Pediatric Occupational Therapist

Children's Therapy Services•Rapid City, SD

22h•Onsite

About The Position

We have an exciting opportunity for a full-time Pediatric Occupational Therapist to work with our company in the clinic settings. New Graduates WELCOME to apply! Sign on bonus and relocation assistance available! Children's Therapy Services is an excellent company to work for if you're passionate about making a meaningful impact in children's lives. At CTS, you're contributing to a mission that supports children and families, helping young clients reach their developmental goals and achieve greater independence. Working here means that every day, you get to make a direct, positive impact on kids' lives. We foster a collaborative, team-based environment where professionals across different therapy fields can learn from each other and work together for the best outcomes. The workplace culture is often described as supportive, encouraging, and welcoming, which makes it easy to connect with your colleagues. CTS is dedicated to growth- not just for our clients but for staff as well. You'll have access to training and continuing education that keeps you up to date with the latest in therapy techniques and practices. It's an ideal setting for those who want to learn and develop in their careers. Working in therapy can be challenging, and CTS recognizes the importance of balance. Many employees find the work schedule and environment to be conducive to maintaining a healthy work-life balance, which is critical for long-term job satisfaction. CTS is committed to providing high-quality, innovative care tailored to each child's unique needs. You'll have the chance to use creative approaches and evidence-based methods, which makes work both dynamic and fulfilling. The company plays a vital role in the community, helping children and families access the services they need. This strong community focus allows employees to feel connected to their clients and make a lasting difference in their area. CTS owns and operates Little Owl's Daycare and Preschool. Having an on-site childcare center is a huge benefit that makes CTS stand out as an employer! This convenience gives employees peace of mind, knowing their children are nearby and in a safe, supportive environment. It also makes balancing work and family life easier, reducing the stress of finding reliable childcare and allowing staff to focus on their work with greater ease. Seeing children progress and knowing that your work is making a tangible difference in their lives in incredibly rewarding. Each day, you'll witness growth, celebrate milestones, and share in the success of the children you work with! Overall, Children's Therapy Services is a great choice for therapists and professionals who want a career with purpose, opportunities for growth, and a warm, supportive environment.

Requirements

Master's or Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program.
Current SD state licensure to practice as an Occupational Therapist.
National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) certification or the ability to obtain it.
Preferably with experience or additional training in pediatric occupational therapy, early intervention, or related areas.
In-depth knowledge of typical and atypical child development, including motor skills, sensory processing, and cognitive and emotional growth.
Proficiency in evidence-based pediatric occupational therapy techniques such as sensory integration, fine motor development, handwriting interventions, and play therapy.
Skill in administering and interpreting standardized and informal assessments for pediatric clients (e.g., Peabody, Developmental Motor Scales, Sensory Profile).
Familiarity with adaptive tools, sensory aids, and assistive technologies commonly used in pediatric OT to support functional independence.
Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively convey information to children, families, and interdisciplinary team members.
Ability to work closely with a multidisciplinary team including physical therapists, speech therapists, educators and caregivers, to provide coordinated care.
Ability to work with parents and caregivers in a compassionate, respectful, and supportive manner, including training and involving them in therapeutic activities.
Skill in analyzing assessments results to develop effective, individualized treatment plans.
Flexibility in adapting therapy plans to meet the unique and changing needs of a child.
Ability to create engaging, child-friendly interventions that are tailored to developmental needs and therapeutic goals.
Physical ability to interact with children at their level, which may involve bending, kneeling, and lifting light to moderate weights (e.g., therapy equipment).
Manual dexterity to use therapeutic tools and demonstrate fine motor skills.
Competency in maintaining detailed, accurate records of assessments, treatment plans and progress notes, ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards.
Ability to manage caseload effectively, meet deadlines, and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.
Sensitivity to children's needs and an understanding, patient approach when working with children who may have diverse challenges.
Genuine interest in child development and a desire to empower children to reach their full potential.
Keen observation skills to monitor subtle changes in behavior, movement and skill acquisition.
Dedication to staying informed about new research, therapies, and tools in pediatric occupational therapy including participation in relevant workshops, seminars, and continuing education.
Commitment to the ethical standards and best practices of the occupational therapy profession.
New graduates are welcomed to apply and will be provided with assistance/mentorship.

Responsibilities

Conduct assessments to evaluate each child's strengths, needs, and developmental level.
Administer standardized tests and informal assessments to determine functional skills and areas needing intervention.
Develop and document comprehensive evaluation reports.
Create individualized treatment plans and goals based on assessment findings and family input.
Set short and long-term goals tailored to enhance each child's development, focusing on areas such as fine motor skills, sensory processing, self-care and social interactions.
Deliver evidence-based occupational therapy interventions to improve functional skills in daily activities, play, self-care, and school readiness.
Use a range of techniques, such as sensory integration, motor planning activities, and adaptive equipment, to address each child's unique needs.
Incorporate play-based strategies to engage young clients and make therapy enjoyable and effective.
Work closely with families to provide education, resources, and strategies for supporting the child's development at home.
Involve caregivers in therapy sessions as appropriate and encourage active family participation in goal setting and progress tracking.
Offer guidance and tools for integrating therapeutic activities into daily routines.
Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, including speech and language therapists, physical therapists, teachers, and physicians.
Attend team meetings, discuss client progress, and adapt goals as needed for comprehensive care.
Communicate with educators to ensure therapy strategies support the child's school environment and learning goals.
Maintain accurate, up to date records of each child's progress, therapy sessions, and any adjustments in the treatment plan.
Document assessments, treatment sessions, and progress notes in compliance with the regulatory standards and ethical guidelines.
Prepare reports for families, medical teams, and educational staff as needed.
Educate families and caregivers on therapeutic strategies that can be practiced at home.
Train staff and family members on the use of adaptive equipment or sensory tools as needed.
Participate in community outreach and educational workshops when needed to spread awareness about pediatric occupational therapy.
Stay current with research, new treatments, and best practices in pediatric occupational therapy.
Participate in continuing education, conferences, and training opportunities.
Maintain licensure and certifications in accordance with state and professional requirements.
Evaluate and recommend adaptive equipment, such as weighted vests or sensory tools, that may support the child's needs.
Make suggestions for adapting the home or classroom environment to promote accessibility and comfort for the child.
Serve as an advocate for children's needs within educational and medical settings.
Support Families in accessing community resources, educational support, and any additional services beneficial to the child's development.