OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST - CHILDREN'S SERVICES

LOGAN Community Resources, Inc.•South Bend, IN

About The Position

A First Steps Occupational Therapist provides evaluations and therapy for infants and toddlers in a variety of settings. The therapist assesses gross motor, fine motor, oral motor, perceptual motor, and sensory integration functioning, and develops treatment plans and outcomes reflected in each client’s Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP). Treatment uses therapeutic modalities and procedures to maintain or increase skills. The therapist communicates evaluation results, treatment plans, and progress to staff and families; provides parent training; and suggests home programming. The role also includes determining assistive technology needs, supporting proper positioning and play, maintaining records and reports, contributing to IFSPs and case conferences, and serving as a resource on child development and related skills. The therapist is responsible for children’s health and safety, advocates for their rights, respects family confidentiality and cultural diversity, and supports families in accessing instructional and community activities.

Requirements

Registered Occupational Therapist in the State of Indiana.
Currently registered or licensed with the Health Professions Bureau of Indiana.
Enrolled in the State of Indiana as a First Steps provider.
Valid driver’s license and ability to drive to and from visits, therapy sessions, or IFSP sites.
Reliable form of transportation.
Ability to lift a child age three or younger weighing up to 50 pounds, using adaptive equipment.
Ability to communicate with appropriate staff, supervisors, and agency personnel.
Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with children and families.
Ability to develop outcomes for each child and demonstrate activities and strategies to families or caregivers.
Creativity in exploring new and innovative ideas.
Ability to work independently and use sound judgment.

Nice To Haves

One year of experience working with the pediatric population is preferred but not required.
College practicum work developing appropriate activities and strategies for infants and toddlers is appropriate when the candidate has no relevant experience.

Responsibilities

Assist with evaluating children individually or as part of a team, and communicate assessment or screening results as directed.
Determine each child’s assistive technology needs, including positioning chairs and wheelchair inserts, feeding devices, splints, adaptive toys, and switches.
Provide individual therapy as appropriate to support gross and fine motor development, muscle strength and range of motion, sensory processing, oral motor skills, and self-help skills such as feeding and dressing.
Provide or obtain equipment needed for proper positioning and play.
Communicate effectively with staff, agencies, community programs, children, and parents or guardians.
Keep daily progress notes and maintain records of evaluations, home visits, and other services; prepare quarterly reports and furnish required monthly statistics on time.
Complete an exit skills summary for children transitioning to the school system at age three.
Participate in case conferences, staff meetings, parent group meetings when requested, and the preparation of annual IFSPs.
Attend appropriate workshops and conferences to increase professional effectiveness and meet First Steps’ 15-hour minimum requirement.
Serve as a resource on gross and fine motor, perceptual-motor, sensory motor, sensory processing, and oral motor development, as well as positioning for feeding and speech.
Evaluate infants and toddlers in a variety of settings to determine program needs and participate with First Steps team members in developing appropriate IFSP outcomes.
Provide reports and written programs to families and other professionals in accordance with First Steps guidelines.
Ensure the health and safety of children served; act as a role model, advocate for children, and protect their rights.
Participate in training as required by a supervisor or for LOGAN staff, and perform other duties as assigned.
Plan instructional activities for clients and assist families in accessing community activities.
Respect the confidentiality and cultural diversity of children and families in accordance with LOGAN policies.
May serve on a LOGAN committee addressing the agency’s internal operations.