School Occupational Therapist (OT)

Heartshare Human Services Of New York•Howard Beach, NY

About The Position

HeartShare is seeking a motivated and compassionate Occupational Therapist to join its preschool special education team. The role supports children ages 3–5 in developing the fine motor, sensory processing, and self-help skills needed for classroom participation and independence. The therapist uses individualized and group therapy, collaboration with educators and families, and creative, play-based strategies to foster children’s growth and confidence. The position includes evaluating students referred for occupational therapy; developing and implementing individual and group treatment programs in accordance with students’ IEPs; providing services and activities in the educational environment; and documenting sessions, attendance, progress, reports, and recommendations. The therapist collaborates with school personnel and families, participates in IEP and interdisciplinary meetings, consults on goals and therapeutic strategies, recommends programs and equipment, and instructs staff and families in the use of adaptive equipment and materials. The role also includes observing students, coordinating with primary care facilities about relevant medical and equipment needs, and designing, modifying, or constructing adaptive equipment and materials for school use.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy.
Valid New York State license.
NBCOT certification.
Strong knowledge of sensory integration and play-based interventions.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience with preschool or pediatric populations.

Responsibilities

Evaluate students referred for occupational therapy, assessing sensory-motor, fine motor, self-care, and related functional skills.
Develop and implement individualized and group occupational therapy treatment programs in accordance with students’ IEPs.
Provide therapy addressing skills such as cutting, dressing, and feeding, and use sensory integration strategies to support self-regulation and classroom participation.
Develop and present occupational therapy-related activities in the educational environment.
Collaborate with teachers and school staff to integrate therapeutic strategies into preschool classrooms.
Educate and consult with families about treatment goals, therapeutic strategies, and ways to reinforce goals at home.
Document therapy sessions, attendance, progress, reports, and recommendations, and review student records for accuracy and completeness.
Participate in IEP meetings and interdisciplinary conferences, providing professional input on goals, progress monitoring, and student progress.
Make recommendations for occupational therapy programs and consult with school personnel on IEP-related goals and objectives.
Request necessary equipment and supplies, and instruct teachers, paraprofessionals, parents, and other staff in the use of adaptive equipment and materials.
Observe students experiencing difficulty participating in the school environment in areas related to occupational therapy.
Contact primary care facilities regarding students’ medical issues and adaptive equipment needs to support continuity of school services.
Design, modify, and construct adaptive equipment and materials for classroom and school use.
Assist with classroom activities and support instructional needs.

Benefits

Paid vacation, sick, personal days, and holidays.
403(B) retirement plan with employer contribution.
Health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Flexible spending accounts for dependent care, medical, parking, and transit.
Employee appreciation programs and events.
Tuition assistance program.
Professional development opportunities.
Wellhub discount.
Verizon Wireless discount.
BJ’s membership discount.
Discounts on Broadway tickets, movie tickets, theme parks, sporting events, gift certificates, and more.