Occupational Therapist - Part-Time

We are currently hiring for an Occupational Therapist with primary responsibilities at our Auburn, NY location, with occasional visits (6+ days/year) for evaluations at our Bath, NY location. This is a part-time (24 hour) school-based position with flexible hours between Monday-Friday! 

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
• Ability to travel to Bath, NY on occasion

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)
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