Occupational Therapist - WellConnect
DESC
Summary
DESC is looking for an experienced and enthusiastic occupational therapist to join our growing team! This is a remarkable opportunity to help shape OT's role in community-based behavioral health. This nontraditional position is OT at its finest: collaborating with clients to maximize engagement and independence in community-based occupations and remaining housed. Areas of treatment focus will vary and may include ADLs/IADLs, emotional regulation, leisure activities, household management, substance use, and community integration.
Job description
Job Description
DESC is looking for an experienced and enthusiastic occupational therapist to join our growing team! This is a remarkable opportunity to help shape OT's role in community-based behavioral health. This nontraditional position is OT at its finest: collaborating with clients to maximize engagement and independence in community-based occupations and remaining housed. Areas of treatment focus will vary and may include ADLs/IADLs, emotional regulation, leisure activities, household management, substance use, and community integration.
Our clientele consists of highly vulnerable adults facing significant untreated and undertreated challenges related to mental health and substance use disorders. This role is primarily a behavioral health role, but basic knowledge of OT interventions for physical dysfunction is expected. Most services will be provided within DESC permanent supportive housing (PSH) projects. Therapy may be conducted individually or in groups. The ideal candidate is innovative, adaptable, and committed to serving the most vulnerable of our community.
This position will report to the Occupational Therapy Supervisor. Robust clinical mentorship is available for an Occupational Therapist with limited experience with this population, but who exhibits a passion for supporting DESC's mission and the community it serves.
Program Description
WellConnect is a new pilot program funded by King County with a focus on stabilizing adults in permanent supportive housing who are at high risk of destabilization. Similar to a PACT treatment model, WellConnect will provide wraparound intensive behavioral health outreach services. The care team will include a psychiatric provider, psychiatric nurse, case manager, occupational therapist, psychotherapist, and peer counselor.
Clients may be struggling with some or all of the following issues: behavioral health concerns, substance use disorder, hoarding tendencies, poorly managed medication routines, cognitive impairments, mobility impairments, history of trauma, and limited engagement with traditional healthcare models.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Provide high-quality occupational therapy evaluations and treatment interventions (individual and groups) to clients with serious mental illness, history of incarceration, substance use disorder, and/or history of homelessness
- Complete written documentation in manner and timeline required by department and agency
- Develop and maintain strong collaborative relationships with multidisciplinary teams, DESC Housing staff, and community partners to ensure full continuity of care for clients
- Participate in team meetings, in-services, and agency trainings as assigned
- Support and participate in departmental operations and development
- Other duties as assigned
Requirements
- Licensed by the state of Washington as an Occupational Therapist or has a valid probational certificate issued by the state of Washington to practice occupational therapy
- Graduation from an accredited Occupational Therapy program
- Ability to meet Washington Department of Health requirements for registration as a Registered Agency Affiliated Counselor (AAC) or any other superseding credential
- Ability to drive an agency or personal vehicle for agency business; current Washington State driver's license and insurable driving record required
- Interest or experience in working with clients who have difficulty engaging with traditional programs
- Excellent communication skills and professional work ethic
- Strong clinical reasoning skills
- Commitment to trauma-informed care
- Ability to work effectively with clients displaying a wide range of behaviors
- Subscribe to the philosophy of cooperation and continuity across programs and of consideration and respect for clients
- BLS/CPR Certification (can be obtained after hire)
- Professional fluency in a second language besides English (preferred)
- Experience working with adults who have experienced homelessness (preferred)
- Experience working with adults who have experienced mental health and substance use issues (preferred)
Benefits
- Dental Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Long-term Disability Insurance
- Medical Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program
- Flexible Spending Account
- ORCA card subsidy
- Paid Time Off
- Retirement Plan
Company overview
DESC is a mental health care organization dedicated to providing comprehensive behavioral health services to individuals and communities. As a specialized healthcare provider in the mental health sector, DESC focuses on delivering evidence-based therapeutic interventions, counseling services, and support programs for various mental health conditions. The organization operates with a patient-centered approach, emphasizing personalized care plans that address the unique needs of each individual. DESC's services likely encompass outpatient counseling, crisis intervention, psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and community-based support programs. The organization plays a crucial role in addressing mental health disparities and improving access to quality mental healthcare services. With a commitment to clinical excellence and compassionate care, DESC contributes to the broader mental health ecosystem by providing essential services that promote psychological well-being, recovery, and improved quality of life for those facing mental health challenges.