Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapist

Description: Pediatric Occupational Therapist

Summary: Assess, plan, organize, and participate in habilitative and rehabilitative programs that provide services to children in early intervention, preschool, and outpatient settings to develop fine motor skills, oral motor skills, self-care, play, and sensory processing abilities not yet achieved.

Job Functions

• Plan, prepare, and carry out individually designed programs of treatment to promote development, maintain or improve functional skills, and prevent dysfunction.
• Assess and measure children's fine motor skills, gross motor coordination, oral motor development, sensory processing, play, cognition, self-care (ADL/IADLs), and range of motion.
• Perform and document initial evaluations, treatment goals, and individualized family service plans (IFSPs), Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), or outpatient treatment plans; regularly update documentation and maintain prescriptions and signatures.
• Review physician referrals, developmental assessments, and patient histories to determine diagnoses, prognosis, and treatment interventions.
• Collaborate with families and caregivers to develop and implement treatment goals and provide caregiver coaching for skill generalization across environments.
• Deliver direct treatment interventions including therapeutic play, sensory-motor activities, fine motor and handwriting programs, oral-motor/feeding interventions, and self-care training.
• Monitor progress and adjust treatment plans to maximize functional outcomes and developmental gains.
• Identify and document goals, anticipated progress, and re-evaluation timelines.
• Educate and empower families about interventions, expected outcomes, home programming, and alternative options.
• Recommend and implement adaptive equipment, assistive technology, and environmental modifications when appropriate.
• Provide instruction and training to parents, teachers, and caregivers on strategies for carryover in home, school, and community settings.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams including teachers, physical therapists, speech therapists, and medical providers to coordinate care.
• Participate in transition planning from early intervention to preschool and from preschool to school-age services.
• Discharge children when goals are achieved and make referrals for follow-up or ongoing support as needed.
• Supervise and mentor occupational therapy assistants, students, and support staff.
• Review and sign COTA notes, re-evaluations, and discharges in a timely manner.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with children, caregivers, and interdisciplinary teams.
• Thorough understanding of typical and atypical pediatric motor, sensory, and cognitive development.
• Knowledge of early intervention and school-based service models including IFSP and IEP processes.
• CPR certification.
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and time management skills.
• Proficiency with electronic medical records, word processing, spreadsheets, and database software.
• Ability to analyze and interpret standardized assessments and progress data.

Education and Experience

• Graduate of an accredited Occupational Therapy program (Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctorate).
• Current NYS Licensure in good standing as an Occupational Therapist.
• Maintain compliance with AOTA standards of practice and NYS Practice Act.
• Completion of continuing education units (CEUs) annually as required.
• Experience in pediatric settings (early intervention, preschool, outpatient) strongly preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Must be in excellent health.
• Ability to regularly stand, walk, sit, reach, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and squat.
• Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds; assist with transfers and mobility.
• Adequate vision for assessment and intervention tasks (close, distance, depth perception, color, and focus adjustment).
• Ability to carry, push, pull, and lift therapy equipment.

Work Environment

• Work is performed in varied settings including home, preschool, clinic, and community environments.
• May be exposed to moderate noise levels typical of childcare and outpatient therapy settings.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Limitations and Disclaimer

The Chautauqua Center is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, nationality, ancestry, age, disability or status as a disabled veteran or veteran of the Vietnam era, pregnancy, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, citizenship, or membership in any other legally protected class.