Occupational Therapist, FT, Buffalo, NY

Are you interested in a career supporting people in your community in their mental health recovery? Join the team at Recovery Options Made Easy ! Recovery Options Made Easy, is a nonprofit supported housing and community support service agency organized in 1990. As a peer-run organization, we were developed and operated by those with lived experience. Our agency is committed to decreasing stigma by increasing awareness of mental health and substance use through information, education, and advocacy. Recovery Options has a 30+ year track record of success and we are a nationally recognized, peer-run nonprofit agency serving adults with Severe and Persistent Mental Illness (SPMI), seriously impacting their day-to-day functioning in the community. The mission of our organization is to provide services and supports allowing recipients to achieve integration and social equality in the community. Person-centered services are designed around the principles of recovery and empowerment.

Learn more about our Agency and the programs we offer by visiting our website at www.recoveryoptionsny.org

We offer a full range of benefits, including, choice of Health insurance (four options available) with flexible spending accounts and max deductible paid for by Agency (with exception of catastrophic package), Dental, Vision, 403b, Life Insurance provided by ROME with option to purchase additional life, EAP, 5 paid Float Days per year, PTO, Paid Sick time at 40 hours per year. Flexible Schedules, loan forgiveness.

JOB SUMMARY

Develops and implements treatment plans for patients with varying disabilities; works as part of a multidisciplinary team providing quality healthcare to all patients in accordance with the principle of ethics and code of professional conduct. Works under the supervision of the CEO /Program Manager of Erie/Niagara Counties of Recovery Options Made Easy.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Evaluates a patient's condition and needs; Observes patients performing tasks, asks questions, and reviews the medical history to develop a comprehensive profile.
2. Develops individualized treatment plans for patients, laying out the types of activities and specific goals to be accomplished; Helps people with various disabilities, including physical, mental, developmental, chronic and acute, to accomplish different tasks.
3. Demonstrates exercises and techniques and works with patients to ensure their understanding and ability to perform the treatments assigned.
4. Evaluates a patient’s home or workplace and based on the patient’s health needs, identifies potential improvements; Works with and educates a patient’s family and employer about how to accommodate and care for the patient.
5. Makes recommendations about special equipment and instructs patients on how to use that equipment.
6. Assesses and records patients’ activities and progress for patient evaluations; Documents encounters in the Electronic Medical Record system; Codes progress notes for billing purposes.
7. Functions as part of a multidisciplinary team; provides other healthcare providers with reports to ensure coordination of care;
8. Provides education and clinical direction to the Occupational Assistant.
9. Adheres to all Housing Options Made Easy Inc. policies and procedures, including infection control principles and confidentiality.
10. Assist with triage of administrative questions as appropriate.
11. Performs special assignments as requested.
12. Performs other relevant duties as assigned or requested.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or

responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Clinically supervises the Occupational Assistant providing education and clinical direction.

COMPLEXITY OF WORK AND DECISION MAKING:

Works in accordance with policies and regulations which may require judgment, initiative, creativity and the ability to deal with complex factors and making of decisions based on conclusions for which there may be little precedent.

AUTONOMY AND ACCOUNTABILITY:

Works from general objectives (such as governmental and agency compliance standards) and broad and varying policies, procedures, rules or precedents with significant functional guidance. Refers specific cases to Chief Executive Officer for clarification or interpretation. Review by supervisor focuses on achievement of the objective and not necessarily on the means, except when required to ensure compliance with regulations.

TECHNOLOGY, EQUIPMENT OR TOOLS:

Microsoft Office skills including Excel, Word, Power Point, Outlook. Evidence of skills demonstrated by the ability to perform all the basic functions within each program; including but not limited to maintaining a calendar, sending e-mail, creating letters, creating presentations for training or marketing, as well as the ability to create and edit workbooks. General office equipment is used including fax machine, computer and phone system.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT :

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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Requires period of sitting, standing, walking, bending and stooping. Significant job stress may be associated with the position. Evening work may be required.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

Minimum Qualifications: Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy. Certification issued by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapists. Computer literacy. Experience using an Electronic Medical Record System. Proficiency in MS Office.

• Completion of a peer advocacy training program or related certification is preferred. Academy of Peer Services training must be completed within the employees first 6 months in this position if the employee is not currently trained or certified.

And

• Must have a valid Class D Driver License, reliable transportation and automobile insurance.

Preferred Qualifications: Doctorate Degree. Specialty focus certifications earned through the American Occupational Therapy Association. Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certification. Professional Membership Affiliations. Experience with AWARDS software.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• General knowledge of patient benefits, governmental processes, patient rights, case management, and operations of the agency.
• Ability to apply and adapt practices and techniques to the special requirements of the program and senior staff.
• Ability to exercise sound judgement regarding medical and mental health interventions.
• Knowledge of peer-operated and peer recovery programs; ability to employ principles of recovery.
• Ability to assertively advocate for patients and negotiate with service providers.
• Ability to establish trusting supportive relationships with patients that are formed within the context of Agency philosophy.
• Ability to listen and demonstrate understanding and empathy to provide clear feedback to patients’ verbal and non-verbal communication (coaching and connecting skills).
• Ability to respond to de-escalate crises.
• Knowledge of cultural competence and ability to demonstrate sensitivity to working with customers from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to interact with individuals and general public at all levels of the organization; communicating with respect and clarity.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team with within the context of Agency philosophy and in accordance with all agency policies, procedures and guidelines.
• Knowledge of supervision of staff with problem solving skills and a strong emphasis on team building.
• Working knowledge of the mental health and physical health service delivery system.
• Possess strong written and verbal communication skills, time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to present facts and recommendations effectively in verbal and written format.
• Knowledge of and ability to comply with Federal, State and local regulations and funding/ contractual requirements.
• Ability to maintain a mobile office with the use of cell phone/tablet and laptop.

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) prohibits discrimination by employers, in compensation and employment opportunities, against qualified individuals with disabilities who, with our without reasonable accommodation, can perform the “essential functions” of a job. A function may be essential for any of several reasons, including: the job exists to perform that function, the employee holding the job was hired for his/her expertise in performing the function, or only a limited number of employees are available to perform that function.

Recovery Options Made Easy, is committed to equal opportunity for all, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic. Recovery Options Made Easy, will make reasonable accommodations for known physical or mental limitations of otherwise qualified employees and applicants with disabilities unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. If you are interested in applying for an employment opportunity and feel you need a reasonable accommodation pursuant to the ADA, please contact Colleen Hutchinson at Recovery Options Made Easy.