Occupational Therapists / Real-Life Skills Coach - Per Diem - Throughout MA

Instructions for Application

To apply, please send a cover letter and resume Crystal Jean: Show email. For questions about this position, please contact Crystal Jean at View phone number on nesca-newton.com or Show email. All inquiries will be held in the strictest confidence.

Position Details:

NESCA is seeking per diem occupational therapists to join the Real-life Skills Coaching team (4-10 hours per week, usually afterschool hours).

Coaches provide services for adolescents and adults looking to develop functional life skills in their own homes and communities. For example, coaches and their clients may explore leisure activities at restaurants and coffee shops, volunteer at a pet shelter, apply for part-time work or internships, or work together to develop a study plan for a community college class. Concrete skills such as managing money, using transportation, personal shopping, self-care routines, and meal preparation are often areas of need for clients. The ideal candidate will be a self-starter with excellent organizational and communication skills who enjoys coaching young people using a relational model and a great deal of creativity. A passion for learning and helping others is a must.

Job Details

Identify occupational performance deficits using a client and family centered approach

Implement individualized services for youth with a wide range of cognitive, learning, and developmental abilities and disability-related needs

Plan and execute “fun and functional” sessions focused on skill development related to independent living, community success, and/or college and work readiness

Communicate effectively with clients, families, school personnel, and any other relevant team members

Work with clients to create weekly written (i.e., email) summaries of coaching sessions to share with team members

Report (in writing) on progress and make recommendations for needed service provision when needed/appropriate

Provide in-person services outside of typical school hours (Weekdays after 3 and/or weekends)

Qualifications

Master’s degree minimum; MA licensure in Occupational Therapy

1-3 years of experience as an OT working in a school or clinic setting, preferably with teens and young adults

Previous experience working with clients with emotional, behavioral or medically complex challenges and their families

Proficiency in using self-determination principles and building self-advocacy skills

Experience performing formal and informal assessments to ascertain aptitudes and needs related to increasing student independence related to competitive employment, education, training, and independent living

Excellent organizational, written and oral communication skills

Compassion, empathy, patience, persistence and a strong interest in helping clients be successful

Ability to creatively problem-solve and think outside the box

Willingness to seek help and supervision

Able to work as an independent contributor (managing own client caseload) as well as a team player

Sense of humor!