Description:
Envision Unlimited is a full spectrum of care organization serving people with disabilities from infants to 80+ years old regardless of race, gender, religion, or ability to pay. Founded in Chicago in 1948, Envision Unlimited has a legacy of evolving care delivered with empathy, every time and everywhere. Innovative services offered across Chicagoland and Central Illinois include community living options, novel day programs, behavioral health services, employment programs, respite for families, and foster care for children with disabilities.
Summary:
The Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) is a member of the interdisciplinary team providing pre and post transition services to persons with mental or physical illness who are part of the Williams or Colbert Class Membership. Some CM’s may also have a secondary diagnosis of substance abuse, intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, or other clinical issues. Must be accessible via cellphone during work hours. The COTA will work in Nursing Facilities and Community members’ homes to provide quality comprehensive services. The COTA will work with class members to help them develop, maintain, or restore physical and mental functioning through engagement in meaningful and productive occupations, including ADLS, IADLs, rest and sleep, education, work, play, leisure, health management, and social participation. The COTA will help increase a class member’s ability to live as independently and safely as possible in the community.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Essential Responsibilities, include but are not limited to:
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Provide compassionate care and recovery-oriented services to class members with mental illness and/or physical disabilities.
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Assist class members in achieving independent living goals by providing skill building and education in various areas, such as ADLs, mobility/community mobility, medication management, meal preparation, budgeting, hobbies/leisure activities, grocery shopping, transportation, and social participation.
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Collaborate with the Housing team and OT to ensure class members’ accessibility needs are prioritized during the housing search.
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Transport class members to and from unit viewings in the community (using an agency wheelchair accessible van as needed).
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Assess units for accessibility concerns. Gather photos, measurements, and other information.
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Assist with making referrals (i.e. UIC Assistive Technology Unit, Department of Rehabilitation Services, Department on Aging).
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Provide individual and group OT interventions to class members in long term care facilitates to help prepare them for transitioning into the community.
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Provide OT interventions to class members post-transition to help them better integrate into the community.
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Attend meetings and consult with team regarding class members’ progress and share recommendations.
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Complete documentation in a timely manner.
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In conjunction with the client’s treatment team, keep client’s family, guardian, and other Envision Unlimited staff informed of the client’s progress, including emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and medication changes/adjustments.
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Provide and document crisis interventions to the Care Team as needed, within 24 hours of an incident.
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Other duties as assigned.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
No supervisory responsibilities.
OTHER EXPECTATIONS
Employees shall respect the diversity of all individuals (e.g., clients, co-workers, stakeholders) and refrain from any form of discrimination and/or based upon a person’s legally protected characteristics or conduct, including but not limited to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity or expression.
Employees share the responsibility of creating and maintaining a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive work environment.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of all employees so classified.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
While performing the duties of this job, physical requirements may include standing, walking, and sitting; seeing; hearing and listening; clear speech; dexterity and use of hands and fingers.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment described here is representative of that an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate. The work environment may include any or all of the following: working alone; working with others, verbal contact with others and face-to-face contact.
Requirements:
QUALIFICATIONS
Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills, sufficient decision making, problem solving, computer and organizational skills. Individuals must be able to work autonomously. Must have a valid driver's license and pass a criminal background check.
EDUCATION, SKILLS, and/or EXPERIENCE
Must have a current state of Illinois Occupational Therapy Assistant license. At least 3 years of experience working with clients in a mental health or health care setting is preferred.