Occupational Therapist

Job Title: Occupational Therapist-Early Intervention

Location: Joliet, IL

Company: Pediatric Therapy Specialists

About Us:

At Pediatric Therapy Specialists, our vision is to create a world where every child can rise with strength, resilience, and grace despite adversity to overcome challenges and grow to their full potential. We are a transformative pediatric occupational therapy practice aimed at nurturing each child's unique abilities, helping them thrive and flourish in their developmental journey towards living life to the fullest.

We service children birth to three years old (Early Intervention), as well as children over 3. When treating our clients, our practitioners take a family centered approach as this role offers a unique opportunity to work closely with children and their families in their natural environments (home, daycare, community). This approach promotes practitioners’ ability to enhance a family’s capacity to care for their child and promote their development and functional participation in natural environments where the child and family live, work and play. Through tailored therapy interventions and support, directed by evidenced based practices, we help children blossom in numerous ways.

Job Description

Are you looking for a rewarding job that provides you with genuine fulfillment and purpose? Do you love working with children and are passionate about making a positive impact in their lives? Are you tired of working long days or late hours and would love to manage your own work schedule and work close to home? If you answered yes, then look no further

Rapidly growing home-based pediatric occupational therapy practice excited and eager to hire multiple full time Occupational Therapists to become part of a dynamic and impactful team. We provide play-based services in the home to address the functional needs of a child to promote their participation and occupational performance so they can perform daily occupations such as sleeping, eating, toileting, bathing, grooming, dressing, playing, and social participation in the community.

We are seeking to employ knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and positive individuals who are excited to bring their unique skillset, pediatric experience and motivation to continue learning to help support the needs of children in our community and have fun while doing it. Come join our team

Key Responsibilities for Pediatric Occupational Therapist in Early Intervention Setting:

1. Assessment and Evaluation:
   • Conduct comprehensive assessments/evaluations to determine developmental delays and specific needs in infants and toddlers.
   • Utilize standardized tests, observational techniques, and parent/caregiver interviews to gather relevant information.
2. Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSP):
   • Develop and implement Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSP) in collaboration with families and other professionals.
   • Set measurable goals and objectives tailored to each child’s unique needs and family’s priorities.
3. Direct Therapy Services:
   • Provide hands-on, individualized therapy sessions to enhance motor skills, sensory processing, self-care, and play skills.
   • Use evidence-based practices and therapeutic interventions to promote development in natural environments such as home or daycare settings.
4. Family Education and Support:
   • Educate and coach parents and caregivers on strategies and activities to support their child’s development.
   • Provide guidance on how to integrate therapeutic techniques into daily routines.
5. Collaboration with Other Professionals:
   • Work closely with a multidisciplinary team, including speech therapists, physical therapists, educators, and social workers.
   • Participate in team meetings to discuss progress, coordinate care, and adjust intervention plans as needed.
6. Documentation and Reporting:
   • Maintain accurate and timely records of assessments, therapy sessions, progress notes, and IFSP updates.
   • Ensure documentation complies with legal, regulatory, and organizational standards.
7. Program Development:
   • Contribute to the development and refinement of early intervention programs and services.
   • Share expertise and provide input on program policies and procedures.
8. Community Outreach and Advocacy:
   • Advocate for early intervention services and resources within the community.
   • Provide information and support to families about accessing community resources and services.
9. Professional Development:
   • Stay current with the latest research, trends, and best practices in pediatric occupational therapy and early intervention.
   • Participate in continuing education opportunities, workshops, and professional organizations.
10. Cultural Sensitivity and Competence:
    • Respect and incorporate the cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic diversity of the families served.
    • Adapt interventions to be culturally relevant and appropriate.
11. Transition Planning:
    • Assist in the transition process for children aging out of early intervention services, ensuring a smooth handoff to preschool or other appropriate programs.
    • Collaborate with families and receiving agencies to develop transition plans and support continuity of care.
12. Equipment and Resource Management:
    • Recommend and assist with the procurement and use of adaptive equipment, toys, and materials.
    • Ensure that therapy tools and resources are safe, appropriate, and effective for each child’s needs.

By fulfilling these responsibilities, a pediatric occupational therapist in an early intervention and home based setting plays a crucial role in supporting the development and well-being of young children, helping them achieve their fullest potential in their early years.

What We Offer:

• Competitive Pay: We value our team members and offer competitive compensation packages.
• Flexible Hours: Enjoy the flexibility to create your own hours and schedule, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
• Work Near Home: Opportunities to work in locations close to your residence, minimizing commute times and enhancing your convenience.
• Mentorship: Promote personal and professional growth, development, and success at every stage of your career to nurture the growth and confidence of all occupational therapy practitioners
• Referral Bonus: We believe that great professionals know other great professionals. To recognize and reward our occupational therapy practitioners for helping us grow our team with top-tier talent, we are excited to offer a Referral Bonus Program.

Qualifications:

Educational Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree: Completion of a bachelor's degree, typically in a related field such as biology, psychology, or health sciences.
• Master’s or Doctoral Degree in Occupational Therapy: Graduation from an accredited occupational therapy program with a Master's (MOT) or Doctorate (OTD) in Occupational Therapy.

Licensure:

• State Licensure: License to practice occupational therapy in the state of IL.

Certification:

• NBCOT Certification

Specialized Training and Experience:

• Pediatric Experience: 2-3 years clinical experience in pediatric occupational therapy.
• Early Intervention Experience: Experience/Credentialed in early intervention services is highly desirable.

Skills and Competencies:

• Clinical Skills: Strong knowledge of pediatric developmental milestones, conditions, and therapeutic techniques. Ability to conduct assessments, develop individualized treatment plans, and implement effective interventions.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with children, families, and multidisciplinary teams. Ability to provide clear instructions and support to parents and caregivers.
• Interpersonal Skills: Compassionate, patient, and empathetic approach when working with children and their families. Ability to build rapport and trust.
• Analytical Skills: Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities to assess needs and adapt interventions as necessary.
• Organizational Skills: Efficient time management, documentation, and case management skills to handle a caseload and maintain accurate records.

Continuing Education and Professional Development:

• Ongoing Education: Commitment to staying current with the latest research, trends, and best practices in pediatric occupational therapy. Participation in continuing education courses, workshops, and professional organizations.
• Professional Memberships: Membership in professional organizations such as the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) or local pediatric therapy associations is encouraged.

Additional Certifications (Required):

• CPR and First Aid Certification: Up-to-date CPR and first aid training to ensure the safety of children during therapy sessions.

Additional Certifications (Optional, but highly preferred):

• Certified Autism Specialist (CAS): Certification demonstrating expertise in working with children on the autism spectrum.
• Sensory Integration Certification: Specialized training in sensory integration therapy techniques.

How to Apply:

If you are a passionate and energetic pediatric Occupational Therapist eager to continue learning and make a difference, we would love to hear from you. By joining our team, you will play a crucial role in shaping the futures of the children we serve, empowering them to overcome challenges and grow to their full potential with confidence.

Pediatric Therapy Specialists is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.