Job Announcement

Works as part of the Infant and Toddler Connection of Fairfax-Falls church in a 30 hour merit position as part of our team of early intervention professionals and case managers providing specialized services to eligible infants and toddlers with developmental delays and disabilities. As part of a multidisciplinary team of early intervention providers and case managers, the occupational therapist is responsible for screening, evaluating, assessing, and developing Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs) for infants, toddlers, and their families for Part C services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

The Occupational Therapist II responsibilities include:
Participates in the assessment for service planning as an evaluator and develops the individualized family service plan (IFSP) with equal input from parents and other members of the multidisciplinary team including clinical interventionists and service coordinators. Demonstrates a breadth and depth of knowledge regarding current assessment tools for the early intervention population. In development of the IFSP, writes long-term and short-term clinical goals to be formulated in the following areas of development: social, gross and fine motor, self-help (including dysphagia, feed), cognition, receptive and expressive language, and play. Uses assigned electronic equipment (Microsoft surface pro, laptop, tablet, phone, etc.) In creating documents to be shared with other team members and families. Consults with physicians in determining effective methods of treatment; coordinates treatment with multidisciplinary team; administers occupational therapy treatment on a home visit basis; instructs parents and caregivers in occupational therapy procedures; makes home visits to children 0-3 on a regularly scheduled basis; observes patient reaction to treatment and makes changes as necessary; assists in planning home services.

Completes timely documentation of eligibility determination, assessments, contacts with family, and progress in accordance to department rules. Adheres to documentation standards set forth by department. Utilizes authentic assessment practices in clinical evaluation and treatment in accordance with IFSP outcomes and documents accordingly. Ensures compliance of federal, state, and local regulations and requirements for service provision. Demonstrates understanding of current state rules and regulations guiding early intervention practice in Virginia and when needed accesses such information independently and/or with guidance from program supervisors.

Conducts ongoing clinical interventions using natural learning environment practices. Delivers services using the primary service provider model. Interacts and supports families using coaching style of interaction. Builds joint plans based on family routines and child interests. Regularly observes, evaluates, assesses, and records the developmental progress of the children, updating the IFSP. Utilizes authentic assessment practices in clinical evaluation and treatment in accordance with IFSP outcomes and documents accordingly.

Participates in staff and team meetings to support a collaborative approach to the development of each infant and toddler and in adherence of natural learning environment practices. Participates in meetings as subject matter expert in own discipline while also providing support and strategies for multi-disciplinary team members. Presents to staff members on areas of expertise and when applicable, including after pursuing outside continuing education opportunities.

Performs other duties as assigned which may include the following: participation in workgroups aimed at improving practices or procedures. Participation in workgroups to include wellness and learning in the workplace. Supervision of graduate students and allowing observation by undergraduate students. Collaboration with local universities in maintaining and establishing links between undergraduate and graduate student placements. Participation in outreach events.

Position may be underfilled as an Occupational Therapist I; the underfill requirements are stated below in the Employment Standards section.

Illustrative Duties

• Consults with physicians in determining effective methods of treatment;
  
• Coordinates treatment with physical therapy treatment;
  
• Administers occupational therapy treatment on both a clinical and home visit basis;
  
• Instructs parents and nurses in occupational therapy procedures;
  
• Makes home visits to patient on a regularly scheduled basis;
  
• Observes patient reaction to treatment and makes changes as necessary;
  
• Assists in planning home services; attends meetings and conferences; prepares reports.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of and ability to apply various types of occupational therapy methods;
  
• Knowledge of the materials and equipment used in occupational therapy;
  
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with children and parents.

Employment Standards

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university in an occupational therapy program accredited by the American Occupational Therapy Association; plus two years of therapist experience. (Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for “Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to”)

UNDERFILL REQUIREMENTS:
This vacancy may be underfilled at the level of Occupational Therapist I (S22, $54,219.36 - $90,365.81). The employment standards for the Occupational Therapist I are:

• Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university in an occupational therapy program accredited by the American Occupational Therapy Association and the American Medical Association.

Click here to view the complete details and KSAs for the Occupational Therapist I . Upon completion of an underfill agreement (which will require that the employee meet the employment standards for Occupational Therapist II stated above in addition to obtaining competencies and licensures defined by the hiring agency) the employee will be elevated to the level of Occupational Therapist II .

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:

• Valid driver's license.
• Early Intervention Certification (VA) (required within 30 days)
• Occupational Therapist license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check, a Child Protective Services Registry check, a driving record check, and sanction screening to the satisfaction of the employer. A Tuberculosis (TB) screening upon hire.

Contingent upon area of assignment, some positions within this class will require a National Provider Identifier. Virginia licensure is required. Certification by Virginia as an Early Intervention Professional will need to be completed prior to start of work.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bilingual in any language, preferably; Spanish, Arabic, Korean, Urdu, Farsi, Amharic and Mandarin.
• Experience working with families, infants and toddlers, or working with children with special needs.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to lift children and equipment up to 50 pounds. Ability to drive for home visits and use keyboard driven equipment. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel Interview and may include a practical exercise.

Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or status as a veteran in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact 703-324-4900 for assistance. TTY 703-222-7314. EEO/AA/TTY.