The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) seeks a caring and compassionate applicant for the role of Occupational Therapist II (OT II). The OT II is a position that works with individuals with developmental disabilities. The position is an excellent opportunity, including for potential candidates who are interested in furthering their career within the Department of Developmental Services, as it affords valuable work experience to build one’s foundation for professional development and advancement. This position also provided comprehensive occupational therapy evaluations and makes recommendations for individuals with complex and unique needs who are receiving services within the Commonwealth Community Services (CCS) Programs in DDS. The selected candidate will provide consultation in the are of occupational therapy to individuals, their families, provider(s), community agencies, and others as needed, while mobilizing occupational therapy resources and performing other services as required.
Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):
Completes required documentation to assist in procurement of equipment through the Medicaid/Medicare systems.
Provides occupational therapy consultation in the form of: evaluation and assessment of individual needs by administering tests, measurements, and evaluations using standardized or-recommended procedures-to-establish or revise specifics to individual treatment.
Plans, develops, and administers varied occupational therapy services that support individuals' needs in such various settings as residences, day programs/worksites, provider agencies, private homes, and other sites.
Provides staff training in self- feeding skills; may provide training in the area of dysphagia (as appropriate according to level of training and expertise); follow up to evaluation recommendations, ergonomics, joint protection, energy conservation; and task analysis/teaching techniques.
Develops treatment plans, guidelines, and ISP documentation for individuals in CRS and TCS as needed and according to appropriate timelines.
Participates in continuing education programs by attending conferences, seminars, and workshops to promote professional growth and expertise.
Attends clinical meetings as scheduled and reports on the status of occupational therapy. Relaying information regarding issues, concerns, progress, etc.
Please Note
This position is based in Northampton, MA and provides coverage to the greater Springfield, Franklin/Hampshire, Holyoke, Chicopee, Berkshire Area; and to state-operated group homes in Lee Pittsfield Stockbridge, Greenfield, Whately, Amherst, Hadley, Westhampton, Southampton, Easthampton, South Hadley, Granby, Belchertown, Westfield, East Longmeadow, Springfield Wilbraham, Agawam and West Springfield, MA
Schedule: 9:00am – 3:00pm, with flexibility to meet the needs of the program
Days Off: Sunday/Saturday
About the Department of Developmental Services:
The mission of the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is to create innovative and genuine opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities including Autism Spectrum Disorder to participate fully and contribute meaningfully to their communities as valued members. DDS serves over 43,000 vulnerable individuals throughout their lifetimes, providing a spectrum of day, employment, and residential supports. The agency directly oversees and manages $3 billion in public funds ($2.7B+ operating budget) and approximately 5,500 staff, the largest state employee workforce of any agency in the Massachusetts executive branch of government.
For more information about our agency and programs visit: www.mass.gov/dds
Pre-Hire Process:
Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Record Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.
Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines.
Recommended candidates must successfully complete pre-employment screening which includes:
Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC) Abuse Registry Search: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/dppc-abuser-registry
Criminal background check (CORI) by regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori
National Background Checks, Chapter 234 of the Acts of 2014, conduct fingerprint-based check. https://www.mass.gov/lists/dds-fingerprint-background-checks
ADA Reasonable Accommodation:
If you require a reasonable accommodation with the application/interview process, please contact us at: EOHHS Candidate ADA Requests
For technical help with Mass Careers, including logging into your profile and/or resetting your password, please call the Employee Service Center at 617-979-8500 for assistance.
For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 Ext. #4.
Minimum Entrance Requirements: Applicants must have at least one year of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience as an occupational therapist.
Special Requirements:
Possession of a current and valid Occupational Therapist license issued by the Board of Allied Health Professions in accordance with Chapter 667 of the Acts of 1982.
Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.
Comprehensive Benefits
When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
Want the specifics?Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.
Year after year, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has continued to pioneer bold legislative actions and programs, some of which have been embraced on a national scale. We are always looking for talented individuals to help us maintain this momentum and improve the services that millions of people depend on every day.
If you’re looking for an innovative work environment where you can really make a difference, check out the job opportunities with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
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