OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST - CHILDREN'S SERVICES

LOGAN Community Resources, Inc.•South Bend, IN

10d

About The Position

A First Steps Occupational Therapist evaluates and provides therapy to infants and toddlers in a variety of settings. The therapist assesses gross motor, fine motor, oral motor, perceptual motor, and sensory integration functioning, then provides 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, and progress to staff and families; provides parent training; and suggests home programming. The role includes evaluating children individually or with a team, determining assistive technology and equipment needs, and providing individual therapy to support motor development, strength and range of motion, sensory processing, oral motor abilities, and self-help skills. The therapist maintains records and progress reports, contributes to IFSPs and case conferences, provides written programs and reports, and serves as a resource to families and professionals. The therapist also plans instructional activities, helps families access community activities, and carries out general responsibilities related to children’s health, safety, rights, confidentiality, and cultural diversity.

Requirements

Registered Occupational Therapist in the State of Indiana; currently registered or licensed with the Indiana Health Professions Bureau.
Enrolled in Indiana’s First Steps provider program.
Valid driver’s license and ability to drive to 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 provide developmental outcomes 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 may be considered if the candidate lacks experience.

Responsibilities

Evaluate children individually or with a team, including in a variety of settings, to determine developmental and program needs.
Communicate assessment and screening results as directed.
Determine children’s assistive technology needs, including positioning chairs and wheelchair inserts, feeding devices, splints, adaptive toys, and switches.
Provide individual therapy, when appropriate, to maintain or improve gross and fine motor development, muscle strength and range of motion, sensory processing, oral motor abilities, and self-help skills such as feeding, dressing, and pre-speech skills.
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 and home visits; prepare quarterly reports.
Complete exit skills summaries for children transitioning to the school system at age three.
Participate in case conferences, staff meetings, and parent group meetings when requested.
Participate with team members in writing annual IFSPs and developing appropriate IFSP outcomes.
Attend appropriate workshops and conferences to improve professional effectiveness and meet First Steps’ 15-hour minimum requirement.
Serve as a resource on motor development, sensory processing, oral motor development, and positioning for feeding and speech.
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 and advocate, and protect children’s rights.
Participate in training as required by the supervisor or for LOGAN staff, and perform other duties as assigned.
Plan instructional activities for clients and assist families in accessing community activities.
Submit required monthly statistics on time.
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.
Demonstrate developmental outcomes and activities or strategies to families and caregivers.
Travel to visits, therapy sessions, or IFSP sites using reliable transportation.