Pediatric Occupational Therapist

We have an exciting opportunity for a full-time Pediatric Occupational Therapist to work with our company in the clinic settings. New Graduates WELCOME to apply! Sign on bonus and relocation assistance available!

Children's Therapy Services is an excellent company to work for if you're passionate about making a meaningful impact in children's lives. Here are a few of the reasons we stand out!

• Mission Driven Work: At CTS, you're contributing to a mission that supports children and families, helping young clients reach their developmental goals and achieve greater independence. Working here means that every day, you get to make a direct, positive impact on kids' lives.
• Supportive Team Environment: We foster a collaborative, team-based environment where professional across different therapy fields can learn from each other and work together for the best outcomes. The workplace culture is often described as supportive, encouraging, and welcoming, which makes it easy to connect with your colleagues.
• Professional Development Opportunities: CTS is dedicated to growth- not just for our clients but for staff as well. You'll have access to training and continuing education that keeps you up to date with the latest in therapy techniques and practices. It's an ideal setting for those who want to learn and develop in their careers.
• Work Life Balance: Working in therapy can be challenging, and CTS recognizes the importance of balance. Many employees find the work schedule and environment to be conducive to maintaining a healthy work-life balance, which is critical for long-term job satisfaction.
• Innovative and Client-Focused Care: CTS is committed to providing high-quality, innovative care tailored to each child's unique needs. You'll have the chance to use creative approaches and evidence-based methods, which makes work both dynamic and fulfilling.
• Community Impact Involvement : The company plays a vital role in the community, helping children and families access the services they need. This strong community focus allows employees to feel connected to their clients and make a lasting difference in their area.
• Childcare Facility on Site: CTS owns and operates Little Owl's Daycare and Preschool. Having an on-site childcare center is a huge benefit that makes CTS stand out as an employer! This convenience gives employees peace of mind, knowing their children are nearby and in a safe, supportive environment. It also makes balancing work and family life easier, reducing the stress of finding reliable childcare and allowing staff to focus on their work with greater ease.
• Rewarding Work with Real Results: Seeing children progress and knowing that your work is making a tangible difference in their lives in incredibly rewarding. Each day, you'll witness growth, celebrate milestones, and share in the success of the children you work with!

Overall, Children's Therapy Services is a great choice for therapists and professionals who want a career with purpose, opportunities for growth, and a warm, supportive environment.

Location
Moving to the Black Hills for a new job is an amazing opportunity! Not only will you be joining a professional path that could bring exciting growth, but you'll also get to enjoy one of the most stunning regions of the country. Living in the Black Hills offers a lifestyle that blends natural beauty, a warm community feel, and a unique local culture.

Imagine coming home from work and being just minutes from breathtaking hiking trails, scenic drives, and historic landmarks like Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial. You'll have countless options for weekend adventures- whether it's exploring state parks, visiting charming small towns, or enjoying local events that celebrate the area's rich heritage. Plus, with the low cost of living, no state income tax, and the friendly locals, South Dakota makes it easy to enjoy a high quality of life.

The Black Hills is a place where you can build your career while also making time for what matters- family, friends, and the outdoors. You'll get the rare balance of professional growth and personal fulfillment, all set against a beautiful, peaceful backdrop.

Here are 12 reasons why living in the Black Hills is so wonderful!

