Occupational Therapist

Project Renewal is a leading non‑profit organization with the mission of building supportive communities where people achieve dignity and independence, renewing their lives with health, homes, and jobs. Our comprehensive and integrated 24/7 programs are designed to offer the holistic care our clients need. With a staff of 950+ and an annual budget of $140 million, Project Renewal is one of the larger social service nonprofits in New York City.

Title: Occupational Therapist

Program: PRI Shelter Sites (Multiple Sites)

Salary Range: $85,000 - $90,000

Overall Responsibilities:

Under the general direction of the Program Director and Occupational Therapy Supervisor, with some latitude for independent action and decision making, the Occupational Therapist is responsible for developing and implementing a robust occupational therapy program that will engage clients in a variety of therapeutic groups and 1:1 treatment sessions aimed at developing the instrumental life skills necessary for a successful transition to housing. The primary goals of the OT program are to:

1. Provide a therapeutic structure to the daily operation of the shelter which enables clients to utilize their time in a productive and meaningful way.
2. Provide assessment data to facilitate appropriate housing referrals.
3. Provide direct OT services to facilitate the development of each client’s ability to perform activities of daily living with the highest degree of safety and independence possible.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The essential duties of the Occupational Therapist include but are not limited to the following activities:

• Ensuring that shelter residents are aware of the OT program & all available services.
• Working with Case Managers and other program staff to identify clients in need of services.
• Conducting individual assessments and developing corresponding OT goals & intervention plans.
• Developing, implementing, and leading skill‑based OT groups to address client needs and goals.
• Conducting 1:1 OT sessions focused on developing skills for successful ADL performance, effective emotional regulation, and productive utilization of harm reduction strategies.
• Assisting with linking clients to appropriate community‑based services.
• Planning building‑wide special events, recreational activities and community outings.
• Documenting all clinical work as per program requirements.
• Collaborating with all members of the interdisciplinary team for effective coordination of care.
• Conducting functional assessments to assist in determining housing readiness & completing the housing packets.
• Assisting clients with developing the skills necessary for successful housing interviews.
• Participating in weekly clinical team meetings and staff meetings as indicated.
• Providing clinical supervision to the occupational therapy interns on site.
• Participating in weekly supervision with the Director of Occupational Therapy.

Qualifications:

• Candidates must have a Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy
• Current valid NYS licensure, or temporary licensure at time of hire
• Training and/or experience in community based mental health is preferred but not necessary

Project Renewal is an equal opportunity employer. Its long‑standing policy has been to embrace the equality of opportunity for all employees and applicants without regard to actual or perceived race, color, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, religion or creed, gender (see separately issued Gender Discrimination policy for more detail), physical or mental disability, age (18 and over), military status, arrest record, marital status, domestic partnership status, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristic, sexual orientation, status as a victim or witness of domestic violence, sex offenses or stalking, unemployment status or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state and local laws.