Occupational Therapist II

Job Description

The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) seeks a caring and compassionate applicant for the role of Occupational Therapist II (OT II). The OT II is a position that works with individuals with developmental disabilities. The position is an excellent opportunity, including for potential candidates who are interested in furthering their career within the Department of Developmental Services, as it affords valuable work experience to build one's foundation for professional development and advancement. This position also provided comprehensive occupational therapy evaluations and makes recommendations for individuals with complex and unique needs who are receiving services within the Commonwealth Community Services (CCS) Programs in DDS. The selected candidate will provide consultation in the are of occupational therapy to individuals, their families, provider(s), community agencies, and others as needed, while mobilizing occupational therapy resources and performing other services as required.

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• Completes required documentation to assist in procurement of equipment through the Medicaid/Medicare systems.

• Provides occupational therapy consultation in the form of: evaluation and assessment of individual needs by administering tests, measurements, and evaluations using standardized or-recommended procedures-to-establish or revise specifics to individual treatment.

• Plans, develops, and administers varied occupational therapy services that support individuals' needs in such various settings as residences, day programs/worksites, provider agencies, private homes, and other sites.

• Provides staff training in self- feeding skills; may provide training in the area of dysphagia (as appropriate according to level of training and expertise); follow up to evaluation recommendations, ergonomics, joint protection, energy conservation; and task analysis/teaching techniques.

• Develops treatment plans, guidelines, and ISP documentation for individuals in CRS and TCS as needed and according to appropriate timelines.

• Participates in continuing education programs by attending conferences, seminars, and workshops to promote professional growth and expertise.

• Attends clinical meetings as scheduled and reports on the status of occupational therapy. Relaying information regarding issues, concerns, progress, etc.

Please Note:

This position is located in the Commonwealth Community Services Program in Northampton, MA.

Schedule: 9:00am - 5:00pm, with flexibility to meet the needs of the program

Days Off: Sunday/Saturday

About the Department of Developmental Services:

The mission of the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is to create innovative and genuine opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities including Autism Spectrum Disorder to participate fully and contribute meaningfully to their communities as valued members. DDS serves over 43,000 vulnerable individuals throughout their lifetimes, providing a spectrum of day, employment, and residential supports. The agency directly oversees and manages $3 billion in public funds ($2.7B+ operating budget) and approximately 5,500 staff, the largest state employee workforce of any agency in the Massachusetts executive branch of government.

For more information about our agency and programs visit: www.mass.gov/dds

Pre-Hire Process:

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Record Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.

• Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines.

Recommended candidates must successfully complete pre-employment screening which includes:

• Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC) Abuse Registry Search: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/dppc-abuser-registry

• Criminal background check (CORI) by regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori