Occupational Therapist- North Central Local Early Steps

University of Florida•Gainesville, FL

About The Position

The Early Intervention Professional position is part of the North Central, Local Early Steps (LES) Program, funded through the Department of Pediatrics by the Florida Department of Health, Children’s Medical Services (CMS), Early Steps State Office (ESSO), including federal funding under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Part C. Participates in North Central Early Steps eligibility team evaluations and assists team with the completion of evaluations, assessments and in the completion for those eligible families an Individual Family Support Plan (IFSP). Provides adult learning and parental education as related to the IFSP outcomes and goals. Collaborates with multidisciplinary team in and around our ten county area. Supports and facilitates each child's progress through developmental milestones, increases opportunities for and enhances trusted caregiver-child relationships. Conducts intervention sessions and participates in team consultation in the natural environment using a strength-based primary provider approach. This position will be responsible for ongoing assessment to determine if goals/outcomes are being met on the families IFSP. Training, special instruction and assistance technology needs for our families are vital parts of this position. This position acts as a community liaison for the Early Steps Program, networking with other providers of early intervention services, including the public school systems, private providers, and the medical system. Providing guidance and consultation to our team of ITDS to ensure that their Plans of Care (POC’s) meet with EI Medicaid guidelines. This position is required to participate in in-service training programs as specified by the State Early Steps Program. Completion of this requirement must be documented in the coordinator's personnel file. Maintains and submits intervention notes and billing information timely and accurately for records and payment. Maintains clinical materials, supplies, and work area, and submits requests for replacement or repair as needed.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited Occupational Therapy Program and successful completion of American Occupational Therapy Association certification examination.
Licensed as a Occupational Therapist in accordance with in accordance with Section 468, Florida Statutes and Rule Chapter 64B11, F.A.C.
Valid Florida Driver's license and access to reliable transportation.
This position must meet Department of Health, Children’s Medical Services requirement as a Licensed Early Interventionist and must be eligible to be a Provider of Medicaid’s EI and Therapy.
This position requires travel to outreach clinics, to client’s home as well as various community meetings located in the ten county service area which may be in an excess of two hours one way.
Two to five years of experience working with children birth to five with special needs.
Licensed Occupational Therapist.
Must have or be eligible to receive a Florida Medicaid Number.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of IDEA, Part C Early Intervention
Working knowledge of child development, family dynamics, developmental disabilities, and factors which place infants/ toddlers at risk for developmental delays
Skill in working with young children and their families in collaborating with parents and other professionals.
Experience writing outcome and qualitative note taking abilities
Experience working with community support systems and resources
Communication and interpersonal skills which are effective, respectful, and sensitive with respect to a diverse and multicultural population of children, families, and co-workers
Skills in problem-solving, mediation, conflict resolution and team work are essential for collaboration as a team member, as well as for working with families and community agencies
Strong computer skills. Comfortable in using Microsoft Suite: Outlook, Excel, Word and PowerPoint and databases
Ability to function under pressure in a fast-paced human service environment
Must be capable of dealing with periodic cyclical workload pressures and levels of responsibility.

Responsibilities

Participates in North Central Early Steps eligibility team evaluations and assists team with the completion of evaluations, assessments and in the completion for those eligible families an Individual Family Support Plan (IFSP).
Provides adult learning and parental education as related to the IFSP outcomes and goals.
Collaborates with multidisciplinary team in and around our ten county area.
Supports and facilitates each child's progress through developmental milestones, increases opportunities for and enhances trusted caregiver-child relationships.
Conducts intervention sessions and participates in team consultation in the natural environment using a strength-based primary provider approach.
Responsible for ongoing assessment to determine if goals/outcomes are being met on the families IFSP.
Acts as a community liaison for the Early Steps Program, networking with other providers of early intervention services, including the public school systems, private providers, and the medical system.
Providing guidance and consultation to our team of ITDS to ensure that their Plans of Care (POC’s) meet with EI Medicaid guidelines.
Participate in in-service training programs as specified by the State Early Steps Program.
Maintains and submits intervention notes and billing information timely and accurately for records and payment.
Maintains clinical materials, supplies, and work area, and submits requests for replacement or repair as needed.