Lead Occupational Therapist (OT) - School
About The Position
St. Vincent’s Special Needs Services (SVSNS) has been a cornerstone in the special education community for over 60 years, supporting students ages 3–22 from 27 school districts across Connecticut. SVSNS supports children and young adults with developmental disabilities and complex medical needs, including autism spectrum disorders, cerebral palsy, brain injuries, and neuromuscular disorders. Each year, the organization provides specialized educational and therapeutic services to more than 400 students and families. The Lead Occupational Therapist evaluates students’ functional needs and develops individualized treatment plans to support participation, independence, and success in the school environment. Provides Occupational Therapy services addressing fine and gross motor skills, sensory processing, coordination, self-care, and other functional skills that impact learning and daily activities. Serves as a clinical resource and subject matter expert, providing guidance, coaching, onboarding, and training to Occupational Therapy staff, assistants, students, and Rehab Aides. Collaborates with families, educators, and interdisciplinary team members to support student goals and continuity of care. Responsibilities also include documentation, progress monitoring, caregiver and staff education, quality improvement, and support of program operations.
Requirements
- Able to coordinate and manage patient care needs recognizing issues that require intervention
- Able to communicate effectively with patient, family, and team members to reach optimum patient outcomes.
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Demonstrates competence, including knowledge and behaviors, to meet age specific patients’ needs
- Maintains infection control policies related to patient care
- Ability to exercise independent judgement
- Able to adapt to a changing environment
- Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program.
- Minimum of 3 years of Occupational Therapy experience, including experience as a clinical instructor, mentor, or clinical resource.
- Current State of Connecticut Occupational Therapist license.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) certification upon hire or within 30 days of hire, as required.
Nice To Haves
- Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy or Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD).
- 5+ years of Occupational Therapy experience.
- Pediatric, school-based, or special education experience preferred.
Responsibilities
- Evaluates students’ functional needs and develops individualized treatment plans to support participation, independence, and success in the school environment.
- Provides Occupational Therapy services addressing fine and gross motor skills, sensory processing, coordination, self-care, and other functional skills that impact learning and daily activities.
- Serves as a clinical resource and subject matter expert, providing guidance, coaching, onboarding, and training to Occupational Therapy staff, assistants, students, and Rehab Aides.
- Collaborates with families, educators, and interdisciplinary team members to support student goals and continuity of care.
- Documentation, progress monitoring, caregiver and staff education, quality improvement, and support of program operations.
Benefits
- Competitive benefits program designed to ensure work/life balance.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
