Registered Occupational Therapist

Company Description:

Easterseals Rio Grande Valley is dedicated to supporting families with young children in the community as they navigate developmental and life challenges. The organization focuses on providing early intervention and therapeutic services that help children learn, grow, and succeed. Programs are designed to promote developmental progress, enhance family resilience, and improve long-term outcomes. Team members collaborate closely with families and community partners to ensure children receive individualized, high-quality care. Joining Easterseals Rio Grande Valley means contributing to a mission-driven organization committed to inclusive, family-centered services.

Job Summary :

Under the general supervision of the Director of the Early Childhood Intervention Program, the Staff Occupational Therapist is responsible to assist in the implementation of a progressive Occupational Therapy program in the organization.

Primary Responsibilities : 

1. Assist in the organization, development and operation of a progressive program of Occupational Therapy in the highest professional and ethical standards for the benefit of the patient.
2. Evaluate and establish goals and treatment plans for patients as set forth by the guidelines and standards of AOTA following the program timelines.
3. Develop individual family service plans (IFSP) for Infant and Early Childhood Intervention patients and IEP for school-based children.
4. Perform case manager duties, which include coordinating the patient services, communicating to the patient and/or family/parents all pertinent information; follow-up on staffing recommendations, heading quarterly review, staff/parent conferences, if involving an infant patient.
5. Participate in monthly chart audits, patient staffing, and the quality assurance process.
6. Assure that all scheduled patients are seen. Work with Supervisor and team members to ensure efficiency level at all times.
7. When requested by ECI Director, conduct training of students, scheduled observers, volunteers and visitors in the progressive program of occupational therapy in the highest professional and ethical standards for the benefit of the patient.
8. Adhere to policies and procedures of the agency.
9. Maintain current professional license and follow all requirements as outlined by State of Texas Board of Examiners.

Secondary Responsibilities :

1. Report to Supervisor supply needs, equipment needs and repairs, as well as inventory review and updating.
2. Collect and keep up-to-date professional literature pertaining to the Occupational therapy field for staff use in the Occupational Therapy Department; also keep material on hand for students, including educational and career information.
3. Assist in Community Outreach Programs as directed.
4. Assist in Fund Development activities as requested.
5. Promote safety in the organization for staff, visitors and clients of Easter Seals RGV through following Safety Precautions and procedures as outlined in the Safety Manual.
6. Promote a positive image through manners, dress, attendance and attitude.
7. This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive and employee will also perform other reasonably related business duties as assigned by immediate supervisor.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work:

This position can be a full-time or part-time position. A typical office workweek days and hours of operation are generally Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. However, it may require some evenings and weekend hours to ensure families have access to visits and meetings.

Competencies:

1. Collaboration Skills.

2. Communication Proficiency.

3. Stress Management/Composure.

4. Problem Solving.

5. Ethical Conduct.

6. Thoroughness.

7. Presentation Skills

8. Stress Tolerance

Work Environment:

This job operates in both a clerical, office setting and in city and rural travel while moving to and from child’s home.

Operation in a clerical/office setting is minimal, routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

Operation on the road requires vehicle operation on city and rural roads. Will work in diverse conditions as necessary while in home visits with potential exposure to communicable diseases through body fluids or interactions with clients.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

This role requires typing, driving, walking, standing and climbing of stairs may also be required. This would require the ability to:

• Lifting – 20 to 100 pounds.
• Squatting, stooping, reaching, standing, twisting, as dealing with infants and their families in natural environments.
• Reaching, handling, fingering and/or feeling
• Good visual acuity to perform essential tasks like inspecting home for child/family/employee safety factors, be able to monitor neighborhood for hazards (terrain, animals, loitering), and accurately assessing safety and wellbeing of families.
• Able to clearly see details to effectively and safely conduct home visits.
• Ability to read typewritten material and computer monitor under typical office conditions.
• Must be able to handle multi duties/functions at one time.
• Must be able to manage demands of workload in appropriate manner.

Required Education and Experience:

• Graduate with Bachelor’s Degree from accredited college, approved by the American Medical Association and dually registered with the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and Licensed in the State of Texas.
• One to three years’ experience in the field of Occupational Therapy with children.
• Previous experience with the ECI program and Outpatient Services preferred.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbally and written, with proven comfort level with public presentations.
• Good time management skills, excellent follow through abilities and detail oriented.
• Ability to work well with others and in a team environment.
• Bilingual capabilities desired.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:

• Must be able to successfully clear a criminal background check that may include DPS, DFPS, FBI, general Public Data backgrounds. Initially and every 24 months.
• Must be able to successfully pass a drug screen. Initially, randomly or when requested.
• Must be able to and maintain a cleared TB skin screen test. Initially and upon expiration date.
• Must have/maintain a valid Texas Driver’s License and continued proof of vehicle insurance.