Occupational Therapist, John Paul II Center for Special Learning

Diocese of Allentown•Shillington, PA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Occupational Therapist will serve as a valued member of therapy and educational teams across multiple settings, supporting individuals of all ages in achieving their highest potential in academic, social, vocational, and daily living skills. Services are provided to students and adults with a wide range of developmental, physical, sensory, and cognitive disabilities. This position spans five days per week across three distinct program areas: three days in the school-based program, one day in the adult day program (a Medicaid-funded program), and one day at The Café, a functional community worksite.

Requirements

Master's degree in Occupational Therapy
Current state licensure as an Occupational Therapist
NBCOT certification
Experience working with children and/or adults with special needs (e.g., autism, cerebral palsy, developmental delays) strongly preferred
Experience with Handwriting Without Tears and Size Matters handwriting programs preferred
Experience in Medicaid-funded programs or adult services a plus
Strong understanding of sensory integration and behavior support strategies
Ability to manage complex and diverse needs across pediatric and adult populations
Comfort and flexibility working across multiple program settings in a single week
Experience or interest in mentoring OT fieldwork/practicum students
Excellent teamwork and communication skills
Patience, empathy, and adaptability
Knowledge of assistive technology and adaptive equipment
Crisis management and de-escalation skills (preferred)

Nice To Haves

Experience working with children and/or adults with special needs (e.g., autism, cerebral palsy, developmental delays)
Experience with Handwriting Without Tears and Size Matters handwriting programs
Experience in Medicaid-funded programs or adult services
Crisis management and de-escalation skills

Responsibilities

Conduct comprehensive evaluations of students with diverse and complex needs
Develop and implement individualized therapy plans aligned with IEP goals
Provide direct, one-on-one, push-in and small group therapy services
Assist in planning and carrying out OT classroom groups when schedule allows
Plan and implement handwriting groups across a variety of classrooms, utilizing the Handwriting Without Tears and Size Matters programs
Collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team including special education teachers, speech therapists, physical therapists, psychologists, and behavior specialists
Modify classroom environments and routines to support accessibility and participation
Train and support staff on therapeutic strategies and accommodations
Monitor, document, and report student progress following each treatment session
Complete triannual progress reports for students on caseload
Determine when therapy services should be discontinued or reduced
Contact parents and discuss student needs as appropriate
Participate in IEP meetings and contribute to goal setting and progress reviews
Support students with behavioral and sensory challenges using evidence-based strategies
Assist with occupational therapy fieldwork students
Consult with Adult Day Program staff to integrate OT strategies into daily programming and routines
Provide individual therapy sessions for adults with developmental, physical, sensory, or cognitive disabilities
Design and lead group therapy sessions targeting functional independence, social participation, and daily living skills
Complete required documentation in compliance with Medicaid billing and program standards
Collaborate with program staff to monitor progress and adjust treatment approaches
Support staff in implementing therapeutic recommendations throughout the program day
Assess and support the occupational performance skills required within a real-world café work environment
Develop and implement individualized and group-based interventions to support vocational, social, and practical skills in the café setting
Collaborate with café staff to adapt tasks, workflows, and environments for optimal individual participation
Partner with Alvernia University OT practicum students, providing mentorship and co-supervision in a community-based learning environment
Model evidence-based OT practice and support student learning within the functional worksite context