Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapist

Supports children, adolescents, and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and/or Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). This role ensures the delivery of high-quality, trauma-informed care in a therapeutic, supportive, and person-centered environment. The Occupational Therapist is a key member of the interdisciplinary clinical team, responsible for evaluating, developing, and implementing occupational therapy services for individuals across residential, educational, and community-based settings. The Occupational Therapist supports functional independence and sensory integration to improve quality of life.

Schedules are flexible, may include early mornings, evenings, overnights, weekdays, weekends, holidays, mandated overtime, mandated holds, and on call responsibilities.

• Conducts occupational therapy evaluations and prepares written assessments and recommendations

• Develops and implements individualized treatment plans and goals aligned with each person's clinical and academic needs

• Provides direct occupational therapy services to individuals and/or delegates and supervises treatment administered by Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs)

• Leads both individual and group therapy sessions using evidence-based, therapeutic techniques

• Maintains appropriate, timely documentation in compliance with agency standards

• Participates in team meetings, including IEPs, Individual Program (IP) meetings, clinical case reviews, and discharge planning

• Collaborates with interdisciplinary team members (clinicians, educators, family members, and other providers) to support consistent, effective intervention

• Provides supervision and mentorship to COTAs and/or occupational therapy students, as assigned

• Ensures therapy services are delivered in a safe, therapeutic, and goal-directed manner

• Maintain active certification in agency-approved crisis intervention training, including all required levels of Physical and Psychological Management Training (PMT). Apply training techniques appropriately to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals served, staff, and others in the environment. Demonstrate competency in de-escalation strategies, safe physical interventions, and adherence to agency protocols.

• Performs other duties as assigned by the Director of Occupational Therapy

Skills:

• Strong communication and collaboration skills

• Proficiency in documentation, evaluation, and treatment planning

• Ability to develop therapeutic rapport with individuals with complex needs

• Strong organizational and time management skills

• Skilled in using sensory integration and adaptive equipment to support therapeutic goals

• Capability to provide effective supervision and feedback to students or assistants

Knowledge:

• In-depth understanding of sensory processing disorders and developmental disabilities

• Familiarity with trauma-informed care practices

• Working knowledge of therapeutic modalities appropriate for individuals with ASD and IDD

• Knowledge of state and federal education and healthcare regulations related to therapy services

• Understanding of the integration of OT in a multidisciplinary treatment model

• Familiarity with IEP development and participation in special education processes

Abilities:

• Assess and respond to the sensory, motor, and functional needs of individuals in various settings

• Maintain professional demeanor in crisis situations

• Travel independently to residential, school, and community settings as needed

• Establish and maintain positive working relationships with families, staff, and external stakeholders

• Adapt therapeutic approaches to meet individualized needs

• Maintain confidentiality and ethical standards in line with professional licensing bodies

Education, Experience and Other Qualifications:

• State of Connecticut Department of Public Health Occupational Therapist Credential Required.

• Licensed Occupational Therapist (OTR) in the State of Connecticut (or eligible)

• National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) certification required

• Experience working with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and/or Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities preferred

• Sensory integration experience strongly preferred

• Must be at least 21 years of age with a valid driver's license and clean driving record

• Valid driver's license with a clean record; ability to transport individuals safely

• Ability to obtain and maintain required certifications (PMT, First Aid, CPR; training provided)

• Experience working independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team

• Ability to work flexible hours based on individual and program needs

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

• Work is performed across school and group home settings

• May involve crisis response and physical intervention in accordance with training.

• Perform all requirements of physical management techniques (PMT)

• Regular standing, walking, lifting (up to 50 lbs), and active physical engagement required

• Exposure to behavioral challenges and crisis situations requiring PMT interventions

• Travel between locations required

A job description is not meant to be all inclusive of every task and/or responsibility

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.