Occupational Therapist

Job Responsibilities

About Our Agency

The South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (DDSN) is the state agency that plans, develops, coordinates, and funds services for South Carolinians with severe, lifelong disabilities of :

• intellectual disability and related disabilities
• autism spectrum disorder
• traumatic brain injury
• spinal cord injury and similar disability

Job Functions :

The South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that includes :

Minimum and Additional Requirements

A bachelor's degree in occupational therapy and experience as an occupational therapist. Licensed as an Occupational Therapist by the South Carolina Board of Occupational Therapy.

Preferred : Experience with adults with intellectual disabilities.

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge of occupational therapy principles and techniques applicable to the patient population served. Knowledge in the design of activities, self-help devices, and international treatment programs rehabilitatively specific in a variety of individual cases. Knowledge of functional anatomy, physiology, and skeletal biomechanics, whichever applicable to the area of work. Knowledge of the psychiatric aspects of various mental handicaps and disabilities. Ability to work effectively with all consumers, consumers families, medical, nursing, and other staff members and to deal tactfully with the public. Ability to prepare and evaluate reports, medical histories, and departmental records. Ability to plan, conduct, and coordinate on-the-job training and in-service education programs for support personnel and volunteers. Ability to evaluate patient response and progress in the more difficult cases and to present evaluative reports in case staffings and multi-disciplined team meetings.

Additional Comments

About Our Agency : The South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (DDSN) is the state agency that plans, develops, coordinates, and funds services for South Carolinians with the severe, lifelong disabilities of intellectual disability and related disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury and similar disability.

EEO Statement :  DDSN provides affirmative action and equal opportunity in employment for all qualified persons regardless of race, color, sex including the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, national origin, age, religion, or disability.

Employment Contingency :   Employment is contingent upon our receipt of the following required pre-employment screenings : medical screening – to include a drug screening; State and Federal background criminal record checks (to include FBI fingerprinting), SC Dept. of Social Services’ Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry screening, and CMS “List of Excluded Individuals / Entities” screening; SC Dept. of Motor Vehicles Driving Record check; and a review of transcripts verifying educational credentials. We reserve the right to rescind this offer in the event minimum requirements are not met to include positions that require certifications and / or licensure, your application is incomplete or inaccurate, or our review of your background uncovers information, including opinions of previous employers and references, which cause us to conclude, at our sole discretion, that you are not suited for the position.

Immunization : If this position requires the applicant to work directly with DDSN consumers, a step PPD testing or QuantiFERON TB Gold testing must be completed prior to beginning employment. All new employees who are healthcare providers are required to provide documentation of immunity or be immunized against measles, mumps, rubella, pertussis, Varicella and Hepatitis B prior to beginning employment.

State Disaster Plan : In accordance with the State's Disaster Plan, which includes hazardous weather, DDSN employees may be required to work in times of an emergency or disaster.

Employee Referral : The South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs supports a Referral Incentive Reward and a Retention Bonus program. You may contact Human Resource for further information.

Supplemental Questions : Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application. Any misrepresentation will result in your disqualification from employment. Please complete the State application to include all current and previous work history and education. A resume may not be accepted nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position.