Occupational Therapist (OT)

EPWORTH CHILDREN & FAMILY SERVICES INC•Webster Groves, MO

14d•$75,000 - $85,000

About The Position

The Occupational Therapist (OT) provides evaluation, treatment, consultation, and transition support to children, adolescents, young adults, and families across residential, outpatient, and transitional living programs. The OT assesses functional abilities, sensory processing needs, developmental skills, executive functioning, and activities of daily living to support physical, emotional, social, educational, and behavioral well-being. As part of a multidisciplinary team, the OT develops and implements individualized, trauma-informed treatment plans that promote independence, participation, self-regulation, community integration, and successful transitions among home, school, residential, outpatient, employment, and community environments. Services may take place in residential treatment facilities, outpatient clinics, transitional living sites, schools, family homes, and community settings. The role involves individual, group, consultative, and environment-based interventions according to program and youth needs, as well as local travel among program sites and community locations. The position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Requirements

Master's or doctoral degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program.
Current Missouri Occupational Therapist license or eligibility for licensure.
Knowledge of child development, sensory integration, trauma-informed care, and behavioral health interventions.
Strong clinical assessment and treatment planning skills.
Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
Proficiency with electronic health records and documentation systems.
Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and Teams.
Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and move throughout facilities and community settings.
Ability to demonstrate therapeutic activities and interventions.
Ability to safely assist children and adolescents during therapeutic activities when necessary.
Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.

Nice To Haves

Current NBCOT certification preferred.
Current CPR and First Aid certification preferred, or ability to obtain upon hire.
One to two years of occupational therapy experience preferred.
Experience working with children, adolescents, behavioral health populations, residential treatment, foster care, or trauma-affected youth strongly preferred.
Experience with diverse populations.

Responsibilities

Conduct comprehensive occupational therapy evaluations of sensory processing, fine motor skills, self-care abilities, social participation, and daily living skills.
Identify strengths, barriers, and treatment needs through observation, standardized assessments, and collaboration with caregivers and treatment team members.
Develop recommendations and treatment plans based on assessment findings.
Design and provide individualized occupational therapy interventions, including individual and group services, to support client treatment goals.
Develop sensory regulation strategies and environmental modifications that enhance functioning and participation.
Teach coping skills, self-regulation techniques, and adaptive strategies to promote independence and emotional well-being.
Monitor client progress and adjust treatment plans as needed.
Deliver occupational therapy assessment and intervention in youth living environments, addressing sensory regulation, self-care, sleep routines, meal participation, social engagement, school readiness, and safe participation in daily routines.
Train residential staff to reinforce individualized strategies consistently across shifts.
Provide clinic-based individual, family, and group services; establish measurable functional goals with youth and caregivers; support carryover of strategies in home, school, and community settings; and coordinate care with external providers when appropriate.
Assess and strengthen independent living skills, including personal care, home management, meal planning and preparation, transportation use, time management, organization, community safety, education and employment routines, and use of community resources.
Contribute to person-centered transition and discharge plans that prepare youth for greater independence.
Coordinate continuity of care as youth move among residential, outpatient, transitional living, family, educational, employment, and community settings.
Participate in multidisciplinary treatment team meetings and collaborate with residential staff, therapists, educators, case managers, medical providers, and families.
Provide consultation and education regarding sensory processing, developmental needs, adaptive functioning, and environmental supports; assist staff in implementing therapeutic strategies and accommodations.
Maintain accurate, timely, and complete clinical documentation in accordance with agency, state, federal, and professional standards.
Complete evaluations, treatment notes, progress summaries, and discharge recommendations within required timeframes.
Ensure compliance with Medicaid, licensing, accreditation, and ethical standards.
Educate and train families, caregivers, and staff regarding therapeutic interventions and strategies; support family involvement in treatment and transition planning.
Participate in agency training, quality improvement activities, and professional development opportunities.
Maintain current knowledge of occupational therapy best practices, evidence-based interventions, and trauma-informed care approaches; maintain professional licensure and complete continuing education credits.
Perform other duties as assigned.