Occupational Therapist - Early Intervention

Job Description

Job Description

Position Title : Occupational Therapist - Early Intervention

Position Type : Full-Time and Part-Time Opportunities Available

Location : Opportunities in Bloomington and Peoria

About Us : Easterseals Central Illinois is a trusted leader in pediatric therapy, empowering children with developmental delays, disabilities, and special needs to reach their fullest potential.

We are seeking a passionate Occupational Therapist to join our collaborative team, offering a variety of specialized services designed to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and their families.

In this role, you’ll have the opportunity to work in :

• Aquatic Therapy : Utilize our state-of-the-art warm water therapy pool at the Peoria service center to create fun, innovative, and effective therapy programs that help children improve mobility, strength, and coordination.
• ASD Diagnostic Clinic : Be a vital part of our multi-disciplinary team providing comprehensive evaluations, early diagnoses, and customized recommendations for children and families at the earliest stages of need.
• Assistive Technology Clinic : Collaborate with vendors and funding sources to assess, recommend, and procure adaptive mobility devices, including wheelchairs and standers, to enhance children's independence.
• Early Intervention Services : Work with children under age 3 to help them meet developmental milestones through Occupational, Feeding, Physical, and Speech-Language Therapy in natural environments such as homes, daycares, and community spaces.
• Outpatient Pediatric Rehabilitation : Be a key part of an interdisciplinary team providing outpatient treatment to children and their families.

You will evaluate and design therapy programs focused on improving fine motor and self-help skills, upper extremity function, activities of daily living, visual / perceptual skills, and sensory integration processing to enhance children’s functional abilities and daily living.

Why Join Easterseals Central Illinois?

Professional Growth and Mentorship :

• Ongoing mentorship from experienced therapists to help you develop new skills and advance in your career.
• Access to specialized training in areas like sensory integration, aquatic therapy, or assistive technology to expand your clinical expertise.
• Opportunities to grow within the organization, with pathways for advancement into leadership roles or specialized certifications.

Innovative Tools and Technology :

• Use advanced therapeutic tools such as specialized sensory integration equipment to enhance your therapy sessions.
• Access cutting-edge software for documentation and treatment planning, streamlining your workflow and allowing more time for client care.

Inclusive and Supportive Team Environment :

• Be part of a supportive, family-oriented culture that fosters collaboration, where your ideas and contributions are valued.
• Work with a diverse team of professionals who share a passion for making a difference in the lives of children and families.

See the Impact : What Sets Us Apart :

What Sets Us Apart :

A Mission with Impact : For over 100 years, Easterseals Central Illinois has been dedicated to helping children with special needs and their families.

With 75 affiliates nationwide, our work impacts more than a million individuals annually.

• Balanced Work-Life : Set schedules with no nights or weekends, ensuring a healthy work / life balance.
• Documentation Time Included : 60% productivity requirement allows for paid documentation time during work hours. Even if a client cancels, you are paid for your time.
• Collaborative, Multi-Disciplinary Approach : Work with an interdisciplinary team of Occupational, Physical, Speech, and Feeding Therapists, as well as behavioral and counseling professionals, to provide the best holistic care for our clients.
• Accreditation & Recognition : Easterseals Central Illinois holds an 8th consecutive CARF accreditation for Pediatric Specialty Outpatient Rehabilitation, demonstrating our commitment to the highest quality of care.

Perks & Benefits :

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Short and Long-Term Disability Coverage
• Life Insurance
• Professional Development & CEU Allowance
• Easterseals qualifies for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness program

Position Objective : The Occupational Therapist functions as a member of the interdisciplinary treatment team providing outpatient treatment and consultation services to clients referred to the Center and their families.

The Therapist evaluates individuals in the areas of fine motor / self-help skills, upper extremity function, activities of daily living, upper body strength, visual / perceptual skills, and sensory integration processing.

Job Functions :

Completes initial evaluation and evaluation report(s) for each client. Establishes individualized therapy goals and generates data for OT Plan of Care, identifying appropriate treating diagnoses and treatment recommendations.

Completes progress notes every three to six months or as required.

• Provides direct therapy with a focus on client and family priorities addressing functional limitations and participation in daily activities and family routines at service centers, natural environments, and or by telehealth.
• Participates in parent / guardian Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) multidisciplinary and caregiver meetings as appropriate.

Attends medical staffing / case studies to participate in interdisciplinary team discussions.

• Reports cancellations and no shows to the scheduling team for proper documentation and action. Accurately completes documentation demonstrating a skilled need for services and completes billing in EHR following payer guidelines.
• Develops and instructs family members on in-home program activities, and revises as necessary. Provides parent / guardian / family training during the session regarding HEP and therapy strategies.
• Participates as needed or requested in the smooth transition of an individual to a public school program or other placement as necessary.

Corresponds with physicians and other professionals involved in the care / treatment of the client / family as necessary and documents in EHR.

• Attends program services meetings, discipline meetings, rehab staff meetings, case studies, and in-services.
• Completes competencies and maintains established departmental policies and procedures, safety and infection control standards, quality assurance, and accreditation standards of the Center.
• Ensures that all requirements for credentialing and licensure are maintained (e.g. Early Interventions credentialing, safety care training, CPR, Illinois license, certification).
• Provides Assistive Technology Clinic and Orthotic services including evaluation, equipment orders, fittings, follow up and the manufacture of splints as necessary for each client followed.

Marginal Responsibilities :

• Mentors new staff members as requested.
• Fulfills contractual obligations as requested.
• Complete letters of medical necessity as needed.
• Participate in Clinics as requested.
• Supervises clinical students and Occupational Therapist Assistants as requested.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education / Experience Requirements :

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited university with a degree in occupational therapy is required.
• Must be licensed in the State of Illinois or eligible for licensure.
• Illinois Early Intervention credential or eligible for credential.
• A minimum of one year of proven successful experience in the area of pediatric occupational therapy is preferred.

Easterseals Central Illinois is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information.

Easterseals is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities.

To request reasonable accommodation, call 309.686.1177.