Occupational Therapist

About the role

Pillar Care Continuum is dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with disabilities and other special needs by supporting personal growth, independence and participation in the community. Founded in 1953 to meet the needs of children with cerebral palsy and their families, Pillar Care has steadily grown and now delivers life-affirming services to infants, children, adults and their families throughout northern New Jersey through 27 program locations. The agency serves over 1,650 families each year and employs 700 full- and part-time employees. Pillar Care Continuum is looking to hire multiple dedicated candidates for our Occupational Therapist (OT) in the Early Intervention Program, which provides specialized therapeutic services to infants and toddlers (birth to age 3) with developmental delays, disabilities, or medical conditions. The OT works collaboratively with families, caregivers, and interdisciplinary teams to develop and implement individualized strategies to enhance children’s development and functional abilities. Learn more about our Early Intervention Program here: Pillar Care | Early Intervention Program. Every Pillar Care employee is responsible for the implementation of the Exposure Control Plan (ECP); this position is classified as Category 2, involving no exposure to blood or body fluids but may perform unplanned procedures usually performed by Category I employees.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive developmental and functional assessments of motor, sensory, and adaptive skills.
• Utilize standardized tools and clinical observations to identify areas of concern.
• Develop individualized family service plans (IFSP) in collaboration with families and other team members.
• Design and implement evidence-based therapeutic interventions to promote fine motor, sensory processing, self-help, and play skills.
• Use age-appropriate and culturally sensitive approaches to support the child’s developmental goals.
• Provide home- or community-based services as per program requirements.
• Educate families and caregivers on strategies to support the child’s development during daily routines.
• Empower families to integrate therapeutic practices into their natural environments.
• Serve as a resource for developmental milestones and concerns.
• Work closely with a multidisciplinary team, including speech therapists, physical therapists, developmental specialists, and case managers.
• Coordinate services and share progress updates with team members to ensure cohesive care.
• Participate in team meetings and IFSP reviews to update goals and strategies.
• Maintain accurate and timely records of assessments, progress notes, and reports in compliance with state and federal guidelines.
• Ensure all documentation aligns with program and funding source requirements (e.g., Medicaid, IDEA Part C).
• Adhere to ethical and legal standards of occupational therapy practice.
• Stay current with research and advancements in early intervention and occupational therapy.
• Attend required training and professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctorate degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program.
• Valid New Jersey Occupational Therapist license.
• Certification by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
• Preferred: Experience working in pediatric or early intervention settings.
• Knowledge of IDEA Part C regulations and developmental milestones.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and within a team.
• Competence in providing family-centered and culturally responsive care.

Benefits

• Accrued paid sick time
• No need for independent liability insurance (saving approximately $200–$300 per year)
• Taxes are deducted directly from your paycheck —