Occupational Therapist

the South Dakota State Government•Redfield, SD

12d•Onsite

About The Position

The South Dakota Developmental Center (SDDC), a division of the South Dakota Department of Human Services, is hiring an Occupational Therapist to provide person-centered services for adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. The role focuses on improving clients’ independence, social engagement, and quality of life through daily living skills, motor and sensory processing, and emotional regulation. Customized interventions are provided in the Intermediate Care Facility (ICF) setting and in the community. The therapist supports activities of daily living, including self-feeding and use of adaptive equipment, and addresses food-consistency needs. Therapy may target fine and gross motor coordination, motor planning, sensory processing, social skills, community participation, emotional regulation, self-esteem, employment goals, and leisure activities. The therapist uses structured therapies, environmental adjustments, and skill-building activities to help clients manage sensory challenges and participate more fully in everyday life. The Occupational Therapist identifies factors contributing to behaviors, such as sensory processing challenges, emotional regulation difficulties, or environmental stressors, and teaches practical strategies to improve daily functioning and self-control. The position participates in interdisciplinary client review meetings, provides treatment recommendations and progress reports, and helps ensure each client has an individualized treatment plan. Other work may be assigned. The position is full-time, 40 hours per week, based in Redfield, South Dakota, and is eligible for a relocation incentive. Applicants must hold a South Dakota State Board occupational therapist license and be, or be eligible to be, registered through the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy. Applicants must apply online and attach a resume.

Requirements

Must be licensed as an Occupational Therapist by the South Dakota State Board.
Must be, or be eligible to be, registered as an Occupational Therapist through the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy.
Must attach a resume and apply online; emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of occupational therapy methods, techniques, and purposes in a rehabilitative setting.
Knowledge of new developments in occupational therapy.
Knowledge of the care and operation of occupational therapy equipment.
Knowledge of sensory techniques, methods, and practices used with people experiencing emotional and behavioral challenges.
Knowledge of therapeutic communication, treatment planning, charting, and report writing.
Knowledge of co-occurring disorders and sensory assessment tools and screening devices.
Ability to establish rapport with clients and staff.
Ability to evaluate patients in relation to occupational therapy and establish appropriate treatment programs.
Ability to initiate new programming and maintain accurate treatment and progress records.
Ability to communicate effectively and work effectively with emotionally, socially, and behaviorally challenged patients.
Ability to work effectively with patients from diverse ethnic and sociological backgrounds.
Ability to work with patients’ clinical and treatment teams to implement occupational therapy programming.
Ability to research sensory techniques and keep up with changes in the field.
Ability to supervise, follow instructions, maintain a helpful and sympathetic attitude toward patients, work independently, and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

Provide occupational therapy interventions to improve clients’ independence, social engagement, and quality of life.
Address daily living skills, including self-feeding, adaptive equipment use, and food-consistency concerns.
Work on fine and gross motor coordination, motor planning, and sensory processing.
Support clients in developing social skills, maintaining relationships, and participating in the community.
Help clients manage challenging behaviors, improve emotional regulation, and build self-esteem.
Assist adults in developing skills to achieve employment goals and participate in fulfilling leisure activities.
Use structured therapies, environmental adjustments, and skill-building activities to address sensory challenges.
Identify contributing factors to behavior and teach practical strategies to improve daily functioning and self-control.
Participate in interdisciplinary client review meetings and provide treatment recommendations and progress reports.
Contribute to individualized client treatment plans.
Perform other work as assigned.

Benefits

15 days (120 hours) of vacation leave.
14 days (112 hours) of sick leave.
11 paid holidays.
Employee health insurance, including a plan with a $0 premium for employee-only coverage.
Flexible benefits, including dental, vision, life insurance, critical illness coverage, and more.
Paid parental and family medical leave.
A 6% fully matched retirement plan.
Reduced tuition for in-state colleges and universities.
Employee wellness program.
Continued education and training opportunities.
Relocation incentive eligibility.