Occupational Therapist (Per Diem)

This is a Per Diem role that provides direct, consultative, and supportive diagnostic and therapeutic services in occupational therapy to persons served and staff members to enhance the individual potential for learning and to meet the specific rehabilitation needs of persons served.

Provides direct and consultative occupational therapy services, including assessments and treatments, in accordance with regulations, standards, and guidelines defined by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) Code of Ethical Practice, National Board Certification of Occupational Therapists (NBCOT), Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act (HIPAA), Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), the Individual Program Plan (IPP), and established Bancroft policies and procedures.
• At the request of Trans-Disciplinary Team members, conducts diagnostic assessments of the need for occupational therapy services and develops treatment plans for individual persons served:
• Determines the need for therapeutic intervention for each person served;
• Reviews individual records, administers standardized testing, performs formal and informal testing, conducts specialized screenings, interprets assessment results, and provides recommendations for service delivery; o Performs assessment of the individual's daily living activities within the Bancroft residential setting to determine individual capabilities, limitations, and rehabilitation needs;
• Based on assessment, develops and modifies treatment plans based upon the individual's abilities. As requested by team members, provides reassessment of persons served, focusing on targeted areas of need at established intervals;
• Plans and develops goals specific to physical therapy and treatment services that are achievable, functional, measurable, and will be effectively utilized in each individual's rehabilitation program.
• Provides direct and consultative treatment services in occupational therapy to persons served: Effectively utilizes available information regarding therapy and treatment for each person served. Provides assistance in the development of occupational therapy and treatment-specific goals and objectives; o Assists program management in the design of functional strategies and the need for adaptive equipment that enhances learning and creates an environment best suited to individual profile and needs. Provides individual, group, and integrated direct treatment, therapy, and/or special rehabilitation skills to persons served;
• Prompts and/or assists each person in the achievement of goals while actively encouraging the independence and competency of each person within his/her ability limit;
• Plans and schedules frequency and duration of sessions in accordance with individual needs; o Provides suggestions regarding the utilization of techniques and/or materials to support and enhance functional abilities. Recommends appropriate adaptive equipment to facilitate optimal functioning, provides recommendations regarding positioning, identifies barriers that may impede individual progress, and recommends environmental accommodations to support functioning and facilitate the carryover of therapeutic goals;
• Demonstrates and instructs persons served and staff in the proper use of functional and adaptive equipment, devices, and occupational therapy strategies and techniques to further the fine motor, sensory, neuromuscular, visual motor/perceptual, and self-care skills of persons served; e.g., computer use, positioning and feeding equipment, handwriting strategies, manual therapy techniques, etc.;
• Utilizes a system of documentation that is professional, efficient, accountable, and conforms to federal, state and other applicable policies and procedures; develops and maintains progress reports, session notes, treatment summary reports, etc., as required by the IPP;
• Provides training on a variety of topics and specific to occupational therapy to persons served and staff members regarding the implementation and monitoring of treatment plans, etc.
• Facilitates a team approach to program development, implementation, and monitoring by effectively collaborating with all specialty/clinical disciplines, parents/guardians, residential and day program staff, etc., to identify and best meet the individual rehabilitation needs of each person served.
• Actively participates in monthly team/departmental meetings, etc., and serves as a member of the Trans Disciplinary Team (TDT) process in conjunction with the Individual Program Plan (IPP). Communicates results of assessments and treatment plans to persons served, family members, residential and day program staff, external case managers, etc.
• Provides crisis intervention, as needed, through de-escalation techniques, staff support, and assistance. Follows state-approved emergency procedures and utilizes Bancroft-approved crisis intervention techniques at all times.
• Ensures the site operates in accordance with the organization's quality standards for safety, security, and cleanliness, as well as applicable state licensing and accreditation standards.
• May work with occupational therapy students throughout course of assignment in the assessment and treatment of persons served. Provides daily advice and guidance to students and strives to increase students' knowledge of discipline-specific methods and techniques.
• Maintains an awareness of current and changing trends, techniques, methods, and research in the field of occupational therapy and treatments by attending learning workshops and professional seminars, reading journals, attending in-service workshops, external conferences in area of specialty/clinical discipline, etc.
• Serves as a role model to persons served and staff members by projecting a positive self-image of professionalism, appearance, confidentiality, courtesy, conduct, honesty, fairness, personal integrity, and a respect for the fundamental rights, dignity, and privacy of others.
• Performs other direct service, consultative, assessment, and supportive duties specific to occupational therapy and treatment services as assigned or as necessary. Remains flexible and adaptable in work schedules and work assignments as defined by rehabilitation needs.
• Abides by the Bancroft Code of Ethics, Mission Statement, and Vision Statement in promoting ethical behavior, establishing relationships and providing guidance in decision-making situations.
• Remains current with required training certifications, meets state-regulated licensing and regulatory accreditations, and adheres to mandatory requirements.
• Maintains effective verbal and written communications with colleagues, those served, and their family members and/or guardians when applicable.
• Willingly and effectively cooperates with Bancroft NeuroHealth, The Department of Human Services, The Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), and other licensing or state agency or local municipalities in any inspections and investigations, upon request.
• Maintains a safe and respectful environment, free of abuse, neglect, or exploitation; does not allow weapons, threats, bullying or intimidation.
• Reports any violations to the appropriate individual as soon as the incident occurs.
• Maintains levels of supervision as defined in behavior plans; e.g., Individual Program Plan (IPP), Individual Rehabilitation Plan (IRP), Individual Education Plan (IEP), Individual Service Plan (ISP), etc., when applicable.
• Demonstrates Bancroft's core values of RESPECT in the performance of position responsibilities.

