Occupational Therapist

EASTERSEALS CENTRAL ILLINOIS•Peoria, IL

27d•$65,000 - $80,000•Onsite

About The Position

Easterseals Central Illinois is a trusted leader in pediatric therapy, empowering children with developmental delays, disabilities, and special needs to reach their fullest potential. We are seeking a passionate Occupational Therapist to join our collaborative team, offering a variety of specialized services designed to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and their families. In this role, you’ll have the opportunity to work in: Aquatic Therapy: Utilize our state-of-the-art warm water therapy pool at the Peoria service center to create fun, innovative, and effective therapy programs that help children improve mobility, strength, and coordination. ASD Diagnostic Clinic: Be a vital part of our multi-disciplinary team providing comprehensive evaluations, early diagnoses, and customized recommendations for children and families at the earliest stages of need. Assistive Technology Clinic: Collaborate with vendors and funding sources to assess, recommend, and procure adaptive mobility devices, including wheelchairs and standers, to enhance children's independence. Early Intervention Services: Work with children under age 3 to help them meet developmental milestones through Occupational, Feeding, Physical, and Speech-Language Therapy in natural environments such as homes, daycares, and community spaces. Outpatient Pediatric Rehabilitation: Be a key part of an interdisciplinary team providing outpatient treatment to children and their families. You will evaluate and design therapy programs focused on improving fine motor and self-help skills, upper extremity function, activities of daily living, visual/perceptual skills, and sensory integration processing to enhance children’s functional abilities and daily living. The Occupational Therapist functions as a member of the interdisciplinary treatment team providing outpatient treatment and consultation services to clients 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.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited university with a degree in occupational therapy is required.
Must be licensed in the State of Illinois or eligible for licensure.
Illinois Early Intervention credential or eligible for credential.
Advanced knowledge and skill necessary to provide treatment plans related to credentialed/licensed field of practice.
Demonstrate proficiency with EHR and required Rehab workflows including timely patient care documentation and billing for accurate medical records.
Working knowledge of personal computers and software (MS Office Suite).
Must have visual ability sufficient to read and accurately complete written correspondence, reports, etc., and computer screen information.
Frequent use of hands to grasp, handle, or feel.
Close supervision of clients and physical assistance or redirection during treatment sessions and use of novel/suspended equipment to maintain client safety.
Regular standing, walking, sitting, bending, lifting, and reaching.
Occasional kneeling, work with clients on floor mats, and transitions from floor to standing related to patient care.
Ability to lift and/or carry up to fifty (50) pounds.
Ability to drive to all Easterseals centers and service sites within a 100-mile radius, as needed.

Nice To Haves

A minimum of one year of proven successful experience in the area of pediatric occupational therapy is preferred.

Responsibilities

Completes initial evaluation and evaluation report(s) for each client. Establishes individualized therapy goals and generates data for OT Plan of Care, identifying appropriate treating diagnoses and treatment recommendations. Completes progress notes every three to six months or as required.
Provides direct therapy with a focus on client and family priorities addressing functional limitations and participation in daily activities and family routines at service centers, natural environments, and or by telehealth.
Participates in parent/guardian Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) multidisciplinary and caregiver meetings as appropriate. Attends medical staffing/case studies to participate in interdisciplinary team discussions.
Reports cancellations and no shows to the scheduling team for proper documentation and action. Accurately completes documentation demonstrating a skilled need for services and completes billing in EHR following payer guidelines.
Develops and instructs family members on in-home program activities, and revises as necessary. Provides parent/guardian/family training during the session regarding HEP and therapy strategies.
Participates as needed or requested in the smooth transition of an individual to a public school program or other placement as necessary. Corresponds with physicians and other professionals involved in the care/treatment of the client/family as necessary and documents in EHR.
Attends program services meetings, discipline meetings, rehab staff meetings, case studies, and in-services.
Completes competencies and maintains established departmental policies and procedures, safety and infection control standards, quality assurance, and accreditation standards of the Center.
Ensures that all requirements for credentialing and licensure are maintained (e.g. Early Interventions credentialing, safety care training, CPR, Illinois license, certification).
Provides Assistive Technology Clinic and Orthotic services including evaluation, equipment orders, fittings, follow up and the manufacture of splints as necessary for each client followed.
Mentors new staff members as requested.
Fulfills contractual obligations as requested.
Complete letters of medical necessity as needed.
Participate in Clinics as requested.
Supervises clinical students and Occupational Therapist Assistants as requested.
Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
Vacation, Sick, and Personal time
5 Paid Holidays: Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and the day after Thanksgiving
Paid Holiday break: both the Peoria Clinic and the Bloomington clinic are closed Christmas Eve through New Years Day (this is on top of the PTO already mentioned!)
Event Days: Earn additional PTO hours if you volunteer with us!
Comprehensive Group Health Insurance
Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance with multiple plan options
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for Medical and Dependent Care expenses
Employer-Paid Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance
Voluntary Life and AD&D Coverage options for employee, spouse, and/or children
Supplemental Coverage Options: Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity Plans
Retirement Planning
401(k) Retirement Plan with Employer Match
Employee Support & Discounts
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for 24/7 confidential support
Exclusive Employee Discounts through PerkSpot and local gym partnerships
Professional Development
Annual Professional Development & CEU Allowance
New Employee Referral Bonus
Easterseals qualifies for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program