Occupational Therapist

For over 35 years, Youth Villages has transformed the lives of children and families nationwide through innovative, research-based programs focused on preserving and restoring families.

As a national leader in children’s mental and behavioral health, we serve more than 47,000 youth, young people, and their families annually across 29 states and Washington, D.C. Our proven treatment models drive long-term success in child welfare, juvenile justice, and mental health systems. At Youth Villages, we do what works — partnering with others to expand our impact and advocate for meaningful, lasting change.

We're seeking purpose-driven individuals who are passionate about making a difference. With a dedicated team of more than 5,000 staff, Youth Villages is committed to investing in and supporting our employees by offering opportunities to build a fulfilling career through professional growth, personal development, and a mission that matters— helping children and families live successfully.

For more information, please visit www.youthvillages.org

Program Overview:

Youth Villages' residential programs in Tennessee and Georgia provide safe, nurturing environments for youth ages 6 to 17 with complex behavioral and mental health challenges. These programs are offered across three types of facilities—secure facilities, open campuses, and group homes—each designed to meet the individual needs of youth exhibiting a range of referral behaviors, including aggression, self-harm, suicidal ideations, and problem sexual behavior.
 

Our residential campuses deliver an intensive treatment program that strikes a unique balance between structure and freedom, all while preparing youth for continued success outside of a residential setting. A key focus is to help each youth step down to the least restrictive treatment option possible by developing the skills they need to thrive in less structured environments through trauma-informed care, clinical interventions, life skills building, and recreation therapy (in selection locations). Most youth also attend fully accredited schools located on our campuses, ensuring their educational progress continues alongside therapeutic support.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The Occupational Therapist:

• Attends relevant meetings for the purpose of understanding workflow operations and integrating OT services into the organization

• Observes day-to-day operations at the RTC and provides evaluation and OT treatment to youth

• Screens referrals and educates staff on how to make OT referrals

• Disseminates carryover recommendations to the youth’s care team

• Provides formal training and informal coaching to staff who support youth receiving OT services

• Implements group therapy with youth as needed

• Researches the latest evidence for the most effective OT modalities when working with the target population

• Absorbs caseload when youth enter the RTC with OT on their IEP (typical 4 to 6 youth at a time)

• Completes daily documentation (such as OT notes, contact notes, milieu notes, and precautionary notes) in an electronic medical record system (EMR)

• Performs other duties as assigned

Additional Information:

• The supervision and treatment of youth requires prolonged periods of walking, standing, running, climbing stairs, and physical agility. 

• Applicants must be able to participate in physical interventions when necessary and frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, occasionally more than 100 pounds.

• Applicants are required to complete Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) and CPR trainings and pass an agility and strength evaluation.

• Applicants must possess a current, valid driver’s license.

• Schedule is flexible and may require some weekend hours.

Qualifications:

• Master's or Doctoral degree in Occupational Therapy from an ACOTE accredited institution (required)

• Active license in the applicable state (required)

• Must be certified by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (required)

• Experience working with youth (required)

• Two years working with the targeted population (preferred)

• Experience with providing trauma-informed care (preferred)

• Experience coaching caregivers (preferred)

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

• Excellent written, verbal, and oral skills

• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously

• Basic computer k