Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant at Watch Me Shine Inc – Bangor, Maine

Watch ME Shine is seeking a full-time COTA to work in our Bangor school. The Occupational Therapist would provide client-centered assessment and service to preschool and school-aged children in accordance with their plan of care goals.

The COTA will work in both a therapeutic and classroom setting providing skilled services based on industry best practices. Watch ME Shine utilizes a team approach so the ideal candidate would need to be able to work independently as well as collaborate with a team of Ed Tech's and caregivers for service carry over.

Summary:

Provides medically necessary occupational therapy to clients and develops occupational therapy programing in collaboration with the Curriculum Coordinator and Occupational Therapist. Instructs, motivates and assists clients (under the age of 6) in reaching measurable therapy goals.

Essential Job Functions:

Includes the following:

• Implements evidence based interventions appropriate for individual students and/or groups.
• Screens client status and recommends the need for a rehabilitation program, either restorative or maintenance.
• Plans evidence based interventions appropriate for individual students and/or groups.
• Plans for client’s occupational therapy needs on an ongoing basis with direct supervision and assistance from the Occupational Therapist.
• Implements the Plan of Care in a classroom setting or in the occupational therapy office.
• Tracks progress towards goals daily.
• Obtains pertinent case history and data from professionals and caregivers.
• Assists in coordinating occupational therapy programs and other providers/disciplines providing services to the client.
• Arranges the therapy environment to create optimum learning conditions.
• The average week needs to consist of 36 billable hours and 4 non-billable hours.
• This is a requirement for the job and needs to be consistently met to assure our client’s service goals are being consistently met.
• Implements the service delivery model most appropriate to the student’s degree of severity.
• Facilitates effective communication amongst other clinicians providing care.
• Works closely with the Curriculum Coordinator to ensure service wrap-around.
• Chooses therapy materials to meet the needs, age, cultural differences, and interests of individual students.
• Requests any materials and equipment that may be required.
• Uses and maintains materials and equipment in an optimal manner.
• Provides quality occupational therapy treatment sessions 1-5 days a week. Sessions may be in a classroom or in the occupational therapy office, depending on the environmental need(s) of each student.
• Observes the performance of those assisting in the occupational therapy program and provides guidance as necessary.
• Models appropriate behavior, professionalism and therapy.
• Responsible for demonstrating therapy for teachers and other Watch Me Shine staff members who may assist the client with occupational therapy programming.
• Participates in interdisciplinary client care meetings as applicable and maintains ongoing communication with all disciplines involved in the client’s Plan of Care.
• Maintains current, accurate clinical records, timely record changes in client condition, adverse reactions, and problems with informal supports or home environment and reports such to supervisor. Ensures that records are written the day service is rendered and reflect the current condition of the client.
• Completes and submits required documentation within established agency guidelines.
• Submits weekly billing invoices along with supporting documentation to the Team Manager for services rendered.
• Executes all skilled treatment programs as prescribed by the Plan of Care.
• Instructs and informs those working with the client, of the client’s medical status, and occupational therapy program.
• Instructs the client, family and Watch Me Shine staff members in the use of self-help devices which are determined to be necessary for the client’s rehabilitation.
• Integrates the work, efforts and goals of occupational therapy with other team members.
• Acts as a referral source for staff members, families, physicians on services and equipment related to rehabilitation services. Promotes services offered through communication with potential referral sources, including on-site visits, attendance at expos, fairs, etc.
• Provides client/family education as deemed appropriate.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF AGENCY EMPLOYEES:

• Demonstrates a clear understanding of the mission, purpose and philosophy of the program.
• Adheres to ethical business practices by striving to perform in a manner that conforms to the highest standards of ethical behavior, integrity and honesty. Takes initiative and responsibility for decisions as an individual and the company. Exhibits commitment to personal and company-wide goals.
• Participates in the ongoing development of competencies, capabilities, technology and the resources needed to achieve high standards of efficiency and effectiveness. Approaches everything with the passion and desire to meet the highest standards.
• Places needs of the client first at all times. Care management and service delivery are developed with the goals of the client’s healing and support in mind. Strives to deliver lasting value to our clients in the school or the comfort of their home.
• Strives to help lead the industry through vision, technology, innovation, and customer service. Strives to make a difference in the lives of our employees, clients, and community. Encourages a positive environment and experience for co-workers and clients.
• Treats employees, clients and business partners with respect. Fosters teamwork by trusting and supporting each other while encouraging collaboration at all levels of the organization. Embraces diversity and demonstrates the ability to work together.
• Promotes a safe and efficient working environment by adhering to agency policies and procedures.
• Maintains confidentiality of all agency and client related information. Protects client rights as defined in rules and regulations governing services.
• Maintains proper attendance and punctuality to ensure that the department is operated in an efficient and cost effective manner.
• Adheres to departmental and agency dress codes.
• Communicates information effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Attends and participates in staff meetings, required in-services, agency activities and other meetings as requested.
• Utilizes material, equipment and time in a safe, beneficial, and cost effective manner.
• Organizes workload to complete responsibilities in an appropriate and timely manner.
• Observes infection control and universal/standard precautions.
• May need to fill in and provide for Section 28 services occasionally.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.

• Associates Degree (Occupational Therapy Assistant) from an accredited College or University.
• Current license/registration by The State of Maine as an Occupational Therapist Assistant.
• Two years’ experience working in occupational therapy preferred.