Occupational Therapist (Pediatric Early Intervention & Preschool)

Job Description

Job Description

Join Our Team  

At Finger Lakes Therapy Works, we believe children make the greatest progress when therapy happens where they naturally live, learn, play, and grow. As a New York State-approved Early Intervention and Preschool provider, we deliver occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, and special education services directly within homes, childcare settings, preschools, schools, and community environments throughout the Finger Lakes region. 

Our therapists are more than clinicians—they are trusted partners to families. We believe every child deserves individualized care that builds confidence, supports participation in everyday life, and empowers families to help their child succeed long after each therapy session ends. 

If you're passionate about helping children develop the skills they need to thrive while enjoying the flexibility and autonomy of community-based practice, we'd love to have you join our team.

Mission: Meeting your child where they are.  

Position Summary  

The Occupational Therapist provides comprehensive evaluations and evidence-based occupational therapy services to infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children with developmental delays, disabilities, or medical conditions that affect participation in everyday activities. 

Working within children's natural environments, the Occupational Therapist partners with families and caregivers to improve fine motor development, sensory processing, self-care, play, emotional regulation, social participation, and school readiness through individualized, play-based intervention and caregiver coaching. 

Unlike traditional clinic-based practice, this role emphasizes family-centered care, functional outcomes, and integrating therapy into children's daily routines and meaningful occupations. 

Why Join Finger Lakes Therapy Works?  

We believe exceptional therapists deserve an exceptional workplace. 

We offer: 

• Flexible scheduling that promotes work-life balance 
• Clinical autonomy with supportive leadership 
• Collaborative interdisciplinary team environment 
• Diverse and engaging community-based practice settings 
• Opportunities for mentorship and continuing education 
• Meaningful relationships with children and families 
• A mission-driven culture focused on making a lasting impact 
• Professional growth and career development opportunities 

What You'll Do  

Assessment & Evaluation  

• Conduct comprehensive occupational therapy evaluations using standardized assessments, clinical observations, and caregiver interviews. 
• Assess fine motor development, sensory processing, visual-motor integration, adaptive functioning, self-care skills, emotional regulation, and participation in daily routines. 
• Identify functional strengths, developmental needs, and environmental barriers impacting participation. 

Treatment Planning & Intervention  

• Develop individualized treatment plans and contribute to Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs) and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), as appropriate. 
• Deliver evidence-based, play-based occupational therapy interventions within children's natural environments. 
• Promote development of fine motor, visual-motor, sensory, adaptive, self-regulation, and school readiness skills. 
• Modify intervention strategies based on each child's developmental progress and family priorities. 

Family Coaching & Education  

• Coach caregivers to incorporate therapeutic strategies into everyday routines, play, mealtimes, dressing, and community activities. 
• Educate families on sensory regulation, adaptive techniques, developmental milestones, and strategies that support independence. 
• Empower caregivers to confidently support their child's ongoing development outside of therapy sessions. 

Collaboration  

• Collaborate with Speech-Language Pathologists, Physical Therapists, Special Educators, School Psychologists, physicians, childcare providers, and community partners. 
• Participate in interdisciplinary meetings, transition planning, and collaborative case conferences. 
• Coordinate services to ensure cohesive, family-centered intervention plans. 

Documentation & Compliance  

• Complete evaluations, treatment notes, progress reports, and required documentation accurately and within established timelines. 
• Monitor progress toward individualized goals and adjust treatment plans as needed. 
• Maintain compliance with New York State Early Intervention, Preschool Special Education, payer, and Finger Lakes Therapy Works documentation standards. 

Professional Practice  

• Maintain licensure and continuing education requirements. 
• Demonstrate ethical, culturally responsive, and evidence-based clinical practice. 
• Stay current with pediatric occupational therapy research and best practices. 
• Contribute to a collaborative, supportive, and positive team culture. 

What Success Looks Like  

Successful Occupational Therapists at Finger Lakes Therapy Works: 

• Build trusting relationships with children and families. 
• Deliver engaging, individualized, play-based interventions. 
• Empower caregivers through effective coaching and education. 
• Demonstrate measurable progress toward individualized therapy goals. 
• Collaborate seamlessly with interdisciplinary team members. 
• Maintain timely, accurate documentation and strong clinical outcomes. 

Required Qualifications  

• Master's or Doctoral degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program. 
• Current New York State Occupational Therapist license. 
• National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) certification. 
• Knowledge of pediatric development and evidence-based occupational therapy practice. 
• Strong communication, organization, and interpersonal skills. 
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation for community-based travel. 
• Ability to successfully complete required background screenings. 

Preferred Qualifications  

• Experience providing pediatric occupational therapy services. 
• Experience in Early Intervention or Preschool Special Education programs. 
• Experience delivering services in homes, childcare centers, or community settings. 
• Training in sensory integration, emotional regulation, feeding, or executive functioning interventions. 
• Experience with adaptive equipment recommendations and environmental modifications. 
• Familiarity with telehealth service delivery. 

Physical & Work Environment  

This position is performed primarily within children's homes, childcare centers, preschools, schools, and community settings. The role requires frequent standing, sitting on the floor, bending, kneeling, lifting therapy materials, demonstrating activities, and physically assisting children during therapeutic play and functional tasks. Regular travel throughout the Finger Lakes region is required. 

Compensation & Benefits  

Compensation: Competitive starting compensation of approximately $72–$80 per hour , with opportunities for growth based on experience, performance, and career progression. 

Career Path: Clinicians have a clear pathway to advance into salaried positions with increased responsibility, stability, and leadership opportunities . 

Eligible team members may also receive: 

• Medical, Dental & Vision — Employer-sponsored coverage with multiple medical plan options. 
• 401(k) with Employer Match — Employer match of up to 4% of eligible pay. 
• Employer-Paid Insurance — Life, AD&D, short-term disability, and professional liability coverage. 
• Paid Time Off — Paid holidays, sick time, and PTO, with additional time off available as you progress. 
• Mentorship & Professional Development — Clinical support, supervision, mentoring, and opportunities to grow your expertise. 
• Clear Career Path — A career ladder with defined expectations and opportunities for increased compensation, responsibility, and leadership. 
• Meaningful Work — Deliver family-centered care in the homes, schools, and communities where children learn and grow. 
• Paid Meetings — Staff meetings and twice-yearly parent progress meetings are paid time. 
• Continuing Education — Support for ongoing professional development and continuing education opportunities. 
• Flexible scheduling 
• Mileage reimbursement 
• Licensure and professional membership support (where applicable) 

You Will Thrive Here If You...  

• Believe meaningful therapy happens through play and everyday routines. 
• Enjoy building strong relationships with children and families. 
• Value collaboration while appreciating professional autonomy. 
• Are passionate about helping children become more independent in daily life. 
• Enjoy working in diverse environments rather than a traditional clinic. 
• Want to make a lasting impact in the lives of children and families every day. 

Finger Lakes Therapy Works is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where every employee and family feels