Occupational Therapist / COTA - Middletown Education Center

Description

Abilities First, Inc., has been making a difference in the lives of people with developmental disabilities for over sixty years. We offer a wide variety of services including school and preschool programs, day habilitation, residential habilitation, community habilitation, and employment services.

Abilities First recognizes the value of diverse experiences, identities, and backgrounds to and does not discriminate in hiring. We are inclusive, welcoming and supportive of people of varying abilities, races, ethnicities, religions, socio-economic status, gender and gender identities. Abilities First is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Abilities First is seeking a part-time OT or COTA for our Middletown Education Center. This position offers the opportunity to work with an interdisciplinary team focusing on the educational programming for all children at every level of ability. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, performing all initial evaluations and periodic re-evaluations of students, determining appropriate short and long-term goals, evaluating new referrals to determine need for service, planning and implementing appropriate occupational therapy programs.

OT Hourly Range:  $35.11-$37.11 per hour

COTA Hourly Range: $22.74 – $24.74

• Performs all initial evaluations and periodic re-evaluations and determines appropriate short- and long-term goals for students on caseload.
• Plans and implements appropriate occupational therapy program.
• Schedules assigned caseload in conjunction with classroom staff and other related services.
• Evaluates new referrals to determine need for service.
• Responsible for written documentation as required by school and preschool policies. Must adhere to paperwork deadlines, agency forms, and content.
• Assesses student’s needs (in collaboration with clinical an educational staff as indicated) Responsible for recommending, fabricating, and adapting equipment for assigned caseload, according to Abilities First, Inc. policies and with assistance from equipment technician.
• Responsible for regularly communicating with parents, classroom staff, and related service personnel, regarding individual students' program and progress. 
• Informs appropriate staff and parent/primary caretaker of need for periodic reassessment of student by a physician. 
• Participates in staff meetings, team meetings, and parent/teacher conferences when indicated.
• Supervises COTA’s as assigned by Administrative Staff.
• Participates in supervision and training of Occupational Therapy and Occupational therapy Assistant affiliating students as assigned by Administrative Staff
• As requested, attends CSE annual reviews and other such meetings relating to child’s therapy needs in the educational setting
• Assists in maintenance of treatment sites. 
• Provided departmental in services when indicated. 
• Must have a current NYS driver’s license, free of moving violations (amendable to Class E); deemed acceptable by our insurance carrier. 
• Ensures that employees follow the Code of Ethical and Legal Behavior and conform to the strictest standards of Corporate Compliance and HIPAA, as well as all federal, state, local and municipal laws and regulations. 
• Follows all agency policy and procedures and demonstrates continuous regard to personal safety and the safety of others. 
• Performs other appropriate job-related activities as requested by your supervisor or as circumstances warrant. 
• Adheres to State Education rules and regulations. Preschool employees must adhere to Office of Children and Family Services policies.  
• Have the ability to lift up to 50 lbs., bend, squat, bend the knees, pivot and grasp with both hands (in order to properly and safely perform the techniques taught in CPR/First Aid, behavior intervention techniques, and lifting and carrying techniques).
• Lift individuals by using appropriate techniques, including but not limited to usage of tools to assist, such as the Hoyer Lift.
• Assist individuals in ambulation by providing physical assistance, including use of a gait belt or other equipment where necessary.
• Have the ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time.
• Have the ability to push, pull, and maneuver students in wheelchairs.
• Possess verbal and written communication skills, in English, to ensure adequate health and safety and regulatory documentation requirements.

This is a part-time position eligible for these benefits.

• 401(k) plan
• Increased earning potential with online training through College of Direct Support
• On Demand Payment – access your earnings as early as the next day
• Discounts with Verizon, AT&T, Royal Carting, etc.
• And More!

Requirements

OT

• BS/MS Degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited college required.
• Licensed, or eligible for licensure, with NYS Department of Education required.
• Clean driver’s license that is deemed “acceptable” by our insurance carrier.
• Handle with Care, CPR, SFA, and Med Certification a plus. Ability to obtain these certifications required.
• Background check by NYS OPWDD required.
• Lifting and maneuvering of individuals is required

COTA

• Associate’s degree from an AOTA accredited COTA program
• Certified with the NYS Education Department

Salary : $23 - $25