Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapist Position

FamilyForward's Developmental Trauma Center is seeking an occupational therapist for our interdisciplinary therapy team. The Developmental Trauma Center provides children and families with comprehensive trauma care in a respectful and family-centered environment. The occupational therapist hired will join an experienced team of psychologists and licensed clinical social workers to evaluate and provide intervention based on a specialized understanding of how a child's occupational participation, sensory regulatory patterns, and development are impacted by the context of their history and relational experiences. Services performed by the Occupational Therapists may take place at multiple agency sites as needed or assigned.

FamilyForward is committed to upholding the Organizational Health Anchors that we have set for the agency, including safety; mindfulness and self-regulation; relational health; cultural diversity; inclusivity, equity, and anti-racism; clinical lens; vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue.

What puts FamilyForward Out Front:

• Brand new facility built intentionally to support the needs of staff and families
• Paid time-off for Agency Wellness Week (December 25th to December 31st annually)
• Programming based in the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT)
• Emphasis on professional learning, growth, and development

What to expect on a given day as an Occupational Therapist:

• In the evaluation and treatment of children and their families, you'll apply current knowledge, theory, evidence, ethical standards, and trauma-informed guidelines as part of FamilyForward's therapy team.
• You'll be responsible for efficient, effective, and culturally sensitive communication and collaboration with the child, family, and interdisciplinary support team.
• You'll provide services at assigned FamilyForward locations and community-based settings as needed to meet program and client needs. Travel between agency sites is required.
• You'll conduct occupational therapy evaluations and provides individualized interventions to pediatric and adolescent clients based on identified needs.
• You'll complete all paperwork for third party payers and to document services provided.
• You'll participate in continuing education and all mandatory organizational training, including Phase 1 certification in Neurosequential Model of TherapeuticsTM.
• You will serve as an advocate and promoter of health, wellness, and systemic equity for all stakeholders. This may, at times, include attending meetings or speaking with professionals outside FamilyForward.
• You'll serve as an educator and mentor for occupational therapy students, peers, and other professionals.
• You'll assist the Occupational Therapy (OT) program in promoting the profession, trauma informed care, and the work of FamilyForward through fulfillment of various research, training, program planning, and community leadership roles as agreed upon with supervisor.
• You'll participate in feedback opportunities to promote program improvement.
• You'll maintain appropriate proximity to clients and support client and evaluator safety at all times, even if the child becomes dysregulated or ill.
• You will contribute to the proper use and maintenance of department equipment and supplies.

You would be a good fit for this position if you:

• You have a current Missouri Occupational Therapist license or eligibility for Missouri licensure, in good standing.
• You've graduated from an American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) or the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) certified occupational therapy academic program as required by state law.
• You have experience and comfort independently planning and delivering pediatric occupational, sensory, and developmental assessments and interventions.
• You have experience supporting children with sensory and emotional regulation differences with trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate strategies during times of dysregulation.
• You have demonstrated skills in documentation and successful billing practices.
• You must have reliable transportation to travel between agency locations and community-based settings as needed.

Qualifications and Education that make you stand out (but are not required):

• You have specialized training and experience with sensory processing theories, strategies, and best practices, especially related to dyspraxia and interoception.
• You have Phase 1 certification in Neurosequential Model of TherapeuticsTM.
• You have specialized training in feeding assessment.
• You have familiarity with policies, social systems, and/or school-based practices relevant to the experiences and context of the client and their family.
• You have evidence of engagement in professional leadership, advocacy, or research opportunities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities we look for:

• You have knowledge of agency vision, mission, and services.
• You have the ability to be flexible and adapt to changing needs and time pressures.
• You have the ability to exercise discretion and sound judgement.
• You have the ability to disseminate information clearly and concisely.
• You have the ability to communicate professionally with coworkers, customers, donors, and vendors.
• You have the ability to create and sustain positive working relationships with all levels of the agency; internal and external.
• You have the ability and desire to grow and adapt professional skills to accommodate new learning and evolving best practices.
• You have the ability and desire to practice cultural humility as prescribed by professional standards in all interactions with clients, colleagues, and other stakeholders.

Working Conditions

This position requires sustained periods of work on the computer, including writing/typing. This position requires frequent and prolonged communication with others, in-person and via telephone/virtual conferencing. Physical demands of the position require Occupational Therapists to navigate the environment and the various positions as needed to support the safety and therapeutic activities of pediatric and adolescent clients, even if the client becomes dysregulated or ill. While performing the duties of this job, Occupational Therapists will be expected to demonstrate active listening and relational engagement for extended periods of time during assessments and interdisciplinary meetings with families. They will be expected to self-manage a dynamic work schedule while meeting deadlines and fulfilling all job responsibilities or duties as assigned. Typical working conditions for this position are absent of extreme factors. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This position may require travel between agency sites, must have transportation to all Agency sites, including external locations where events are held. This position occasionally requires evening and/or weekend work.

FamilyForward is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against employees because of their disability status, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, veteran status, or any other status protected under the law. FamilyForward is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace and will make reasonable accommodations to ensure the success of all employees.

Additional Notes

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed but are not to be seen as a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees so classified. Also, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.