Whatcom County Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Occupational Therapist (OT) is an integral part of our Early Support Services team. OT's are responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive, family-centered evaluations, assessments and therapy routines for children who are enrolled at Whatcom Center for Early Learning (WCEL) Early Support (formerly called Early Intervention) Services (ES) program. ES staff utilize the Primary Service Provider approach when working with children and their families or caretakers.

Location: Works primarily out of any of the three WCEL Whatcom County locations.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Identify and evaluate present levels of development in appropriate skill areas for children referred to the program, utilizing formal standardized evaluation tools, screenings, parent report and informal observations of children in a variety of age-appropriate settings.
• Develop Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs) in appropriate developmental skill areas for children on their caseload in partnership with parents and WCEL Family Resources Coordinators as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Maintain an understanding and knowledge base of early childhood development.
• Have familiarity with federal and State of Washington policies and procedures for eligibility and implementation of birth to three early intervention services.
• Provide and coordinate specialized instructor services and consultations to children and families enrolled at WCEL in "natural environments" (family/foster homes, childcare programs, and other community settings where families spend their time).
• Include parents in all aspects of program services.
• Collaborate with outside service providers and community partners as needed and requested.
• Participate in team meetings, staff meetings, quarterly planning/visioning days and professional development opportunities.
• Attend Whatcom Center events, including WCEL family picnics, as scheduled.
• Maintain data and records in the Early Support for Infants and Toddlers (ESIT) data management system according to regulations stated in WCEL contracts and best practices for early intervention programs.
• Maintain hard copies of all required documentation in each child's file at WCEL in conjunction with Family Resource Coordinators.
• Document daily work hours in current time tracking system for billing purposes to WCEL funders for reimbursements for services rendered to eligible Whatcom County children and families.
• Participate in mid-year and annual reviews as well as regular reflective check-ins about workload and caseload management with your supervisor, including goal setting and performance review, as well as regular reflective check-ins about workload and caseload management.
• Attend community events pertaining to ESIT programs, including Whatcom Interagency Coordinating Council (WICC) quarterly meetings, as scheduling allows.
• Host interns and/or provide job shadowing opportunities, as applicable and in coordination with the supervisor.

Skills and Abilities:

• A motivated self-starter and problem solver with energy, flexibility, creativity, a sense of humor, and a willingness to pitch in wherever needed.
• Professional work habits (punctuality, responsive, organized, ability to manage multiple projects, attention to detail).
• Excellent communication and conflict management skills including via written, in-person and telephone.
• Ability to prioritize effectively and handle multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously and strong organizational/record keeping skills.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with staff as a foundational team member.

Education and Knowledge:

1. Advanced degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited university program.
2. State of Washington Occupational Therapy license (DOH).
3. State of Washington driver's license and reliable, insured vehicle.
4. Successful completion and maintenance of Infant/Toddler CPR class (can be completed post-hire).
5. Experience with infants and toddlers with special health care needs, and their families.
6. Special consideration will be given to providers that have knowledge and experience in pre-feeding activities, initiating and progressing bottle feeding and breastfeeding, supporting oral feeding programs in tube-fed infants, transitioning from tube to oral feeding, and introduction to solid foods.