JOB TITLE: Occupational Therapist

JOB TYPE: Salaried, Full time/40-hours per week

LOCATION: Peoria Service Center, 507 E. Armstrong Ave., Peoria, Illinois

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university with a degree in Occupational Therapy.
2. Must be licensed in the State of Illinois or eligible for licensure.
3. Illinois Early Intervention credential or eligible for credential.
4. A minimum of one year of proven successful experience in the area of pediatric occupational therapy is preferred.
5. Demonstrated experience with families who have children with developmental delays/disabilities, preferred.
6. Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Occupational Therapist functions as a member of the interdisciplinary treatment team providing outpatient treatment and consultation services to persons referred to the Center and their families. The Therapist evaluates individuals in the areas of fine motor/self-help skills, upper extremity function, activities of daily living, upper body strength, visual/perceptual skills, and sensory integration processing. Therapy programs are designed for individuals to improve in functional and daily living areas.

Why work at Easterseals Central Illinois?

Easterseals has 75 affiliates across the nation that provide services and support to more than one million individuals and families living with a disability every year! For over 100 years, it has been the mission for Easterseals Central Illinois to provide exceptional services to ensure that children with developmental delays, disabilities, and other special needs can reach their full potential.

We believe that we are more than a mission. We believe that every child deserves the best, and so does our staff!

Some of the “perks” that set us apart from other pediatric clinics:

• Work/life balance: We can provide a set schedule, based on client need, which does not require any nights or weekends!
• Paid Documentation time: Our clinicians have an expectation of 60% productivity rate which gives you time for documentation during work hours. No more bringing your documentation home to complete after working your shift! Additionally, if a client cancels you still are paid for your time.
• Collaborative environment: We provide a wide variety of services designed to promote progress! Just to name a few:
  1. Rehabilitation services: Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy, and Feeding Therapy
  2. Behavioral services: Applied Behavioral Analysis and Counseling
  3. Clinic Services: Autism Early Diagnostic Clinic, Orthotics Clinic, Serial Casting
  4. Many Specialty services like: BrainPaint, CVI Services, Augmentative/Alternative Communication, and so many more!
• Accreditation: Easterseals maintains one of the highest accreditations levels for two separate, independent nonprofit accrediting bodies!
  1. We received a 3-year CARF accreditation and continues be the only CARF Accredited Outpatient Medical Rehabilitation Program (Pediatric Specialty) in Central Illinois. The latest accreditation is the 8^th consecutive Three-Year Accreditation that the international accrediting body, CARF, has given to Easterseals Central Illinois!
  2. We are recognized by the Behavior Health Center for Excellence (BCHOE) with its highest level of accreditation for providing excellent services to children and families through Applied Behavior Analysis. This three-year accreditation highlights Easterseals Central Illinois as the leading provider of Autism Services and Applied Behavior Analysis in downstate Illinois. Only two organizations in Illinois now hold this level of accreditation!

Easterseals Central Illinois Benefits:

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Complete initial evaluation and evaluation report(s) for each individual.
2. Re-evaluate persons served every twelve months or as indicated.
3. Establish individualized therapy goals and generate data for the initial client/family plan of treatment. Complete progress notes every three to six months or as required.
4. Participate in parent/guardian Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) and Rehabilitation Care Plan (RCP) meetings. Attend medical staffings/case studies to participate in interdisciplinary team discussions of IFSPs and RCPs as necessary.
5. Monitor progress and modify treatment goals (Intervention Goals) and therapeutic intervention strategies as necessary and/or every six months at a minimum.
6. Provide direct treatment as needed at the center or in the natural environments.
7. Report cancellations and no-shows to the scheduling team for proper documentation and action. Accurately document treatment notes and additional contacts regarding the individual served in the EMR communication tab(s). All documentation should be completed per policies/procedures in Operations Manual.
8. Develop and instruct family members in-home program activities, and revise as necessary. Provide parent/guardian/family training during the session regarding HEP and therapy strategies.
9. Participate as needed or requested in the smooth transition of an individual to a public school program or other placement as necessary. Correspond with physicians and other professionals involved in the care/treatment of the client/family as necessary.
10. Complete letters of medical necessity as needed.
11. Participate in Clinics as requested.
12. Attend program services meetings, discipline meetings, rehab staff meetings, case studies, and in-services.
13. Supervise graduate student interns and non-licensed staff as necessary.
14. Mentor new staff members as requested.
15. Fulfill contractual obligations as requested.
16. Complete competencies and maintain established departmental policies and procedures, safety and infection control standards, quality assurance, and accreditation standards of the Center.
17. Ensure that all requirements for credentialing and licensure are maintained (e.g. Early Interventions credentialing, Illinois license, certification)
18. Provide Assistive Technology Clinic and Orthotic services including evaluation, equipment orders, fittings, follow up and the manufacture of splints as necessary for each individual followed.
19. Supervise Occupational Therapist Assistants as requested.
20. Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

1. Advanced knowledge and skill necessary to independently provide evaluations and treatment plans related to credentialed/licensed field of practice.
2. Ability to work independently and as a team member, to make sound judgments/decisions, and to effectively prioritize work assignments.
3. Ability to organize and communicate work-related information to the general public, families, and staff both in person and on the telephone; ability to publicly present information about Easterseals’ services within his/her assigned discipline(s).
4. Advanced interpersonal skills necessary to work effectively with people of various cultural, economic, and educational backgrounds.
5. Exceptional customer service skills.
6. Demonstrated computer skills including word processing, data processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Ability to lift and/or carry up to 50 pounds.
2. Ability to work in various positions and perform various tasks such as stooping, bending, standing (up to one hour at a time), walking, reaching, grabbing, pushing, pulling, lifting, handling, seeing, talking, and manual dexterity.
3. Ability to proofread and check documents for accuracy on a daily basis.
4. Ability to use a keyboard and video display terminal to retrieve and/or audit information on a daily basis.
5. Ability to use a keyboard to enter and transform words or data on a daily basis.
6. Ability to drive to all Easterseals centers and service sites within a 100-mile radius, as needed.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

1. Normal office environment with little exposure to excessive noise, dust, temperature, and the like.
2. Community Settings for meetings and direct service activities.
3. Client homes for direct service activities.
4. May be exposed to contagious diseases but the potential for personal harm and injury is limited when proper safety and health precautions are used.

Easterseals Central Illinois is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Easterseals is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, call 309.686.1177.