Occupational Therapist

Universities of Wisconsin•Madison, WI

12d•$53,514•Onsite

About The Position

The Waisman Center is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge about human development, developmental disabilities, and neurodegenerative diseases throughout the lifespan. One of 15 centers of its kind in the United States, the Waisman Center encompasses laboratories for biomedical and behavioral research, several scientific research cores, and a clinical biomanufacturing facility for the production of pharmaceuticals for early stage human clinical trials. In addition to its research efforts, the Center provides an array of services to people with developmental disabilities, offers numerous educational and outreach programs to young children and their families, and trains scientists and clinicians who will serve our nation in the future. The Occupational Therapist is a staff member of the Communication Aids and Systems Clinic (CASC) and Communication Development Program (CDP), part of the Developmental Disabilities and Genetics Clinical Services unit. This position will work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team with speech-language pathologists and community team members to provide specialized, family-centered, team-oriented occupational therapy services. As part of the Communication Aids and Systems Clinic (CASC) activities, in addition to clinical duties, the occupational therapist will maintain an equipment library, provide in-patient consultations, support mentorship of students, and participate in community outreach. The Developmental Disabilities and Genetics Clinical Services unit is part of the Waisman Center's University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD). The mission of the UCEDD is to support the full inclusion and self-determination of people with developmental disabilities and their families through: development of personnel qualified to provide services in the health, education and social service systems; provision of ser‐vices, technical assistance and the dissemination of information; and the contribution of new knowledge about the causes and prevention of developmental disabilities, the impact of disabilities on individuals and families, and the efficacy of assessment, intervention and support methods. This position is a part-time to full-time position with a full-time equivalency (FTE) of 80-100% (an estimated 32-40 hours per week).

Requirements

Experience with, or strong desire to learn and become proficient in assistive technology (AT) assessment and interventions that include augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).
Ability to execute diagnostic evaluation and establish and complete a plan of care.
Desire to advance knowledge related to AAC in the field of occupational therapy.
Familiarity with mounting technology and establishing access methods for individuals with complex disabilities is essential.
Experience with diverse populations of children and adults with developmental and acquired disabilities including motor and sensory impairments (e.g., cortical visual impairment).
A Master's Degree and/or PhD in Occupational Therapy is required.
Must be licensed or eligible for licensure in the State of Wisconsin as an Occupational Therapist.
A Criminal Background Check will be performed.
The successful applicant will be required to complete HIPAA training and receive certification upon hire and annually thereafter.

Nice To Haves

Creative problem-solving skills and self-initiated learning abilities.
Knowledge of funding process for securing assistive technology and AAC.
Ability to identify appropriate mounting, seating and positioning technology to support communication access.

Responsibilities

May provide expertise, training, and guidance to the community, peers, and/or students
Evaluates patient work or home environment and assesses ability to perform daily living activities; and provides modification recommendations to environments or activities to support daily living activities
Completes reports of patient activities and progress for billing and reporting in compliance with established rules an regulations
Serves as a subject matter expert to patients and internal and external stakeholders providing occupational therapy information to promote the health and well-being of patients
Analyzes and adapts activities to support participation in desired life activities
Administers rehabilitation treatments, assists in the development of treatment plans, evaluates patient conditions and medical history, and instructs on treatment procedures according to established policies and procedures in collaboration with clinical staff and physicians