ComPASS Specialist (Brain Injury Skilled Services)

Description

Brain Injury Services (BIS) helps adults and children with a brain injury build the skills and confidence they need to lead a fulfilling and productive life.

Under general direction of the Community Participation and Skills-Building Service (ComPASS) Department Manager, the ComPASS Specialist will provide evaluation, service planning, training, and acquisition assistance to clients related to life skill development, cognitive rehabilitation, and assistive technology throughout the BIS service area. It is the role of the ComPASS Specialist to promote wellness and to help clients develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and engagement in meaningful activities.

Services are provided at client residences, in the community, via a virtual platform, and in office settings. 

This position may require travel to serve clients throughout the BIS service area. 

General Responsibilities: 

The ComPASS Specialist is responsible for providing expertise related to life skill development, cognitive rehabilitation, and assistive technology use for persons with an acquired brain injury. These responsibilities include providing screenings, assessments, consultations, and interventions for persons with brain injuries that promote wellness and maximum independence for the client. 

• Develop Holistic Client Profiles and Evaluate Service Appropriateness: Integrate findings from case histories, client and support team interviews, and assessments to create comprehensive client profiles. Use these profiles to assess the suitability of ComPASS services for each client. Determine if ComPASS is the right fit based on their needs and goals. If ComPASS is not appropriate, recommend adjustments or refer clients to alternative resources or programs better suited to their needs.
• Support Client Goal Development: Assist clients in identifying their strengths and weaknesses and developing meaningful goals.
• Create and Communicate Individualized Service Plans: Develop detailed and realistic service plans that reflect appropriate learning sequences. Clearly convey service plans to clients and team members, outlining the types of activities and specific goals to be accomplished.
• Coordinate Team Meetings: Arrange and lead team meetings with family members, BIS staff, and other relevant team members as needed.
• Tailor Services to Client Needs: Recognize the unique characteristics and needs of each client and modify service plans, strategies, materials, and instruction accordingly.
• Document Progress and Outcomes: Accurately record client progress, incidents, and outcomes.
• Outreach and Strategic Alliances: Build strategic partnerships with public and private organizations to further the department's and BIS's mission. Examples may include providing training to other professionals, attending outreach events, or creating resources to support outreach efforts. 
• Stay Updated on Advances: Continuously monitor technological advancements and research developments in the field.
• Maintain Professional Credentials: Keep professional licenses and certifications up to date according to the area of expertise.
• Carry out other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• A master’s degree from an accredited college or university in a rehabilitation field, such as occupational therapy, with at least two years of experience. A bachelor’s degree with significant experience may also be considered. Occupational Therapists are encouraged to apply. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• An individual with extensive knowledge in life skill development, cognitive rehabilitation, and the utilization of assistive technology for individuals with acquired brain injury. 
• Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS)

Knowledge of:

• Cognitive rehabilitation approaches and models
• The appropriate use of assistive technology
• Medical and psychological aspects of brain injury especially cognitive losses as a result of a brain injury
• Community-based service models
• ADA and other legislation that promotes and protects the rights of persons with disabilities

Ability to:

• Collect and interpret data related to client progress accurately. 
• Listen to input from others, make appropriate decisions based on shared information, and promote mutual problem solving.
• Prioritize activities, schedule client contacts and meetings, and maintain client records in a timely manner.
• Listens, reflects, and explains information using audience-appropriate terminology and monitors understanding by asking questions. 
• Select and develop materials for which there is a clear rationale and use these materials creatively and effectively to enhance client success.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Able visually and verbally to assess referrals, clients, and families, access to a reliable and secure internet connection and able to utilize computer for various tasks including virtual meetings; able to utilize phone to answer questions; able to travel extensively and over long periods; cognitively able to do math and calculations, problem solving and formulations; reading and proofreading; reasoning and analysis; administration/writing/communication/negotiation skills.

ADA SPECIFICATIONS:

Cognitive and Decision-Making Demands

This position requires sustained attention, executive functioning, self-initiation, and sound judgment in a dynamic environment with frequent interruptions and competing priorities. Essential functions include organizing and prioritizing work, adapting to changing circumstances, assessing risk, making timely decisions with incomplete information, and determining when immediate action, consultation, or escalation is required. 

Physical, Sensory, and Environmental Demands

This is a hybrid position requiring an ability to telework, as well as work in a professional office, client homes, and community settings. It requires local travel and the ability to lift up to 20 pounds and perform activities such as bending, kneeling, standing, and using hand tools, with or without reasonable accommodation. 

Brain Injury Services offers an excellent benefits package including competitive time off plan, healthcare and dental, life insurance, disability and retirement plan.