• Stunning Natural Beauty: The Black Hills offer incredible landscapes, from rugged mountains to lush forests, scenic rivers, and unique rock formations. Place like Custer State Park, Spearfish Canyon, and Badlands National Park are nearby, providing endless opportunities for exploration and scenic drives.
• Outdoor Recreation: There are countless activities to enjoy year-round, including hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, fishing, and skiing. In the warmer months, there's boating, and swimming, while winter brings snow sports like skiing and snowshoeing.
• Low Cost of Living: Compared to many parts of the U.S., South Dakota has a relatively low cost of living. This means housing and essentials are generally more affordable, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle even on a moderate income.
• Small Town Charm and Community: Many towns in the Black Hills, like Rapid City, Deadwood and Custer, have a close-knit, welcoming community feel. You can get to know your neighbors and enjoy small town hospitality, while still being close to cultural events and local festivities. 
• Rich History and Culture: The Black Hills have a unique cultural and historical significance, from Native American heritage to Wild West history. Landmarks like Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, and the historic town of Deadwood are steeped in stories and traditions.
• Mild Summers and Snowy Mild Winters: The Black Hills region experiences four distinct seasons, with mild and pleasant summers, crisp autumns, and snowy winters. This variety allows for seasonal activities and beautiful scenery changes throughout the year.
• Wildlife and Nature: Wildlife is abundant in the Black Hills! It's common to see bison, deer, elk, and even mountain goats in certain areas. Custer State Park is especially famous for its bison herd, and many areas are great for birdwatching.
• Peaceful and Remote Feel: Despite is amenities and tourist attractions, the Black Hills offer a peaceful and remote atmosphere. There are many secluded areas where you can enjoy tranquility, away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
• No State Income Tax: South Dakota is one of the few states with no state income tax, which can be a financial benefit for resident, especially those with investments or retirement income.
• Strong Local Art and Music Scene: While small, the Black Hills has a growing arts scene, with galleries, local theaters, music venues, and annual festivals. Rapid City has a vibrant downtown with local shops, art, and community events.
• Beautiful Starry Nights: The relatively low levels of light pollution mean that the Black Hills are an excellent place for stargazing. Nights here can reveal dazzling views of the Milkyway and other celestial phenomena.
• Proximity to Major Landmarks and Attractions: Beyond local sights, the Black Hills are within reach of other incredible places like Yellowstone National Park, Devil's Tower, and the Rocky Mountains, making it a great base for travel.

Job Description:
Pediatric occupational therapists perform various functions in helping children with certain difficulties.

Here are typical tasks, duties, and responsibilities that commonly make up the job description of pediatric occupational therapists:

Assessment and Evaluation:  

• Conduct assessments to evaluate each child's strengths, needs, and developmental level.
• Administer standardized tests and informal assessments to determine functional skills and areas needing intervention. 
• Develop and document comprehensive evaluation reports.

Treatment Planning: 

• Create individualized treatment plans and goals based on assessment findings and family input. 
• Set short and long-term goals tailored to enhance each child's development, focusing on areas such as fine motor skills, sensory processing, self-care and social interactions.

Therapeutic Interventions: 

• Deliver evidence-based occupational therapy interventions to improve functional skills in daily activities, play, self-care, and school readiness. 
• Use a range of techniques, such as sensory integration, motor planning activities, and adaptive equipment, to address each child's unique needs. Incorporate play-based strategies to engage young clients and make therapy enjoyable and effective.

Collaboration with Families and Caregivers:

• Work closely with families to provide education, resources, and strategies for supporting the child's development at home.
• Involve caregivers in therapy sessions as appropriate and encourage active family participation in goal setting and progress tracking.
• Offer guidance and tools for integrating therapeutic activities into daily routines.

Collaborate with Other Professionals:

• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, including speech and language therapists, physical therapists, teachers, and physicians.
• Attend team meetings, discuss client progress, and adapt goals as needed for comprehensive care.
• Communicate with educators to ensure therapy strategies support the child's school environment and learning goals.

Documentation and Record Keeping:

• Maintain accurate, up to date records of each child's progress, therapy sessions, and any adjustments in the treatment plan.
• Document assessments, treatment sessions, and progress notes in compliance with the regulatory standards and ethical guidelines.
• Prepare reports for families, medical teams, and educational staff as needed.

Education and Training:

• Educate families and caregivers on therapeutic strategies that can be practiced at home.
• Train staff and family members on the use of adaptive equipment or sensory tools as needed.
• Participate in community outreach and educational workshops when needed to spread awareness about pediatric occupational therapy.

