Pediatric Occupational Therapist

Mala Child & Family Institute is a neurodiversity-affirming, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive interdisciplinary practice serving children, adolescents, adults, and families across the Detroit Metropolitan Area. At Mala, we believe therapy should help people participate more fully in their lives, not teach them to hide, suppress, or change who they are. Our occupational therapy services are grounded in respect for each person’s individual nervous system, sensory experiences, strengths, communication style, autonomy, and goals. Our multidisciplinary team includes occupational therapists, psychologists, psychotherapists, speech-language pathologists, psychiatric providers, and other professionals who work collaboratively to provide thoughtful, whole-person care. Occupational therapy is an important part of that model, supporting clients with sensory processing and regulation, executive functioning, motor skills, daily living skills, emotional regulation, participation, independence, and meaningful engagement at home, school, work, and in the community. Mala is also deeply committed to developing clinicians. Team members are supported through collaboration, consultation, continuing education, and opportunities to grow professionally while contributing to an organization that is continually expanding access to affirming care. Role Description We are seeking a full-time or part-time (1099 or W2) Occupational Therapist to join our interdisciplinary team in the Detroit Metropolitan Area. This is an excellent opportunity for an OT who wants to practice in an environment where neurodiversity-affirming care is not simply a phrase, but a core part of how we understand and support our clients. The Occupational Therapist will provide individualized assessment and intervention based on each client’s strengths, needs, environment, and personally meaningful goals. Rather than focusing on compliance or making clients appear more “typical,” our approach emphasizes regulation, autonomy, participation, self-advocacy, skill development, and quality of life. What You’ll Do Conduct comprehensive occupational therapy evaluations and develop individualized, strengths-based treatment plans. Provide engaging, evidence-informed occupational therapy interventions tailored to each client’s needs and goals. Support areas such as sensory processing and regulation, fine and gross motor development, executive functioning, emotional regulation, self-care and daily living skills, motor planning, and participation in meaningful activities. Work with neurodivergent clients, including autistic individuals and those with ADHD and other developmental, learning, sensory, and mental health differences. Partner with parents, caregivers, and clients to identify practical strategies that can be incorporated into everyday routines and environments. Collaborate closely with psychologists, therapists, speech-language pathologists, psychiatric providers, and other members of the Mala team. Coordinate care with schools, physicians, and community providers when appropriate. Complete accurate and timely clinical documentation. Participate in interdisciplinary consultation, professional development, and team-based learning. Contribute your own ideas and expertise as Mala continues to strengthen and expand its occupational therapy services. Qualifications Master’s or doctoral degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program. Current Michigan Occupational Therapist license or eligibility for Michigan licensure. Strong clinical skills in occupational therapy evaluation, treatment planning, intervention, and progress monitoring. Ability to provide individualized, client-centered care rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach. Strong communication and collaboration skills with clients, families, caregivers, and interdisciplinary professionals. Ability to independently manage a clinical caseload and maintain timely, high-quality documentation. Commitment to ethical, culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and neurodiversity-affirming practice. Especially Valuable We would especially love to hear from candidates with experience or interest in: Neurodiversity-affirming occupational therapy Autism and ADHD Sensory processing and regulation Emotional regulation and mental health Fine and gross motor development Activities of daily living and independence Parent and caregiver collaboration Interdisciplinary care Most importantly, we are looking for an OT who is curious, compassionate, collaborative, and excited about helping people build lives that work for their unique brains, bodies, strengths, and needs. If you are looking for a setting where you can practice occupational therapy creatively, collaborate meaningfully with other disciplines, and provide care that respects neurodivergent people as they are, we would love to hear from you. #J-18808-Ljbffr Mala Child & Family Institute