Occupational Therapy Assistant at Chinese American Service League (Chicago, IL)Occupational Therapy Assistant

Join CASL as an Occupational Therapy Assistant and Make a Difference Ready to turn your passion for occupational therapy into meaningful impact? Join CASL’s Adaptive Behavior Support team and help children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder and intellectual and developmental disabilities build essential skills, strengthen independence, and thrive at home and in their communities.

The Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) plays a pivital role in delivering specialized Adaptive Behavioral Support (ABS) therapy, including Early Intervention services, to children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and intellectual or developmental disabilities. Reporting to the ABS Services Coordinator, the OTA collaborates with a multidisciplinary team to assess behavioral needs, deliver evidence-based interventions, and provide meaningful support to caregivers. Through a combination individual therapy, group sessions, and caregiver education, the OTA promotes clients’ social-emotional development, sensory regulation, and functional independence. The OTA also contributes to community outreach efforts and fosters strong partnerships with external organizations to enhance client outcomes. This role is essential in delivering culturally responsive care, reducing service gaps in underserved communities, and upholding the highest standards of clinical excellence.

Founded in 1978, CASL is the largest and most comprehensive community-based organization in the Midwest, with deep roots in serving Asian Americans and a commitment to welcoming all. With over 45 years of experience, CASL supports individuals and families across four essential areas: health, human services, education, and advocacy. From early learning and senior care to legal assistance, housing support, and citizenship services, CASL helps thousands of Chicago-area residents build healthy, stable, and empowered lives. To hear about: CASL's history, watch here

Clinical Responsibilities (70%):

- Work under the administrative and operational supervision of the ABS Services Coordinator and receive clinical supervision from an Occupational Therapist (OT), in accordance with applicable licensure and credentialing requirements, when conducting Behavior Assessment and Treatment Planning (BATP) and delivering occupational therapy services.

- Work with the multidisciplinary team within the Department of Behavioral Health and Clinical Services (BHCS) and with external providers to improve the assessment and treatment planning to maximize the potential impacts of interventions per individual’s needs, developmental stages, and strengths.

- Conduct assessments, including administering, scoring, and interpreting assessments, under appropriate clinical supervision and in accordance with applicable scope-of-practice and credentialing requirements; interview individuals and their caregivers; review treatment history; and discuss findings and recommendations with the individual and their parent, guardian, or caregiver, as appropriate.

- Discuss and review the BATP with the ABS Services Coordinator, Occupational Therapist, or Clinician, and have the ABS Clinician and the individual and the individual’s parent or assigned guardian.

- Conduct ABS (including Early Intervention services) such as DIRFloortime ®, an evidence-based intervention, or other evidence-based therapy sessions for children and adults with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and/or intellectual/developmental disorders, per individualized treatment plans.

- Utilize ABS principles to facilitate social, emotional, and intellectual capacities rather than focusing exclusively on skills and isolated behaviors.

- Understand and incorporate an individual’s developmental journey in the intervention.

- Create a supportive and engaging therapeutic environment, harnessing the key affective (emotional) aspect of these relationships to promote development.

- Provide education and guidance to parents/caregivers on implementing ABS strategies at home.

- Offer practical tips and support to enhance child development and daily living skills.

- Collaborate with caregivers to establish consistent routines and expectations.

- Provide occupational therapy services, including in-home services and clinic services under the clinical supervision of the Occupational Therapist to individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

Administrative Responsibilities (30%):

- Accurately document therapy sessions, including the individual’s progress, goals, and interventions, in a timely fashion.

- Maintain clear and concise progress notes and reports.

- Contribute to the development and implementation of individualized treatment plans.

- Work closely with individual or caregiver and Electronic Health Record Systems Specialist in obtaining prior authorization if needed.

- Develop and maintain relationships with community partners to connect clients with additional services/programs as required.

- Evaluate treatment options and create comprehensive service plans for clients to address their identified needs and goals, and/or collaborate with other clinical or medical professionals as required.

- Conduct community outreach and education to increase staff and community members’ awareness of behavioral health.

- Develop and run parent education groups and other evidence-based programming.

- Ensure confidentiality of information is maintained appropriately by following CASL policies/procedures including the State of Illinois regulations.

- Ability to use Salesforce for data entry, report generation, and assisting with various administrative tasks.

- Adhere to policies and procedures in the administration of programs and delivery of services.

- Maintain OTA license by obtaining sufficient continuing education units, while working towards ABS accreditation.

Note: This job description outlines primary responsibilities but is not exhaustive. Duties may evolve in response to organizational needs, and flexibility will be required.

To thrive in this role, you should have:

Education and Experience:

- Associate's degree in Occupational Therapy

- Licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) in the state of Illinois

- Experience working with children/adults with ASD and other developmental disabilities preferred

- Obtain DIRFloortime® Basic Level Certificate within 6 months of hire,  DIRFloortime® Proficiency Level Certificate within 18 months of hire, DIRFloortime® Advance Level Certificate within 30months of hire as approved by the grant(s); obtain other relevant substitute training as approved by the grant(s) or within the State of IL ABS rules

Skills and Knowledge:

• Skilled in establishing rapport and fostering trust with children, adults, and families from diverse cultural backgrounds.

- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage, listen, and collaborate with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including clients, families, and multidisciplinary teams.

- Demonstrated passion for working with culturally, racially diverse, and underserved communities, with a focus on providing equitable and inclusive care.

- Demonstrated expertise in data management using Salesforce, EHR systems, and other relevant platforms, ensuring timely, accurate and compliant clinical documentation.

- Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel), data entry and web navigation

- Basic understanding of Salesforce or similar data management systems is a plus.

Bonus Points For:

• Basic understanding of Salesforce or similar data management systems is a plus.
• Bilingual proficiency in spoken and written English and Chinese (Cantonese preferred, Mandarin and/or Toishanese a plus)

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods, with occasional lifting or moving of objects weighing up to 20 pounds.

Environment and Scheduling:

- Work is performed during the hours of 8:00 am to 7:00 pm in 8-hour shifts, Monday through Friday, and one rotational Saturday a month at minimum

- Must be flexible and available to work after regular business hours when necessary (e.g., weekends and evening periods)

- Accessibility to personal vehicle to accommodate home visits, outreach events, and other conferences that arise

- Delivery of services in the home or community-based settings as needed

Compensation & Benefits: This position offers a salary range of$53,000 - $63,000annually, reflective of experience and qualifications. Join CASL and unlock a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you and your loved ones. As a full-time employee, you'll enjoy a range of options tailored to your needs. CASL’s comprehensive benefits package includes: Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage