Occupational Therapist (Contractual)

Position Summary

This is a part time, contractual position that provides occupational therapy support to participants of Dolores' Safe Haven, a program of Deborah's Place. This position will work to identify and evaluate program barriers for participants as well as work to develop interventions and exercises to improve daily functioning in community life. This position will also work directly with the 15 participants of Dolores' Safe Haven through a recovery model and trauma-informed lens. Work may include assisting participants with ADLs, supporting participants in action planning related to their goals and increasing community engagement.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assess participants' functioning in community life and identify barriers to progress.
• Support participants in developing skills regarding completion of independent ADLs, group participation, goal setting, and goal achievement.
• Work one-on-one with participants to identify challenges in daily activities and community participation.
• Aid participants in creating new approaches to engaging in community life.
• Work with residential manager and other staff to collect data about participants' engagement in daily activities and community life.
• Provide recommendations to help improve optimal functioning of individuals in the community of Dolores' Safe Haven and in the outside community.

Qualifications and Requirements

Education: Master's Degree in Occupational Therapy

Licensure and/or Certification: OT State License

Job Experience: 1 years of occupational therapy experience in a community mental health or similar setting. Experience working with populations experiencing homelessness preferred.

Special Knowledge & Skills: Knowledge of issues surrounding homelessness, mental illness and chemical dependency; proficiency in Microsoft Office software, effective oral and written communication skills, good organizational skills, conflict management and crisis intervention skills; demonstrate clear and professional boundaries; act in a professional manner; Valid Illinois driver's license, proof of insurance.

Physical Requirements

The physical requirements 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. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; reach with hands and arms balance, stoop, kneel or crouch; Maybe required to remain on agency facilities during breaks and/or meal periods and may be required to stay on agency premises until their replacement arrives. Frequent evenings, weekends and holidays;