School Occupational Therapist (OT)

HEARTSHARE HUMAN SERVICES OF NEW YORK•New York, NY

7d•$85,000 - $95,000•Onsite

About The Position

HeartShare is seeking a motivated and compassionate Occupational Therapist to join its preschool special education team at Russo First Step EC Center in Howard Beach, New York. The therapist works with children ages 3–5 to develop fine motor, sensory processing, and self-help skills that support classroom participation and independence. Services include individualized and group therapy, collaboration with educators and families, and creative, play-based strategies. The Occupational Therapist evaluates students’ sensory-motor, fine motor, and self-care skills; develops and implements individual and group treatment programs in accordance with students’ IEPs; and provides occupational therapy activities and services in the educational environment. The role documents sessions, attendance, progress, reports, and recommendations, and reviews student records for accuracy and completeness. It also involves participation in IEP meetings, interdisciplinary conferences, observations, consultations with school personnel, and communication with families and primary care facilities. The therapist may request, instruct others in the use of, and design, modify, or construct adaptive equipment and materials. The role also assists with classroom activities and instructional needs. The position is full-time, on the day shift, with travel of up to 25%. The listed salary range is $85,000–$95,000. A master’s degree in Occupational Therapy, a valid New York State license, and NBCOT certification are required. Preschool or pediatric experience is preferred.

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.
Ability to sit, stand, walk, and move between classrooms throughout the day.
Ability to bend, stoop, lift, or push wheelchairs when assisting children.
Ability to use hands to operate therapeutic tools and participate in activities.
Ability to occasionally perform physical intervention techniques to support children safely.
Visual acuity for close and distance vision, with the ability to maintain focus.

Nice To Haves

Experience with preschool or pediatric populations.

Responsibilities

Conduct evaluations of students’ sensory-motor, fine motor, and self-care skills.
Develop and implement individualized education and treatment programs, including individual and group programs, in accordance with students’ IEPs.
Provide occupational therapy services and activities in the educational environment, including activities addressing cutting, dressing, feeding, sensory regulation, and classroom participation.
Use sensory integration strategies and play-based interventions to support children’s self-regulation and participation.
Collaborate with teachers and staff to integrate therapeutic strategies into the preschool classroom.
Educate and consult with families about treatment goals, home reinforcement, therapeutic equipment, and ways to support students’ functional abilities.
Document therapy sessions, attendance, progress, reports, and recommendations; review records for accuracy and completeness.
Participate in IEP meetings, goal-setting, progress monitoring, interdisciplinary conferences, and student observations.
Consult with school personnel on goals and objectives related to students’ IEPs and make recommendations for occupational therapy programs.
Request necessary equipment and supplies, instruct staff and families in the use of adaptive equipment and materials, and design, modify, or construct adaptive equipment for classroom or school use.
Contact primary care facilities regarding students’ medical issues and adaptive equipment needs to support continuity of school services.
Assist with classroom activities and 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, and gift certificates.