Occupational Therapist

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Occupational Therapist

Job Classification (FLSA): Exempt, 40 Hours

Supervisor: Executive Director

The Brooklyn Kindergarten Society (BKS) is the original “born in Brooklyn.” We were founded in 1891, and for 130 years, BKS has helped provide high-quality early childhood education to working families. BKS has grown up with the borough and continues to be a leader in equitable access to early childhood education. We provide full day, year-round academic experiences and care for children ages 2-5 years old. Our curriculum is play based and marries together reading, writing, movement and music, with STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) learning. Our goal is to ensure that Brooklyn’s youngest learners have an equitable first educational step.

JOB PURPOSE

Occupational therapists in early childhood are licensed rehabilitation care professionals responsible for empowering children to improve physical abilities, promote behavioral changes, adapt to surroundings, and teach new skills; the goal is to have students achieve their best physical and/or mental functioning in daily life tasks. Occupational therapists provide these services based on referrals from a teacher, social worker, or parent. Occupational therapy involves skilled evaluation, treatment, and transitional care.

SCOPE OF INFLUENCE

Collaborates with relevant stakeholders, including the families, BKS's Licensed Social Worker, Deputy Directors, and Center/Program Directors, and serves as the subject matter expert on treatment and evaluation for occupational therapy. Occasional work with outside agencies; serve as supervisor, mentor and coach to Occupational Therapy Assistant.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

Occupational Therapy Duties – 70%

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of students' physical, cognitive, and emotional functioning.

• Develop and implement personalized treatment plans to improve or restore students’ functional abilities.

• Assist students in developing skills needed for a school/classroom environment.

• Utilize a variety of therapeutic techniques including exercises, adaptive equipment, and environmental modifications.

• Monitor and document student progress, adjusting treatment plans as needed.

• Educate teachers, families, and students on strategies for maximizing independence.

• Collaborate with BKS staff to ensure the optimal development of students.

• Participate in discharge planning and recommend appropriate follow-up services.

• Adjust communication patterns to the age and level of understanding of the child. This may sometimes include non-verbal means of communication like hand gestures and/or facial expressions.

• Stay current with advances in occupational therapy techniques and best practices.

Administrative, Operational and Supervision Duties – 20%

• Maintain accurate and timely student records and data in compliance with regulations and organizational policies.

• Lead, co-facilitate, and attend meetings when needed to provide specialist advice as regards the functional needs of the child.

• Work within the policy that has to do with child protection procedures and training requirements.

• Plan and facilitate Professional Development, as needed.

• Implement an occupational therapy curriculum for the sensory gym and for individual/group sessions at all 7 BKS centers.

• Supervise Occupational Therapy Assistant.

Other (10%)

• Attend staff meetings and trainings as required.

• Perform special projects and other duties as assigned.

• All other duties as assigned by supervisor and/or Executive Director.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• A Master’s degree from an approved and accredited occupational therapy program required.

• 2 years of experience in early childhood required.

• A minimum of 3 years post qualification work experience in a similar role.

• Must possess the necessary certification and valid license(s) to operate as a therapist in NYS.

• Ability to administer and evaluate standardized assessments.

• Masterful at selecting and overseeing evidence-based interventions.

• Outstanding written and oral communications skills.

• Highly organized with strong attention to detail to effectively document the occupational therapy process in compliance with state and federal regulations.

• Ability to work some evenings and/or Saturdays.