Occupational Therapist - Autism Center for Diagnosis and Treatment

Occupational Therapist

Southeast Missouri State University Autism Center for Diagnosis and Treatment

Full Time

The Autism Center is dedicated to helping children and families affected by autism reach their full potential through compassionate, family-centered, and evidence-based services. As a leading multidisciplinary provider in Southeast Missouri, we deliver individualized assessment and treatment services while fostering inclusion, collaboration, and advocacy. Our team is committed to improving access to quality care, empowering families with the support and resources they need, and helping every child thrive at home, in school, and in the community.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Conduct thorough occupational therapy evaluations for clients with autism spectrum disorder, including sensory processing, motor skills, activities of daily living, feeding skills, and support for AAC evaluations, to determine functional strengths, needs, and recommendations for intervention
• Develop individualized treatment plans based on assessment findings, client goals, and family priorities
• Implement evidence-based occupational therapy interventions to address sensory integration, fine and gross motor skills, and self-regulation
• Utilize a variety of therapeutic techniques, adaptive equipment, and sensory tools to optimize client outcomes
• Collaborate with families and caregivers to educate them about the goals of therapy, home exercise programs, and strategies for supporting skill development in daily routines
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of client assessments, treatment sessions, daily notes, and discharge summaries
• Prepare written reports for stakeholders and insurance payors and participate in multidisciplinary team meetings to review client progress and adjust treatment plans as needed
• Stay current with advances in occupational therapy practice, particularly as they relate to autism
• Collaborate effectively with speech-language pathologists, behavior analysts, psychologists, educators, and other professionals to ensure coordinated care and integrated treatment approaches
• Provide 25-35 billable client contact hours per week

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in occupational therapy from an accredited program
• Current MO state licensure or eligibility for licensure as an Occupational Therapist within 3 months of hire
• Current CPR or BLS certification or the ability to obtain certification upon hire
• Minimum of two years of professional experience working with individuals with developmental delays or developmental disabilities; Experience working with individuals with autism spectrum disorder is a plus
• Strong verbal, interpersonal and written communication skills, with the ability to build rapport with clients and their families
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Demonstrated understanding and strong commitment to customer service

Application Process

Application Deadline: The position is available immediately and will remain open until filled. To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by September 9, 2026. To Apply: Submit the following items online by clicking on the APPLY button at the top of the page:

• Letter of interest addressing position qualifications
• Current Resume
• Names and contact information of three professional references may be asked for at a later date
• Copy of certification and license

Additional Information

About Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO): Founded in 1873 and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Southeast Missouri State University provides student-centered education and experiential learning with a foundation of liberal arts and sciences, embracing a tradition of access, exceptional teaching and commitment to student success that significantly contributes to the development of the region and beyond. SEMO values access to high quality, affordable education with a broadly representative student body, faculty and staff that respects and celebrates a diverse learning community in a global society.