Occupational Therapist

SUMMARY

Denver Children’s Home (DCH) is seeking a full-time Occupational Therapist (40 hours per week). DCH provides comprehensive therapeutic and educational services to residential, day treatment, and in-home clients using an interdisciplinary, trauma-informed approach for children and families who have experienced significant trauma. The Occupational Therapist will provide services to residential clients and day treatment students of Bansbach Academy, in consultation with the interdisciplinary and educational team.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

• Conducts client evaluations and creates individualized goals and treatment plans in a timely manner.
• Provides occupational therapy services within individual, small group, and classroom settings based on individual client needs under the discretion of the team psychiatrist.
• Provides occupational therapy services within the educational environment and consults with the educational team (teachers, youth treatment counselors, and IEP committee) to best support individual client needs.
• Utilizes trauma-informed care approaches and remains up to date on evidenced-based practices to inform the decision-making process.
• Prepares and maintains accurate client documentation, including evaluation reports, weekly progress notes, and discharge summaries.
• Effectively collaborates and communicates with the interdisciplinary team by attending weekly team meetings.
• Assesses clients’ immediate contexts and environments impacting their occupational performance and participation, and implements modifications as necessary.
• Reviews individualized treatment plan and progress through collaborative, monthly goal reviews and annual re-evaluations as needed.
• Advises staff through education and training (formal or informal) on client-centered care to best support occupational performance and participation within various social contexts of the facility.
• Organizes inventory of supplies and equipment, and adheres to equipment maintenance protocols as necessary.
• Maintains professional licensure, adheres to standards of practice, and upholds the AOTA Code of Ethics.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Education and/or Experience

• Colorado Department of Education Special Services Licensure (may be obtained within 3 months of employment).  
• Minimum Education Requirement: Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Therapy obtained from an accredited program in compliance with ACOTE standards.
• Preferred Education: Master’s Degree or Doctorate Degree in Occupational Therapy obtained from an accredited program in compliance with ACOTE standards.
• Current NBCOT Certification.
• Current licensure with the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies.
• Preferred Experience: At least 2 years of experience working in a mental health or a school setting with a pediatric population with significant social-emotional disabilities, intellectual disabilities, mental illness, or trauma.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Understand and implement short-term crisis interventions, behavior management interventions, and milieu management strategies.
• Knowledge of the OT process and ability to utilize critical thinking skills to make informed, clinical decisions.
• Effective time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and demonstrate flexibility. 
• Cultural awareness, sensitivity, and humility.
• Ability to communicate effectively and collaborate with the team, students, parents, and outside professionals.
• Knowledge of Federal and State Special Education regulations.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

This position requires continuous walking, standing, sitting, and use of fine motor skills (writing, typing). The ability to observe and record client activities, interventions, and abilities depends on detailed hearing and visual acuity. This position requires the ability to routinely perform light lifting, pushing, or pulling of 1-20lbs, with occasional moderate lifting, pushing, or pulling of 21-60lbs. Additionally, this position frequently requires bending, stooping, or reaching above shoulder level. Navigation of the building requires the ability to ascend and descend stairs safely and comfortably. Occasionally, this position may require assistance with transportation and driving automatic vehicles around the community for client appointments. Each employee of Denver Children’s Home will receive Therapeutic Crisis Intervention Training and must demonstrate ability to adhere to training guidelines throughout the facility.

Additional Requirements:

• Must pass a background check.
• Possess a valid Colorado Driver’s License
• A good driving record that qualifies for DCH insurance coverage.

Salary : $68,000 - $80,000