Professional Development:

• Stay current with research, new treatments, and best practices in pediatric occupational therapy.
• Participate in continuing education, conferences, and training opportunities.
• Maintain licensure and certifications in accordance with state and professional requirements.

Environmental Adaptations and Equipment Recommendations:

• Evaluate and recommend adaptive equipment, such as weighted vests or sensory tools, that may support the child's needs.
• Make suggestions for adapting the home or classroom environment to promote accessibility and comfort for the child.

Advocacy for Children and Families

• Serve as an advocate for children's needs within educational and medical settings.
• Support Families in accessing community resources, educational support, and any additional services beneficial to the child's development.

Requirements – Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities – for Pediatric Occupational Therapist Role:

Educational and Certification Requirements:
Degree: Master's or Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program.
Licensure: Current SD state licensure to practice as an Occupational Therapist.
Certification: National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) certification or the ability to obtain it.
Pediatric Experience: Preferably with experience or additional training in pediatric occupational therapy, early intervention, or related areas.

Technical Skills and Knowledge:

• Understanding of Pediatric Development: In-depth knowledge of typical and atypical child development, including motor skills, sensory processing, and cognitive and emotional growth.
• Therapeutic Techniques: Proficiency in evidence-based pediatric occupational therapy techniques such as sensory integration, fine motor development, handwriting interventions, and play therapy.
• Assessment Tools: Skill in administering and interpreting standardized and informal assessments for pediatric clients (e.g., Peabody, Developmental Motor Scales, Sensory Profile).
• Knowledge of Adaptive Equipment: Familiarity with adaptive tools, sensory aids, and assistive technologies commonly used in pediatric OT to support functional independence. 

Communication and Interpersonal Skills:

• Effective communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively convey information to children, families, and interdisciplinary team members.
• Collaboration: Ability to work closely with a multidisciplinary team including physical therapists, speech therapists, educators and caregivers, to provide coordinated care.
• Family Engagement: Ability to work with parents and caregivers in a compassionate, respectful, and supportive manner, including training and involving them in therapeutic activities.

Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills:

• Critical Thinking: Skill in analyzing assessments results to develop effective, individualized treatment plans.
• Adaptability: Flexibility in adapting therapy plans to meet the unique and changing needs of a child.
• Creativity in Therapy: Ability to create engaging, child-friendly interventions that are tailored to developmental needs and therapeutic goals.

Physical Abilities:

• Stamina and Dexterity: Physical ability to interact with children at their level, which may involve bending, kneeling, and lifting light to moderate weights (e.g., therapy equipment).
• Fine Motor Skills: Manual dexterity to use therapeutic tools and demonstrate fine motor skills.

Organizational Skills:

• Documentation and Record-Keeping: Competency in maintaining detailed, accurate records of assessments, treatment plans and progress notes, ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards.
• Time Management: Ability to manage caseload effectively, meet deadlines, and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.

Personal Qualities and Soft Skills:

• Empathy and Patience: Sensitivity to children's needs and an understanding, patient approach when working with children who may have diverse challenges.
• Motivation and Compassion for Helping Children: Genuine interest in child development and a desire to empower children to reach their full potential.
• Attention to Detail: Keen observation skills to monitor subtle changes in behavior, movement and skill acquisition.

Commitment of Professional Growth:

• Ongoing Learning: Dedication to staying informed about new research, therapies, and tools in pediatric occupational therapy including participation in relevant workshops, seminars, and continuing education.
• Ethics and Professionalism:Commitment to the ethical standards and best practices of the occupational therapy profession. 

New graduates are welcomed to apply and will be provided with assistance/mentorship. To apply online, please send resume to attached website: childrenstherapyservicessd.com

Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $32.00 - $43.00 per hour
Expected hours: 32 – 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 10 hour shift
• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

License/Certification: Occupational Therapy License (Required)

Work Location: In person