Occupational Therapy Assistant -Independent Living Coach

Job DetailsPosition: Occupational Therapy Assistant- Independent Living Coaching

Position Objective: Provide occupational therapy treatment services under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist while providing individualized life coaching and supported living services to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The position will promote functional independence, health and wellness, community participation, development of daily living skills, and achievement of person-centered goals through a combination of skilled occupational therapy and individualized coaching/support.

Position(s) Supervised: None

Responsible To: Director of Resident Services

Unique Position Opportunity: This position offers a unique opportunity to combine occupational therapy and independent living supports within The Arc Jacksonville’s Adult Programs. The Occupational Therapy Assistant provides skilled occupational therapy services while also supporting residents in developing and maintaining the skills needed to live as independently as possible. Through individualized, person-centered coaching and therapeutic support, the position promotes functional independence, daily living skills, health and wellness, community participation, and overall quality of life.

Agency Job Requirements

Demonstrate and encourage positive, polite interactions with people receiving services in a manner that does not reflect personal opinions, values, or negative emotions.
Review available information to develop a working knowledge of each person served, including their disabilities, medical and behavioral status, personal goals, preferences, strengths, and training/support methods, and use this information to provide effective, individualized interactions and support.
Assist people in making informed choices by educating them about available options, discussing the potential benefits and risks of possible decisions, and respecting choices made unless they are likely to endanger the health or safety of the individual.
Consistently follow directions and established procedures for implementing and documenting training, support, occupational therapy, and/or behavioral plans without making changes based on personal preferences or style, and participate in training to enhance job skills.
Interact with co-workers, supervisory and administrative staff in a courteous manner that encourages a positive and cooperative work environment. Communicate with Support Coordinators, family members, health care professionals, community partners, and others in a manner that promotes a positive image of The Arc Jacksonville and the people it serves.
Immediately report any emergency situations, potential safety hazards, changes in health or functional status, or other information that may affect the health, safety, or services of a person receiving support to the appropriate supervisor.
Review and comply with all Agency policies, procedures, and directives, as well as these issued by the Agency for Persons with Disabilities and other applicable regulatory or funding entities.
Maintain appropriate dress, good hygiene, and professional behavior and conduct that reflects positively on the Agency's mission and the people it serves.
Be willing and able to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings and weekends, based on program needs, community events, staff coverage, trainings, and agency activities.
Possess a positive driving record and safe, reliable automobile for routine transportation of people receiving services and for other work functions, sufficient to meet all applicable legal and insurance requirements.
Perform other duties as assigned to support the mission, vision, and operational needs of The Arc Jacksonville while maintaining flexibility to meet changing program priorities.

Program Specific Job Requirements for Occupational Therapy Program:

Provide occupational therapy treatment services under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist in accordance with established plans of care, applicable payer requirements, and professional standards.
Implement individualized treatment plans developed by the supervising Occupational Therapist to improve residents' independence, safety, mobility, participation in daily activities, cognition, upper extremity function, and overall quality of life.
Provide approximately 5-6 occupational therapy treatment sessions and/ or supported living coaching sessions daily (15–20 visits per week) while maintaining quality documentation, clinical standards, and person-centered care.
Observe residents' functional status and communicate changes, concerns, progress, and recommendations to the supervising Occupational Therapist.
Complete timely, accurate, and clinically appropriate documentation of occupational therapy services in accordance with Medicare, Medicaid, commercial insurance, and Agency requirements.
Assist with implementation and recommendations related to adaptive equipment, environmental modifications, fall prevention strategies, wheelchair positioning, activities of daily living, and other interventions that promote functional independence.
Participate in interdisciplinary treatment planning and communicate with residential, behavioral health, and Adult Programs staff regarding residents' functional status, progress, and ongoing needs.
Perform additional occupational therapy-related duties as assigned by the supervising Occupational Therapist or Vice President of Adult Programs to support resident outcomes, regulatory compliance, program development, and quality improvement initiatives.

Additional Responsibilities

Participate in community outings, special events, health fairs, fundraisers, recreational activities, and wellness initiatives.
Provide support during agency-sponsored evening and weekend events as assigned.
Assist with staff coverage during operational needs, planned absences, or special programming.
Maintain current CPR/First Aid certification and required agency training.
Maintain a valid Florida Occupational Therapy Assistant license in good standing.
Maintain a valid Florida driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
Perform additional duties as assigned.

QualificationsMinimum Qualifications

Graduate of an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program.
Current Florida Occupational Therapy Assistant license.
Experience working with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities preferred.
Experience in behavioral health or psychosocial rehabilitation preferred.
Strong interpersonal, organizational, and documentation skills.
Ability to work independently while functioning as part of an interdisciplinary team.
Valid Florida driver's license with acceptable driving record.
Ability to successfully complete all required background screenings.

Please note that all employees of The Arc Jacksonville must complete a background screening housed and managed by the Agency for Health Care Administration called the Florida Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse. The Clearinghouse is a first-in-the-nation enterprise system for background screening results of individuals required by law to undergo screening for employment in positions that provide services to vulnerable populations, as mandated by section 435.12, Florida Statutes.

To learn more and complete your screening, please visit info.flclearinghouse.com.