Occupational Therapist

About the role

Birch Family Services is a leading provider of education, employment, and community support services for individuals with autism and developmental disabilities and their families in New York City. The Occupational Therapist is responsible for implementing a student's IEP goals to enhance learning potential, assist in acquiring functional performance skills, and help students function independently within the educational environment.

Responsibilities

• Make observations during preliminary screening of new students and refer for evaluation if necessary.
• Write detailed descriptions of a child’s performance and behavior, focusing on sensory processing, perceptual skills, and motor coordination as they impact educational participation.
• Suggest approaches and activities to enhance student participation in educational settings.
• Develop and lead staff development and parent workshops on gross motor, fine motor, and perceptual skills.
• Demonstrate approaches for educational staff to improve children’s participation in the classroom.
• Help staff identify children’s specific sensory and motor skill levels.
• Supervise student interns as assigned.
• Develop developmentally-graded activities based on evaluations to improve sensory processing, fine and gross motor skills, and perceptual skills.
• Carry out medical prescriptions for occupational therapy.
• Maintain mandated documentation of treatment and progress, including individual session notes, quarterly progress reports, and related service attendance.
• Submit quarterly and annual reports addressing student progress toward IEP goals.
• Suggest IEP goals and participate in IEP conferences.
• Explain findings and program aims to parents, recommending activities or adaptations for increased independence at home.
• Maintain OT equipment and supplies, recommending orders as needed.
• Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings and report relevant information.
• Attend departmental meetings, supervision, school meetings, and other designated activities.
• Comply with regulatory requirements and school policies, maintaining a clean and organized work environment.
• Maintain effective interpersonal relationships with team members, parents, staff, supervisors, administrators, and outside agencies.
• Demonstrate open communication, flexibility, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy.
• Minimum of six months of supervised experience; 1-3 years of related work experience preferred.
• Completion of an accredited education program and all field-work requirements.
• Certification by the Occupational Therapy Certification Board (OTCB) following successful completion of the national certification exam.
• Valid Occupational Therapist license.

Skills

• Ability to observe, assess, and document student performance and behavior.
• Experience developing and leading training for staff and parents.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams.
• Proficiency in maintaining documentation and reporting progress.
• Flexibility, problem-solving, and teamwork abilities.