2022-2023 Occupational Therapy Traineeship - JFK Partners, Colorado University School of Medicine, Aurora, CO -

Occupational Therapy Traineeship – 2022-23

JFK Partners, Colorado’s University Center of Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research and Service (UCEDD) and Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) Program is offering an Occupational Therapy Traineeship to begin July 1, 2022 and end June 30, 2023.

The purpose of the LEND program is to improve the health and well-being of individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities by preparing an interdisciplinary cadre of professionals to take leadership roles in providing services, improving systems of care, and building inclusive communities for these individuals and their families.

Eligibility:

• Applicants must have completed a master's or doctoral degree in Occupational Therapy.
• It is preferred that the applicant have a NBCOT registered OT license in Colorado at the time of the traineeship start date; however, this is not required. A passing score on the NBCOT is required.
• Candidates must be licensed or eligible to become licensed in the state of Colorado. 
• Candidates who have a strong interest in autism and other developmental disabilities and/or early intervention are encouraged to apply.
• Candidates must also have a state-issued driver’s license, car insurance and reliable car transportation to complete some clinical early intervention duties. 
• The trainee receiving a stipend must be a citizen or a non-citizen national of the United States or have been lawfully admitted for permanent residence, as evidenced by a currently valid Permanent Resident Card [USCIS Form I-551] or other legal verification of such status, by the start of the training grant. A non-citizen national is a person who, although not a citizen of the United States, owes permanent allegiance to the United States.

Program Description: The Occupational Therapy trainee typically completes 20% of their time in coursework and 80% in specialized clinical training (assessment, treatment, consultation) for a wide range of persons with developmental disabilities with an emphasis on working with individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. These clinical duties are conducted in a hospital outpatient clinical setting (Developmental Pediatrics at Children’s Hospital Colorado) and in early intervention (ENRICH Early Intervention Team in homes and other community settings). The trainee also attends courses offered by JFK Partners and is expected to compete a scholarly project in developmental disabilities.

Due to the COVID pandemic, many of these clinical and course duties are conducted remotely, depending on COVID rates, patient’s health, etc. However, on-site duties are also required, thus it’s necessary for the trainee to live within the Denver/Aurora metro area. Flexibility to deliver hybrid clinical duties (in person and remote) is now considered a skill set and will be encouraged. Mentorship will also be provided.

Courses:

•  Leadership Dialogues 1 (Summer)
•  Leadership Dialogues 2: Policy & Advocacy (Spring)
• Key Concepts in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (Fall/Spring)
• Screening & Assessment of Children/Youth with ASD/DD (Fall)
• Intervention for Children/Youth with ASD/DD (Spring)