COTA Community Employment Specialist

JOB DESCRIPTION:       

Under general direction of the Branch Manager, the Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant ( COTA) Community Employment Specialist applies clinical experience with individuals with neurological & medical diagnoses to coordinate employment planning, vocational assessment including worksite development and training, job development/placement, retention and training of persons served.

On a regular basis, the COTA Community Employment Specialist will have in-person and remote contact with persons served, referral sources, employers, management and team members. The Community Employment Specialist will engage in part or all activities as assigned to support vocational outcomes.

The COTA Community Employment Specialist will be knowledgeable to perform essential functions of this position, including:

· Employment client case management for employment services programs (as assigned):

-Client intake meeting(s) and completion of required intake paperwork.

-Client vocational goal planning: employment plan preparation, discovery/exploration plan preparation.

-Resume creation, job interview preparation and support (in person and virtual).

-Job development/search based on client job goals as defined by the clients IPE

(Individualized Plan for Employment).

-Job application preparation and assistance.

-Job pre-screen hiring requirement(s) and new hire orientation assistance as needed.

-Coordination of client supports as needed (transportation plan, food handler’s permit, job clothes shopping, etc.).

-Provide situational and performance observations/assessments as needed.

-Coordinate client job exploration activities/experiences in reasonable timeframe.

-Create detailed service plan of job exploration activities and final results report of completed exploration activities.

-Provide recommendations for client supports for community employment potential

-Complete required Vocational Rehabilitation report tracking and report generation for job placement and all additional job retention milestones achieved.

-Billing preparation and submission for each client milestone achieved.

-Client satisfaction survey completion follow up.

-Cross-trains on other mission-related programs/positions as applicable towards participants’ successful outcome overall (ACCT, RTW Navigation, and Driving programs).

· Relationship management with Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors from all referring Vocational Rehabilitation offices.

· Employer relationship management, with focus on employers with strong diversity and inclusion hiring programs.

· Internal report and tracking generation to support weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual program and department objectives and outcomes.

· Employment Services department team management towards achievement of agency accreditation (CARF) and licensure to grants standards.

· Participation and completion of Ability KC professional development and culture activities.

· Participates in cross training the ES team to expand knowledge and expertise of the needs of individuals with neurological & medical diagnoses related to their vocational goals

· Completion of required continuing education according to vocational rehabilitation and Ability KC guidelines.

In working with applicable departments and programs, the COTA Community Employment Specialist plans and ensures cross training continually occurs for growth and succession.

All duties require maintaining patient/client confidentiality as required by Ability KC policy and procedures.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIREMENTS:

· Associate degree from an AOTA accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program.

· 2+ years working as a COTA in neuro rehab

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office and database software.

· Strong verbal and written communication skills, both within the organization and with external partners.

· Strong organization skills, specifically in the area of individual client management.

· Demonstrated initiative to grow within all aspects of responsibilities.

· Ability to pass a drug screening test/criminal background check.

· Clean driving record and proof of vehicle insurance.

· CPR certification

· Mandt certification

· CBIS certification is required (Certified Brain Injury Specialist)

PREFERENCES:

· Experience working within a neuro-rehabilitation based organization and knowledge of associated regulatory protocols, and knowledge of medical terminology.

· Experience working and supporting individuals with disabilities, specifically in the area of community employment.

· Experience in providing employment services, including vocational goal planning, basic resume writing, job board exploration and review, job search, job application preparation and assistance, interview preparation and assistance.

· Knowledge and application of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) and jobsite accommodations

ROUTINE CONTACTS:

Routine contacts include staff from referral sources, Ability KC personnel, employers, patients and or consumers.

This position shall have access only to patient or client Protected Health Information on a need-to-know basis (only that Protected Health Information that is required to perform the job duties described in this job description). This position shall maintain HIPPA Compliance in management of the schedule, contacts and release of Protected Health Information.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT:

Knowledge and use of routine office equipment required to perform the essential functions of this job, include computers, printer, fax machine, copy machine, etc.

AGE SPECIFIC Category: (Check All That Apply) o Infant (Age 0 to 12 months) X Adult (Age 17 to 60) o Child (Age 1 to 11 years) X Geriatric (Over 60 years) o Adolescent (Age 12 to 16 years) OSHA CATEGORY: Hazardous Materials: o Yes X No Bloodborne Pathogens: o Type I o Type II

WHO WE ARE:
As a Kansas City based not-for-profit since 1947, Ability KC builds brighter futures for children and adults with disabilities through medical, educational, and vocational therapeutic services. The depth, breadth, and continuum of expertise within the Ability KC team is internationally recognized through multiple accreditations and more importantly through the achievement of milestones by the individuals and families served. The Ability KC mission and culture is founded upon legacy that continues to innovate and evolve through the connectedness of team, those served, families and caregivers, referral and partner organizations, supporters, volunteers, and community. Ability KC is a designated comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation facility (CORF) since 2002, accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities since 1971 and accreditation with National Association for the Education of Young Children.

Ability KC is a leading hub of therapeutic services supporting the continuum of disabilities across ages. From our goal-oriented approach in services to our long-range planning, our teams are continually looking towards building a foundation of success for those we serve and our organization today and into the future. As we look ahead to the next chapter in our history, we envision a more inclusive community that prepares individuals of all varying abilities to fully participate and contribute to our community. We envision communities that are more adaptable, more inclusive, and stronger as individuals and their families’ partner with Ability KC for every transition in life.

Our Mission: Our mission is to build brighter futures for children and adults with disabilities by providing comprehensive educational, vocational and therapeutic services.

Our Culture: We emphasize the well-being of every individual, ensuring there is meaning in what we do each day, with dedication to quality relationships, security in our finances, vibrancy in our physical and mental health and fervent pride in contributions to our community. Our culture is built on three pillar principles – make a positive impact every day, embrace legacy and innovation and together we rise.

What We Offer: Winter Break for Holiday & Family Time!

Retirement Benefits Eligible to All Employees

Wellness and Care Leave

PTO

Extended Sick Leave

Sabbatical Leave- For Qualifying Positions

We offer a Comprehensive Benefit Package that includes 

Paid Life Insurance

Paid LTD

HSA or FSA options

We are a Monday– Friday Outpatient Service

Ability KC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

Background and post offer drug screenings required.