School Occupational Therapist (OT)

School Occupational Therapist (OT)

We are seeking a motivated and compassionate Occupational Therapist to join our preschool special education team. In this role, you will work with children ages 3-5, helping them develop their fine motor, sensory processing, and self-help skills necessary for classroom participation and independence. Through individualized and group therapy sessions, collaboration with educators and families, and the use of creative, play-based strategies, you will foster growth and confidence in our youngest learners.

Essential Functions and Primary Responsibilities of Position:

• Conduct evaluations to assess sensory-motor, fine motor, and self-care skills
• Develop and implement individualized educational plans (IEPs) to address each child's needs
• Provide therapy sessions focused on activities such as cutting skills, dressing, and feeding
• Utilize sensory integration strategies to support self-regulation and classroom participation
• Collaboration with teachers and staff to integrate therapeutic strategies into the preschool classroom
• Educate families on how to reinforce therapeutic goals at home
• Document therapy sessions, progress, and recommendations in compliance with program requirements
• Participate in IEP meetings and provide professional input for goal-setting and progress monitoring
• Participates in evaluating special education students referred for occupational therapy
• Services are provided in accordance with students' individualized education programs
• Develops individual treatment programs for the provision of occupational therapy
• Implements individual treatment program for the provision of occupational therapy
• Reviews records of students receiving occupational therapy for accuracy and completeness
• Maintains attendance and session notes for students receiving occupational therapy
• Assists school personnel through individual consultations with the formation of goals and objectives related to students' individualized education programs
• Participates in interdisciplinary conferences to discuss student progress
• Makes appropriate recommendations for occupational therapy programs
• Consults with parents/guardians regarding treatment goals, specialized therapeutic equipment and materials, and other suggestions to enhance the students' functional ability within the classroom
• Requests equipment and supplies necessary to carry out an occupational therapy program
• Instructs teachers, paraprofessionals, parents, and other staff in the use of adaptive equipment and materials for classroom/school use
• Participates in observations of students demonstrating difficulty in participating in the school environment in areas related to occupational therapy
• Contacts primary care facilities regarding students' medical issues and adaptive equipment needs, relating to the continuity of services in school
• Designs, modifies, and constructs adaptive equipment and material for classroom/school use
• Assist in classroom activities and support instructional needs.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Occupational Therapy (required)
• Valid New York State license and NBCOT certification (required)
• Experience with preschool or pediatric populations preferred
• Strong knowledge of sensory integration and play-based interventions
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, and move between classrooms throughout the day
• Ability to bend, stoop, lift, or push wheelchairs when assisting children
• Ability to use hands to operate therapeutic tools and participate in activities
• Ability to occasionally perform physical intervention techniques to support children safely
• Visual acuity for close and distance vision, with the ability to maintain focus

Benefits

At HeartShare we offer a comprehensive benefit package based on full-time/part-time status. You can expect:

• Rewarding Work in a team environment.
• Paid vacation, sick, personal days, and holidays.
• 403(B) retirement plans with employer contribution.
• Health, dental, vision and life insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Flexible spending account (Dependent Care, Medical, Parking, and Transit).
• Employee Appreciation Programs and Events.
• Tuition Assistance Program.
• Professional Development opportunities.
• Wellhub Discount
• Verizon Wireless Discount.
• BJs Membership discount.
• Discounts on Broadway tickets, movie tickets, theme parks, sporting events, gift certificates & more

HeartShare is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). If you need to request accommodation during the recruiting process, please reach out to View email address on click.appcast.io.