Education & Experience:

Master's degree in Occupational Therapy required with Registration by the National Board of Occupational Therapy and current licensing by the State of New Jersey. Minimum of one year of work experience in occupational therapy preferred, working with neurologically-impaired individuals.

Special Skills:

Knowledge of anatomy and physiology required with the ability to observe, assess, and record symptoms, reactions, and progress. Ability to effectively communicate medical information, test results, diagnoses and/or proposed treatment in a manner easily understood required. Knowledge of occupational therapy theory, practice, methods, and techniques required.

Effective communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills required with a strong desire to work with individuals with developmental disabilities. Ability to work independently and as an integral part of a team required. Ability to implement crisis intervention techniques required. Attainment of CPR, First Aid, and Crisis Prevention and Intervention certification within first 90 days of employment required. Valid driver's license required in incumbent's legal name and current address with no provisional restrictions. Minimum 18 years of age required.

An incumbent in this position who has graduated from an accredited college with a Bachelors degree in Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech/Language Pathology, Social Work, Recreation, Art, Dance, Music, Physical Education, Nutrition, Sociology, Special Education, Rehabilitation Counseling, Psychology or related Human Services field of study AND possesses at least one year of experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities or brain injuries may function as a Qualified Mental Retardation Professional (QMRP).

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

1. ADAPTING TO CHANGE - Demonstrates willingness and an ability to adjust to change. This change may involve new ways of doing things, working with different types of people, performing unfamiliar tasks, or adjusting one's schedule in order to accommodate changes.
2. COACHING - Explains new information or skills to another individual for the purpose of improving that person's performance. Patiently works with the individual to ensure that he/she understands and is competent at the skill or competency area.
3. COMMUNICATION - Presents ideas in an easy to understand manner with an engaging and captivating style. Effectively communicates complex ideas or thoughts in an easy to understand manner. Uses appropriate grammar, including vocabulary and sentence structure. Expresses information and ideas, orally and in writing, in a manner that is clear, concise, and easy to comprehend. Uses proper spelling, grammar, and sentence structure.
4. FLEXIBILITY/MANAGING STRESS - Demonstrates willingness and the ability to adjust to working with different types of people, stressful, or demanding situations, or adjusting one's schedule in order to accommodate changes. Maintains a realistic interpretation of what constitutes a stressful situation. Functions effectively even when faced with stress and/or stressful situations. Effectively manages and controls stress-related responses in order to perform a job effectively and successfully.
5. INITIATIVE - Is proactive rather than reactive both in thought and action. Identifies areas for improvement and takes necessary steps to implement those changes. Is a self-starter rather than waiting for direction from others.
6. PATIENT CARE ORIENTATION - Takes action and the time to develop a productive and therapeutic relationship with patients. Delivers patient care in a holistic and compassionate manner. Frequently interacts and follows up with patients to ensure proper care is provided.
7. PLANNING & ORGANIZING - Schedules and organizes time and resources based on an established plan. Sets up and maintains systems in order to organize and keep track of tasks and assignments. Appropriately prioritizes tasks and activities.
8. POSITIVE ATTITUDE - Views the world in a positive, optimistic manner. Does not always assume that there are hidden agendas behind every act. Maintains a positive demeanor and effective work behavior, even in the face of challenges or obstacles.
9. PROBLEM SOLVING - Is able to effectively resolve problems that involve people, things, and processes that require general logic and common sense. This may include gathering relevant information, considering alternatives, and drawing logical conclusions based on facts.
10. SAFETY - Is aware of factors that affect employee safety and uses good judgment in all work situations that could potentially affect anyone's safety. Takes action to correct safety hazards and anticipates and addresses potentially unsafe situations.
11. SEEING THE BIG PICTURE - Is able to step back from detailed data analysis to understand how the analysis and/or implications of the analysis fit into a larger picture. Identifies and understands connections, interrelationships and cause-effect relationships among different pieces of data while not becoming too deeply mired in the details.
12. TEAMWORK - Works effectively with others to accomplish goals. Effectively handles conflicts with other team members. Focuses first on the effectiveness and success of the team as a group. Is sensitive to the needs, strengths, weaknesses, and differences of individual players within the team.
13. WORKING SUCCESSFULLY WITH OTHERS/SENSITIVITY TO DIVERSITY - Works effectively with others on a team or in a work group to accomplish goals. Effectively handles conflicts with other team members. Is sensitive to the needs, strengths, weaknesses, and differences of individuals. Respects individual/cultural/gender differences and adapts style or approach in order to mutually benefit the relationship. Views and responds to feedback as a learning process as opposed to an affront on one's self-esteem or personal competence. Encourages and supports the ideas and effort of other team members. Finds or creates ways to help the team perform more effectivel

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Bancroft is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and supports diversity, equity and inclusion in its hiring and employment practices, so that every team member can feel a true sense of belonging, and maximize their unique potential. To this end, all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

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