Support Training and Development of Occupational Therapists - Virtual Service with Georgia - 15 weeks

Start date February 16, 2026 End date May 29, 2026 Duration 15 weeks ELIGIBILITY: Must be at least 18 years of age. Must be a U.S. citizen. Activity/project background McLain Association for Children (MAC) Georgia is a non-governmental organization based in Tbilisi, Georgia, dedicated to transforming the lives of vulnerable populations, particularly children and adults with disabilities. Since its establishment in 2008, MAC has worked to expand access to high-quality therapeutic services, improve inclusive education practices, and strengthen the professional capacity of service providers across the country. A key area of focus has been the development of Georgia’s rehabilitation workforce, including speech and language therapists, physical therapists, psychologists, and occupational therapists. Currently, MAC’s team of Georgian occupational therapists provides clinical services in schools, daycare centers, and community settings across multiple regions. In addition to service delivery, the team leads training workshops for professionals and parents, develops clinical resources, and supports advocacy efforts aimed at advancing inclusive practices. However, the field of occupational therapy remains relatively new in Georgia, and there are ongoing challenges related to clinical supervision, resource availability, and strategic planning for broader systemic impact. Mac Georgia requests the support of a Virtual Service Pilot Participant (VSPP) to support the professional growth and capacity of MAC’s occupational therapy team. Specific areas of collaboration may include co-developing training materials, sharing clinical tools and best practices, strengthening monitoring and evaluation systems, and advising on strategies to increase the reach and quality of services. The intended audience includes early-career Georgian occupational therapists, allied health professionals, and MAC program staff involved in therapeutic and educational programming. The organization has previously collaborated with the Peace Corps. Previous Peace Corps Response Volunteers who have contributed to MAC’s efforts in professional development, inclusive education, and program design. The addition of a virtual service pilot participant in occupational therapy continues this tradition of mutual learning and support, expanding the organization’s access to international expertise and strengthening its capacity to serve communities across Georgia. They understand that the role of a VSPP is very different than a two-year Volunteer. Engagement and tasks The VSPP will engage in the following tasks, in collaboration with their Host Country Partners:

• Co-assess current occupational therapy resources and approaches
• Co-develop tailored training modules for occupational therapists and rehabilitation practitioners to introduce and strengthen occupational therapy (OT) approaches in the following two key areas: management and rehabilitation of (1) neurological conditions and (2) mental health conditions
• Co-design and co-facilitate internal review/pilot of the module
• Strengthen capacity and the advancement of occupational therapy practice areas by discussing ideas, challenges or OT-field development needs in virtual mentorship meetings.

VSPPs are expected to engage on the tasks listed above for an estimated 5–15 hours per week. This engagement is estimated to be 10 hours per week. Online collaboration will generally occur weekly, on Tuesdays (1 hour), between 4:00–5:00 p.m. Georgian time (8:00–9:00 a.m. Eastern time). Specific times will be determined during orientation. The Host Country Counterpart will have access to Google Meet for regular communication and collaboration. Per the Child Protection Code of Conduct, when engaging online with minors (0–18), two adults must be present. Optional Additional Activities The Peace Corps mission is to promote world peace and friendship by fulfilling three goals:

• To help the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women.
• To help promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served.
• To help promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans.

Goal 1 will be achieved through the VSPP's engagement and completion of the above tasks. The counterpart and VSPP may also choose to identify an activity that aligns with Goal 2. Additionally, the VSPP may identify a Goal 3 activity to implement during their engagement. See recommendations and tools for Goal 3 activities. Essential Qualifications Education: Masters’ degree or professional doctorate in Occupational Therapy Experience

• 2 years of professional experience in occupational therapy
• Developing or delivering training materials or professional development sessions for other practitioners or students
• Using validated assessment tools, setting functional goals and applying outcomes measurement

Intercultural skills and motivation: Flexible, strong cross-cultural agility, high tolerance for ambiguity, able to work independently, resourceful, creative, and genuinely motivated and capable to serve virtually