson plans, educational or therapeutic games and/or programs to help individuals perform daily tasks and function more independently.

Conducts and/or assists teachers and direct care staff with individual and group activities. Consults with and refer individuals for additional medical or educational services. Ensures therapy services meet the terms and conditions of funding sources.

Documentation and Recordkeeping – Follows proper documentation and recordkeeping procedures in compliance with ASC policies and procedures. Documents caseload activities, including the initial evaluation, treatment, progress, and discharge of individuals.

Submits therapy-related reports, including Medicaid and/or billing reports, in a timely manner. Prepares information requested by grant sponsors or as required by ASC management, federal, state, and/or local regulations.

Communication – Facilitates the sharing of relevant information between all disciplines through informal communication, participation in meetings and documentation with the best interests of the individuals in mind.

Maintains strict confidentiality regarding each individual’s health information in compliance with HIPAA regulations and ASC’s policies and procedures.

Collaborates with other members of the individual’s Circle of Support to provide the best level of service to the individuals; Participates in IP/PEP meetings, medical reviews, in-services, etc. Maintains effective lines of communication with the individuals being served and their families/guardians, direct care staff, supervisors and managers and the rest of the interdisciplinary team, concerning each individual’s progress, sharing concerns and ideas.

Promptly communicates with appropriate ASC personnel regarding any issues that impact the health or safety of the individuals. Training and Development Provides training to individuals, families/guardians and direct care staff on treatment programs, techniques and strategies to cope with physical challenges.

Participates in conferences, training, continuing education courses, and research activities to stay current on new treatment methods or technologies.

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Work Experience Requirements: Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited college or university. Valid Florida certification in Occupational Therapy.

At least 1 year of work experience (internships and externships may count towards work experience requirement) Skills Required: Must be able to effectively communicate in English (read, write and speak) with employees, peers, supervisors, program participants and external stakeholders.

Excellent presentation and communication skills (verbal and written). Ability to prepare and interpret data. Computer literate (Microsoft Office). Ability to adapt quickly to unexpected changes, deadlines or business demands and to make sound business judgments independently and under pressure.

Effective problem-solving, reasoning and critical thinking skills. Self-motivated and highly organized, with ability to multi-task & prioritize work with minimal supervision. Ability to maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive data.

Typical Physical, Mental and Emotional Demands: The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job successfully.

This position is a mix of moderately sedentary work and physical activity (e. g., bending, stopping, kneeling, and lifting up to 50 lbs.).

Travel by vehicle to and from ICF, group homes, training facilities, offsite meetings, etc. Must be able to see, hear and communicate effectively with or without reasonable accommodation.

Must be able to handle stress of working with non-verbal, non-ambulatory clients who need assistance with most aspects of activities of daily living. Must be able to deal with offensive behavior, inappropriate or offensive remarks from individuals, their families, and staff in an appropriate manner.

Must be able to separate personal issues and work issues and maintain decorum and self-control in dealing with individuals being served, other staff, and families. Working Conditions: Primary duties are in office, Preschool, intermediate care facility and/or group home environments with moderate to loud noise levels.