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 do creative, play-based strategies, you will foster growth and confidence in our youngest learners.

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

Develops group treatment programs for the provision of occupational therapy

Develops and presents occupational therapy-related activities to benefit students in their educational environment

Provides services to special education students referred for occupational therapy

Services are provided in accordance with the students’ individualized education programs

Implements individual treatment program for the provision of occupational therapy

Implements group 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

Maintains reports 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, as well as perform other duties as assigned by the Director to ensure the smooth operation of the program

Master's degree in Occupational Therapy
Valid state license and NBCOT certification
Experience with pediatric populations, particularly pre-school aged children, in an educational or clinical setting preferred
Knowledge of sensory integration and play-based intervention strategies
Strong communication and teamwork skills

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of the job, the employee is required to stand, sit, use hands to finger, handle or feel, talk and hear.
Walk to and from various locations in the building. May need to stoop, bend, and sometimes lift or push wheelchairs of children being served.
Physical intervention techniques may be required to aid the children in challenging moments
Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision and ability to focus

Benefits?

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

? Paid time off (holidays, vacation in accordance with school calendar, sick and personal)?

? Professional development opportunities?

? Team environment?

? Medical and dental benefits?

? Employer-paid life insurance?

? Optional insurance (life, disability, etc.)?

? 403(B) retirement plans?

? Flexible spending account (dependent care, medical, parking, and transit)?

? Employee assistance program?

HeartShare is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). If you need to request accommodation during the?

recruiting process, please reach out to Leaves@heartshare.org.?

About HeartShare

For over 100 years, HeartShare has dedicated itself to improving the lives of people needing special services and support. The HeartShare team, now 2,100 employees and growing, helps individuals develop to their fullest potential and lead meaningful and enriched lives.

HeartShare Human Services of New York

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Occupational Therapist