Occupational Therapist - Abilities First Middletown Education Center in Middletown NY

Abilities First•Middletown, NY

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Abilities First is seeking a patient, energetic, and passionate Occupational Therapist for its Middletown Education Center in Middletown, New York. The role works with an interdisciplinary team to support the educational programming of school-age children with a range of abilities. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., for 35 hours per week and 48 weeks per year. The stated pay range is $65,923.91 to $67,923.91. The Occupational Therapist evaluates students and referrals, develops and implements therapy programs, sets short- and long-term goals, and coordinates services with classroom staff and related-service personnel. The role includes documenting services, communicating with families and staff about student programs and progress, adapting equipment, participating in team and parent meetings, and supervising or training COTAs and affiliating students as assigned. The therapist must follow applicable agency, education, safety, privacy, and regulatory policies. The work involves physical support of students, including lifting and maneuvering individuals, assisting with ambulation, and moving students in wheelchairs. The position requires the ability to lift up to 50 pounds, stand and walk for extended periods, and perform related movements, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited college.
New York State Department of Education licensure, or eligibility for licensure.
Ability to obtain Safety Care, CPR, SFA, and medication certifications.
Successful background check by NYS OPWDD.
Ability to lift and maneuver individuals, including lifting up to 50 pounds, and to assist with ambulation and wheelchair mobility.
Ability to push and pull students in wheelchairs and perform required physical movements, including bending, squatting, turning at the knees, pivoting, and grasping with both hands, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
Verbal and written communication skills in English sufficient for health, safety, and regulatory documentation.

Nice To Haves

Safety Care, CPR, SFA, and medication certifications are a plus.

Responsibilities

Perform initial and periodic evaluations and determine appropriate short- and long-term goals for students on the caseload.
Plan and implement appropriate occupational therapy programs.
Schedule assigned caseload in coordination with classroom staff and other related-service personnel.
Evaluate new referrals to determine whether services are needed.
Complete required written documentation in accordance with school and preschool policies, agency forms, and deadlines.
Assess student needs in collaboration with clinical and educational staff as indicated.
Recommend, fabricate, and adapt equipment for assigned students in accordance with agency policies, with assistance from the equipment technician.
Communicate regularly with parents, classroom staff, and related-service personnel regarding students’ programs and progress.
Inform appropriate staff and parents or primary caretakers when periodic physician reassessment is needed.
Participate in staff and team meetings and parent/teacher conferences when indicated.
Supervise COTAs as assigned by administrative staff.
Participate in supervision and training of affiliating Occupational Therapy and Occupational Therapy Assistant students as assigned.
Attend CSE annual reviews and other meetings related to children’s therapy needs in the educational setting when requested.
Assist with maintenance of treatment sites and provide departmental in-services when indicated.
Ensure compliance with the Code of Ethical and Legal Behavior, Corporate Compliance, HIPAA, applicable laws and regulations, and agency policies and procedures.
Promote personal and workplace safety and adhere to State Education rules and regulations; preschool employees must also adhere to Office of Children and Family Services policies.
Lift and maneuver individuals using appropriate techniques and assistive tools, assist with ambulation, and push, pull, and maneuver students in wheelchairs.
Perform other appropriate job-related activities as requested by a supervisor or as circumstances warrant.

Benefits

Personal and sick time, with additional paid time off in accordance with the school calendar.
Medical, dental, and vision plans.
Free 24/7 Employee Assistance Program.
Retirement savings plan options.
Employer-paid life insurance.
Access to Free Will.
Tuition reimbursement.
Career development training opportunities.
On-demand pay with access to earnings as early as the next day.
Staff appreciation events, employee awards, team celebrations, and ongoing recognition of exceptional performance and service.