Occupational Therapist (West Hempstead)

Gersh Autism Academy•West Hempstead, NY

13d•$90,000 - $90,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Gersh Organization is seeking an Occupational Therapist to provide occupational therapy support to children in grades K–12. The role collaborates regularly with other disciplines and services at departmental and system levels. The therapist independently reviews outcomes and modifies intervention programs, using clinical reasoning and professional judgment to ensure student safety and protect the liability of the school system and therapist. The ideal candidate has experience with screening, evaluation, educational program and transition planning, therapeutic intervention, and exit planning for students with disabilities. The Occupational Therapist evaluates students’ occupational performance using functional, behavioral, and standardized assessments, observation, checklists, histories, and interviews. The therapist synthesizes findings into comprehensive written reports, develops occupationally based intervention plans, participates in multidisciplinary meetings and IEP planning, and collaborates with educational personnel, families, students, and community agencies. The position includes delivering and monitoring treatment plans and IEP goals, maintaining records and treatment areas, scheduling sessions, and providing education and in-services to relevant personnel and families. The role is based in a school/classroom setting in West Hempstead, NY, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM–3:30 PM, with one weekly team meeting until 4:00 PM. The caseload is at least 45 30-minute sessions per week, with other counselor sessions covered as needed. The therapist is expected to complete make-up sessions within the month and maintain utilization of student mandates at or above 85% each week. Physical requirements include supporting student safety, potentially using CPI therapeutic holds, lifting or guiding students, and working in a dynamic, high-stimulation environment. Other responsibilities related to the position may be assigned by the Program Director.

Requirements

Successfully complete and graduate from an accredited occupational therapy professional program recognized by NBCOT, including all fieldwork requirements.
Possess State OTR/L licensure in the state of employment.
Have one year of experience as an occupational therapist.
Have sensory knowledge.
Have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Be able to keep students safe from themselves and others; the role may require CPI therapeutic holds.
Be able to remove oneself from potentially harmful situations and, in some cases, lift a child.
Be able to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and move throughout the workday.
Be able to lift at least 50–65 pounds and assist or physically support students, including lifting or guiding students of varying sizes.
Be able to physically intervene when required to ensure safety, consistent with CPI training.
Be able to remove oneself and/or others from unsafe situations quickly.
Be able to maintain attention and focus in a dynamic, high-stimulation environment.
Be able to multitask and shift priorities quickly.
Be able to exercise sound judgment and decision-making, particularly in high-pressure or safety-sensitive situations.
Be able to work effectively as part of a team and maintain professional relationships.
Be able to perform duties under stress, including during behavioral escalations.

Nice To Haves

Experience as an occupational therapist in a school system or other pediatric practice setting is preferred.
Experience working with children with disabilities is a plus.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with other disciplines on student occupational performance strengths and needs through evaluation, educational program planning, and service delivery.
Evaluate students’ abilities and formulate occupational profiles using functional, behavioral, and standardized assessments, skilled observation, checklists, histories, and interviews.
Synthesize evaluation results into comprehensive written reports describing strengths and barriers to educational participation, directing program development, and guiding evidence-based intervention.
Develop occupationally based intervention plans based on student needs and evaluation results.
Participate in multidisciplinary meetings to review evaluation results, integrate findings, make recommendations, and develop IEPs and intervention plans.
Teach, monitor, and collaborate with educational personnel, community agencies, parents, and students to increase understanding of student occupational performance.
Provide continuing education and in-services for educational personnel, parents, and community-based service providers.
Follow treatment plans and IEP goals that support students’ participation in self-maintenance, work, leisure, and play in educational environments.
Maintain a caseload of at least 45 30-minute sessions per week and cover other counselor sessions as needed.
Complete make-up sessions within the month and maintain weekly utilization of student mandates at or above 85%.
Maintain confidentiality, attendance, and flexibility while working cooperatively with supervisors and other employees.
Maintain records and documentation.
Recommend modifications to treatment approaches to reflect changing student needs.
Communicate and interact with team members, school personnel, and families.
Maintain treatment areas, equipment, and supply inventory.
Develop and maintain a daily schedule of students, classrooms, and other activities or duties.
Perform other responsibilities related to the position as assigned by the Program Director.