Occupational Therapist

SCCMHA JOB VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Occupational Therapist

Pay Range: $70,019.03 - 87,286.82 annually

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

Under general supervision of Mental Health Supervisor (OBRA/PASARR and Enhanced Health Services), performs assessments, develops goals and objectives which are appropriate for referred individuals, both adults and children. Monitors goals and objectives as needed. Attends service planning meetings as needed. This position will be knowledgeable about and actively support culturally competent recovery-based practices; person-centered planning as a shared decision making process with the individual, who defines their life goals and is assisted in developing a unique path toward those goals; in a trauma informed culture of safety to aid individuals in the recovery process.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES:

1. Performs assessments on persons served using person-centered principles to evaluate basic physical abilities such as joint mobility, upper body strength, balance, finger, and hand dexterity. Evaluates mental abilities such as memory, attention span, sequencing skills, money, and time management. Writes reports to summarize findings and makes any necessary recommendations.
2. Performs regular monitoring of plans of care. Reads information from direct care workers and summarizes what each person has done in classroom, in community settings, and residential settings to meet objectives. Evaluates for progress, no change, or regression and makes appropriate goal and objective revisions.
3. Performs assessments specific to children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and Serious Emotional Disturbance. Must assess sensory deficits, developmental trajectory, independent living skills, and social interaction with others. May provide direct one-on-one treatment of children.
4. Performs assessments on specific adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, intellectual and developmental disabilities as well as mental illnesses. Must assess sensory deficits, developmental trajectory, independent living skills, and social interaction with others. May provide direct one-on-one treatment.
5. When appropriate, develops/creates occupational therapy related learning materials and/or simple adaptive devices for individual use as part of a treatment strategy.
6. Meets with support coordinator, case manager, nurse, vocational counselor, other clinicians, persons served, family and/or home provider. Summarizes their findings from assessment and makes recommendations for maximizing the person’s independence.
7. Evaluates individual weaknesses/need(s) relative to their desired outcomes and writes long and short-term skill building and/or therapeutic clinical goals for the individual to develop to create independence. Makes recommendations for environmental modifications to assist persons in achieving their outcomes. In-service staff implementing goals.
8. Obtains information on the individual’s behavior and progress at home, in classroom and other treatment settings from direct care staff to provide perspective on individual’s progress in order to assist the person in reaching their goals.
9. Adheres to the mission, vision, core values, and operating principles of Saginaw County Community Mental Health Authority (SCCMHA) at all times.
10. Knowledge of the PASARR process and adheres to the MDHHS regulations concerning timelines of completing sensorimotor development portion of assessments.
11. Participates in staff meetings to receive current information, guidance, and direction from supervisor.
12. May be asked to join or sit in on the Behavior treatment committee (BTC) and other agency committees as deemed appropriate.

INCIDENTAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES:

1. Socializes informally with individuals to facilitate friendly, respectful treatment relationship with the persons served.
2. Attends meetings, seminars, workshops, and community events related to public mental health mission.
3. Reacts productively to change and handles other essential tasks as assigned.
4. Uses computer hardware and software to perform tasks.
5. Participates in Quality Improvement functions.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:

Reports to: Mental Health Supervisor (OBRA/PASARR and Enhanced Health Services)

Supervises: None

WORKING CONDITIONS/ENVIRONMENT:

Works in office environment with usual pressure of time constraints. Drives vehicle on regular basis in all kinds of weather. May be exposed to communicable diseases and bodily fluids.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education:

A licensed registered occupational therapist (OTR).

License and Certifications:

Valid Michigan Driver’s license with a good driving record.

1. Knowledge of occupational therapy and intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism spectrum disorder.
2. Has experience evaluating and treating adults and children with autism spectrum disorder, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and mental illness.
3. Ability to use tact and diplomacy and relate to individuals from all social, economic, and cultural backgrounds.
4. Analytical ability.
5. Ability to exercise independent and mature judgment.
6. Ability to maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
7. Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
8. Clinical awareness and sensitivity, including belief that individuals with intellectual and development disabilities, autism spectrum disorder and mental illness can be meaningful participants in our community.
9. Ability to handle individuals who may be disruptive or potentially violent.
10. Excellent communication skills

Physical/Mental Requirements:

1. Hearing acuity to converse in person and on telephone.
2. Visual Acuity to observe persons served behavior, read and proofread documents.
3. Ability to walk, stand or sit for extended periods of time.
4. Manual dexterity to write and to operate standard office equipment (PC, Keyboard, Copy Machine, Fax Machine, etc.)
5. Ability to lift and carry files and supplies at least 20 pounds.
6. Strong interpersonal skills to interact with leadership, employees, persons served and the general public.
7. Analytical skills necessary to conduct research, analyze, and interpret complex data and identify and solve problems by proposing courses of action.
8. Ability to plan short and long range and to manage and schedule time.
9. Ability to handle stress in meeting deadlines and dealing with large numbers of employees and/or persons served.
10. Must meet COVID-19 vaccine requirements.

(Listed qualifications are for guidance in filling this position. Any combination of education and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered; however, mandatory licensing or certification requirements cannot be waived. Physical/mental requirements cannot be waived unless specifically indicated.)