Occupational Therapist (Brooklyn)

Gersh Autism Academy•New York, NY

5d•$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 regularly collaborates with other disciplines and services at the departmental and system levels. The therapist independently reviews outcomes and modifies intervention programs, applying clinical reasoning and professional judgment to promote student safety and protect the school system and therapist from liability. The ideal candidate has experience in screening, evaluation, educational program and transition planning, therapeutic intervention, and exit planning for students with disabilities. The position is based in a school/classroom setting in Downtown Brooklyn. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with one day per week extending to 4:00 p.m. for a team meeting. The role includes a minimum caseload of 45 30-minute sessions per week and coverage of other counselor sessions as needed. The therapist is expected to meet IEP mandates or CSE recommendations at or above 85% utilization each week and complete make-up sessions within the month. The role involves maintaining records, treatment areas, equipment, and supply inventory; developing and maintaining a daily schedule; and performing other related responsibilities assigned by the Program Director. The listed responsibilities are not exhaustive. Physical duties may include supporting or lifting students, responding to safety concerns, and working in a dynamic, high-stimulation environment. Gersh Autism offers a competitive compensation package, comprehensive health and retirement benefits, professional development, and a supportive work environment committed to personal and professional growth.

Requirements

Successfully complete and graduate from an accredited occupational therapy professional program recognized by NBCOT and complete all fieldwork requirements.
Possess State OTR/L licensure in the state of hire.
Have one year of experience as an occupational therapist; experience in a school system or pediatric practice setting is preferred.
Have sensory knowledge.
Have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
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 of varying sizes.
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, 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 working with children with disabilities.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with other disciplines to ensure team understanding of 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, observation, checklists, histories, and interviews.
Synthesize evaluation results into comprehensive written reports describing strengths and barriers to participation in the educational environment, 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, offer recommendations, and develop individual education plans and intervention plans to achieve IEP goals.
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 designed to improve, develop, restore, or maintain a child’s active 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 utilization of student mandates per the IEP or CSE recommendation at or above 85% each week.
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 child needs.
Communicate and interact with team members, school personnel, and families.
Maintain treatment areas, equipment, and supply inventory.
Develop and maintain a daily schedule that includes students/classrooms and other activities and duties.
Perform other responsibilities related to the position as assigned by the Program Director.
Keep students safe, including implementing CPI therapeutic holds when necessary and responding to unsafe situations.
Lift, assist, or physically support students as needed, and perform physical intervention when required for safety.