Pediatric Occupational Therapist

About the role

Mala Child & Family Institute is a neurodiversity-affirming, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive interdisciplinary practice serving children, adolescents, adults, and families across the Detroit Metropolitan Area. Occupational therapy services are grounded in respect for each person’s individual nervous system, sensory experiences, strengths, communication style, autonomy, and goals. Our multidisciplinary team includes occupational therapists, psychologists, psychotherapists, speech-language pathologists, psychiatric providers, and other professionals who work collaboratively to provide thoughtful, whole-person care. Occupational therapy supports clients with sensory processing and regulation, executive functioning, motor skills, daily living skills, emotional regulation, participation, independence, and meaningful engagement at home, school, work, and in the community.

Mala is committed to developing clinicians through collaboration, consultation, continuing education, and opportunities to grow professionally while contributing to an organization that expands access to affirming care.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive occupational therapy evaluations and develop individualized, strengths-based treatment plans.
• Provide engaging, evidence-informed occupational therapy interventions tailored to each client’s needs and goals.
• Support areas such as sensory processing and regulation, fine and gross motor development, executive functioning, emotional regulation, self-care and daily living skills, motor planning, and participation in meaningful activities.
• Work with neurodivergent clients, including autistic individuals and those with ADHD and other developmental, learning, sensory, and mental health differences.
• Partner with parents, caregivers, and clients to identify practical strategies that can be incorporated into everyday routines and environments.
• Collaborate closely with psychologists, therapists, speech-language pathologists, psychiatric providers, and other members of the Mala team.
• Coordinate care with schools, physicians, and community providers when appropriate.
• Complete accurate and timely clinical documentation.
• Participate in interdisciplinary consultation, professional development, and team-based learning.
• Contribute ideas and expertise as Mala strengthens and expands its occupational therapy services.

Qualifications

• Master’s or doctoral degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program.
• Current Michigan Occupational Therapist license or eligibility for Michigan licensure.
• Strong clinical skills in occupational therapy evaluation, treatment planning, intervention, and progress monitoring.
• Ability to provide individualized, client-centered care rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills with clients, families, caregivers, and interdisciplinary professionals.
• Ability to independently manage a clinical caseload and maintain timely, high-quality documentation.
• Commitment to ethical, culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and neurodiversity-affirming practice.

Especially Valuable

• Neurodiversity-affirming occupational therapy
• Autism and ADHD
• Sensory processing and regulation
• Executive functioning
• Emotional regulation and mental health
• Fine and gross motor development
• Activities of daily living and independence
• Parent and caregiver collaboration
• Interdisciplinary care
• Supporting clients across developmental stages