Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA)

About Us:
At Northwest Passage, we focus on mental health and wellness through the adoption of our PassageWay Elements: Nature, Recreation, Relaxation, Nutrition, Exercise, Relationships, Service, and Spirit. These elements are central to our approach, combining traditional mental health treatment with arts, education, nature-based therapy, and experiential opportunities. Since 1978, we've been dedicated to providing high-
quality care in a community dedicated in hope, recovery, and wellness. Our facilities in Northwest
Wisconsin offer a peaceful environment for our clients and staff, with easy access to activities and resources near Minneapolis, St. Paul, Duluth, and Eau Claire.

Northwest Passage proudly serves youth from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and experiences, and we are committed to providing an environment where all youth feel welcomed and supported. Northwest Passage looks to build our team with candidates who are dedicated to providing exceptional care and support to all of our clients, demonstrating resilience, determination, collaboration, teamwork, and a strong work ethic. At Northwest Passage, you will foster hope through your involvement in the healing process. Guided by the PassageWay Elements, we strive to create a positive environment for growth and wellness for both our clients and staff.
Responsibilities:

• Plan, implement, and assess interventions to improve residents' level of function and support regulation, considering residents' emotional, psychosocial, and physiological needs and abilities.
• Provide individual and group interventions in the areas of, but not limited to, sensory processing, fine and gross motor activities, visual perceptual integration, and activities of daily living.
• Communicate and collaborate effectively with the treatment team to achieve positive outcomes.
• Maintain an understanding of mental health concepts, and client symptomology.
• Provide a safe, nurturing, and structured environment with close, intensive supervision for high risk youth in accordance with least restrictive treatment measures.
• Assure residents emotional needs are met in accordance with their treatment plan, as well as their basic needs including meals, exercise, hygiene, and sleep.
• Recognize and adjust communication to meet residents needs. Provide feedback that is clear, specific, timely, and respectful.
• Document residents participation, mood, and behaviors, as well as significant incidents involving residents.
• Attend all staff meetings, trainings, and educational classes as required.
• Advocate for appropriate goals, wants, and needs of residents.
• Develop, mentor, and assist direct care staff in the areas described above.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Graduation from an Occupational Therapy Assistant program.
• Current licensure or ability to obtain Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) licensure in WI.
• At least one year of successful experience working with youth who have significant mental health needs and/or trauma histories preferred.
• Must be able to work a40-hour weekly schedule, Monday-Friday including both daytime and evening hours

Values:
In addition to responsibilities and qualifications, ideal candidates will show an understanding of and an ongoing dedication to actively applying Northwest Passages values, which are embedded into each role:

• Quality & Adaptability
• Respect & Compassion
• Leadership & Courage
• Connection & Well-being

Benefits:

• $22.00-$28.00/hour starting wage
• Health Insurance (no deductible)
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Retirement Savings
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (mental health benefit)
• Longevity Benefit
• Voluntary Group Ancillary Offerings (Life and AD&D, Long-Term Disability, Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance)
• Free On-duty Meals
• Relocation Assistance
• Off-site Housing ($475/month rent), dependent on availability
• Northwest Passage is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program for student loan forgiveness
• Unmatched real-world experience in the fields of mental health, experiential programming, and nature-based programming

Location:
Frederic, WI

Northwest Passage is an equal employment opportunity employer.