Occupational Therapist

Job Responsibilities

About Whitten Regional Center

Whitten Regional Center is a residential facility of the South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs located in Clinton, SC serving residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

To provide Occupational Therapy services in an ICF/ID environment. Provides administrative supervision to Therapy Services department.

1.Conduct annual evaluations on consumers and prepare reports for ISP meetings. Conduct consultations per medical orders for injuries and/or to prevent injuries.

Evaluate all new admissions within the required timeframe. Attend ISP meetings and CTMs as schedule permits.

2.Provide individual and group therapy for Individuals with OT needs. Ensure therapy is designed to promote independence as well as to maintain level of function to prevent regression.

Enter documentation in Therap and provide required statistical information to Central Office in a timely manner. Ensure all documentation is correct and current, and that all services meet standard of evidence-based practice.

3.Provides guidance and administrative supervision to other Therapy Services staff Work collaboratively Therapy Services staff to ensure that consumers therapy needs are met and updates leadership with any consumer and/or family concerns.

4.Provide training for new employees during orientation, as well as ongoing training for residential staff, on the purpose and use of adaptive equipment for dining, ADL's, safety, etc.

5.Prescribe, issue, and fabricate adaptive equipment as needed. Maintain an adequate inventory of adaptive equipment for daily needs and emergency situations.

Research and request supplies/equipment as needed. Monitor status of OT equipment issued to consumers with assistance of therapy aide.

6.Performs other duties as assigned.

The South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that includes:

• 15 days annual (vacation) leave accrual per year

• 15 days sick leave per year

• 13 paid holidays

• Paid Parental Leave

• Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance

• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs

Minimum and Additional Requirements

A bachelor's degree in occupational therapy and experience as an Occupational Therapist. Licensed as an Occupational Therapist by the South Carolina Board of Occupational Therapy.

Preferred: Experience with adults with intellectual disabilities.

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge of occupational therapy principles and techniques applicable to the patient population served. Knowledge in the design of activities, self-help devices, and international treatment programs rehabilitatively specific in a variety of individual cases.

Knowledge of functional anatomy, physiology, and skeletal biomechanics, whichever applicable to the area of work. Knowledge of the psychiatric aspects of various mental handicaps and disabilities. Ability to work effectively with all consumers, consumers families, medical, nursing, and other staff members and to deal tactfully with the public.

Ability to prepare and evaluate reports, medical histories, and departmental records. Ability to plan, conduct, and coordinate on-the-job training and in-service education programs for support personnel and volunteers. Ability to evaluate patient response and progress in the more difficult cases and to present evaluative reports in case staffings and multi-disciplined team meetings.

Additional Comments

About Our Agency: The South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (DDSN) is the state agency that plans, develops, coordinates, and funds services for South Carolinians with the severe, lifelong disabilities of intellectual disability and related disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury and similar disability.

EEO Statement: SC DDSN provides affirmative action and equal opportunity in employment for all qualified persons regardless of race, color, sex --including the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, national origin, age, religion, or disability.

Employment Contingency: Employment is contingent upon our receipt of the following required pre-employment screenings: medical screening - to include a drug screening; State and Federal background criminal record checks (to include FBI fingerprinting), SC Dept. of Social Services' Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry screening, and CMS "List of Excluded Individuals/Entities" screening; SC Dept. of Motor Vehicles Driving Record check; and a review of transcripts verifying educational credentials. We reserve the right to rescind this offer in the event minimum requirements are not met to include positions that require certifications and/or licensure, your application is incomplete or inaccurate, or our review of your background uncovers information, including opinions of previous employers and references, which cause us to conclude, at our sole discretion, that you are not suited for the position.

Immunization: If this position requires the applicant to work directly with DDSN consumers, a (2) step PPD testing or QuantiFERON TB Gold testing must be completed prior to beginning employment. All new employees who are healthcare providers are required to provide documentation of immunity or be immunized against measles, mumps, rubella, pertussis, Varicella and Hepatitis B prior to beginning employment.

State Disaster Plan: In accordance with the State's Disaster Plan, which includes hazardous weather, DDSN employees may be required to work in times of an emergency or disaster.

Employee Referral: The South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs supports a Referral Incentive Reward and a Retention Bonus program. You may contact Human Resource for further information.

Supplemental Questions: Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application.

Any misrepresentation will result in your disqualification from employment. Please complete the State application to include all current and previous work history and education. A resume may not be accepted nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position.