Occupational Therapist School Based

Job Summary

The Occupational Therapist treats youth with mental health, behavioral and educational needs through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. Individuals in this role help youth develop, recover and improve the skills needed for optimal success in their school day.

Essential Job functions

Establish appropriate functional, school-based goals for addressing youth needs in the areas of fine motor, gross motor, strength, visual perception, visual motor integration, executive function, social skills, reflex integration, sensory processing, transition / work-based and self-care skills within the school environment.

Develop and implement therapeutic activities for special education youth to access their educational programs.

Test and evaluate youths’ physical and mental abilities and analyze medical data to determine realistic rehabilitation goals.

Regularly collect and document accurate data on occupational therapy goals and objectives.

Select activities that will help individuals learn work and life-management skills within the limits of their mental or physical capabilities.

Evaluate youth progress and prepare reports that detail progress.

Recommend changes in youth work or living environments, consistent with their needs and capabilities.

Plan and implement programs to practice social, school or pre-employment / work-based skills.

Help youth improve decision making, abstract reasoning, memory, sequencing, coordination, and perceptual skills.

Provide recommendations, technical assistance and support for youth adaptive equipment and sensory or self-regulation supports, environmental adaptation and accommodations.

Provide consultation and collaborative services to teachers, paraprofessionals, and other faculty.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with youth, peers, parents, and community.

While this job description covers many aspects of the role, employees may be required to perform other duties as assigned.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program required

Special Requirements

Active, unrestricted NYS license as an Occupational Therapist required

Unrestricted, valid NYS driver’s license for minimum of 1 year with a clean driving record and minimum insurance coverage that meets agency standards.

Must be able to work 12-month schedule

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

In addition to demonstrating the Hillside Professional Competencies of Communicates Effectively, Personal Excellence, Cultural Competence, Builds and Leverages Relationships, and Optimizes Decision Making, the following occupational competencies must be demonstrated :

A deep understanding of anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and psychology as they relate to human functioning and disability.

Ability to conduct thorough assessments of youths’ physical, cognitive, sensory, and emotional abilities, as well as their environments, to identify areas of impairment and functional limitations.

Capacity to develop individualized treatment plans based on assessment findings, setting realistic goals, and selecting appropriate interventions to improve youths’ quality of life.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with youth, families, caregivers, and interdisciplinary team members in a compassionate and culturally sensitive manner.

Ability to empathize with youths’ challenges, demonstrate sensitivity to their emotional needs, and provide compassionate care and support throughout the therapeutic process.

Strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities to address complex clinical issues, adapt interventions as needed, and overcome barriers to youths’ progress.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Must be able to work a variable scheduling including evenings and weekends

The following physical demands are required :

Occasional sitting (up to 4 hours)

Occasional standing (up to 1 hour)

Occasional walking (up to 2.5 hours)

Occasional driving (up to 8 hours)

Continuous balancing (up to 8 hours)

Occasional balancing, bending, stooping, climbing, kneeling, pushing, pulling, reaching forward or down, reaching overhead, running, and twisting (up to 2.5 hours)

Weekly lifting up to 50 lbs. (community-based staff may be required to lift an empty wheelchair weighing up to 50 lbs.), 10-15 lbs. on a daily basis

Weekly carrying up to 55 lbs. approximately 10-100 ft., 10-15 lbs. on a daily basis

Manual dexterity is required, including the frequent ability to grasp in both hands and continuous use of fine manipulation skills in both hands (approximately 1-2.5 hrs.)

Occasional exposure to dust, fumes, gases or chemicals is apparent.

Protective clothing or equipment required : Close toed shoes; Protective Shields, Universal Precaution PPE, Gloves for toileting and food preparation

Ability to change positions as needed

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

May be required to physically restrain clients weighing between 50 lbs. and 200 lbs. and guide them safely to the floor. In some circumstances, restraints can last up to 15 minutes and may require repetition as necessary.

$60,500 Minimum pay rate, $88,000 Maximum pay rate, based on experience. This pay rate may include a Regional and / or Department premium.

At Hillside, we believe that healthy youth and strong families with opportunities to succeed are the foundation of any thriving community. Guided by this belief, we provide community-based services, education, and residential treatment to positively impact lives, in partnership with youth and families who have experienced trauma. From locations across Central & Western New York and Prince George’s County, Maryland, our programs serve nearly 10,000 youth, adults, and families each year.

Partnering with families and communities, we deliver high-quality, evidence-based services, in the appropriate settings — whether on residential campuses or in schools, homes, or the workplace. By measuring the impact of our work, we endeavor to deliver ever better outcomes every day.

Equal Opportunity Employer : Hillside is committed to equal opportunities for all, supporting a diverse workforce, creating development opportunities for our people. Hillside is an equal opportunity employer; individuals from underrepresented and / or marginalized identities, Veterans, and disabled persons are encouraged to apply. Upon request, reasonable accommodations will be provided for the disabled.

Total Rewards : We offer a competitive benefits package to include generous paid time off, paid holidays, comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage, flexible spending account, 403(b) retirement savings plan with employer match, and Employee Assistance Plan – just to name a few of the amazing benefits at Hillside! World changers and change makers join our talent community every day. Apply online, get on board, and grow your career with us!

Requisition ID : 2729