Occupational Therapist I

Easterseals is leading the way to full equity, inclusion and access through life-changing disability and community services. For more than 100 years, we have worked tirelessly with our partners to enhance quality of life and expand local access to healthcare, education and employment opportunities.  Easterseals Southern California provides essential services and on-the-ground supports to more than 15,000 people each year—from early childhood programs for the critical first five years, to autism services, daily and independent living services for adults, employment programs, veterans’ services and more. Our public education, policy and advocacy initiatives positively shape perceptions and address the urgent and evolving needs of the one in four Americans with disabilities today. Together, we’re empowering people with disabilities, families and communities to be full and equal participants in society.

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OVERVIEW OF POSITION: Provides discipline-specific treatment for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), including evaluation, planning, documentation, and professional communication. Develops and monitors individualized goals and plans as identified in the Individualized Treatment Plan (ITP) in conjunction with other programs, as needed.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION:

• Evaluates and treats children referred for occupational therapy services using established evaluation procedure and standardized assessments, particularly in perceptual/sensory motor, fine motor and activities of daily living. Using independent discretion and judgement develops individualized occupational therapy treatment, plans and goals.
• Partners with interdisciplinary team to provide discipline-specific consultation to other direct-care staff. Develops and provides coaching for family members and/or child to incorporate new skills and/or techniques into normal routines and activities at home. Works with caregivers to implement a home program that achieves occupational therapy goals. Assists in the coordination of services and makes appropriate referrals as needed.
• Completes necessary documentation including evaluations, treatment notes, progress reports and exit summaries, and keeps updated with current medical reports and other site-related documents on each child.
• Remains current regarding new research, current trends and developments in autism, special education and related fields.
• Attends and assists with staff meetings, in-services and other meetings as requested, regarding occupational therapy across program service divisions.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION:

Master’s degree in occupational therapy from an accredited program.|Current California Board of Occupational Therapy license issued by the state of California.|Current registration with the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).|Must have and maintain current CPR certification card.

EXPERIENCE:

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

• Knowledgeable in occupational therapy, transdisciplinary early-intervention theories, and rehabilitation principles and practices.
• Knowledgeable of evidence-based practices found to benefit children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Familiar with the field of early intervention.
• Ability to maintain positive customer service orientation and professionalism in all interactions.
• Able to consistently demonstrate good judgment and decision-making skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively, through oral and written skills, and work cooperatively with a variety of individuals and groups. Must relate well to children and their families and maintain positive affect.
• Ability to exercise discretion and maintain a high level of confidentiality to handle sensitive and confidential situations and documentation.
• Able to interpret and implement policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Very good working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, etc) and related computer software.
• Able to obtain and maintain criminal record/fingerprint clearance from the Department of Justice and FBI per Easter Seals Southern California and/or program requirements.

Carrying/Lifting: Constant/ 0-40 lbs.
Standing: Constant / Up to 8 hours per day
Sitting: Occasional / Up to 3 hours per day
Walking: Occasional / Up to 3 hours per day
Repetitive Motion/Activity: Keyboard activity, telephone use, writing.
Visual Acuity: Ability to view computermonitor and read newsprint
Travel: Up to 0% of time
Environmental Exposure: None