Job Description

OBJECTIVES: Reporting to the Director of Programs, the Licensed Occupational Therapist provides occupational therapy services in accordance with each child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) and/or Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). The role includes delivering therapy, conducting comprehensive assessments that address physical, cognitive, communication, psychosocial, and sensory development, with a focus on fine motor skills and activities of daily living. The Occupational Therapist is also responsible for completing all required documentation and related paperwork and may supervise a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) when applicable.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Assurances

1. Ensure receipt of an individualized Education Program (IEP) for all children on case load.
2. Ensure delivery of services as mandated by each IEP.
3. Ensure a signed medical prescription is on file prior to initiating services, when required.
4. Ensure timely completion of session notes for each child in the EasyTrac Database System.
5. Ensure all required documentation is uploaded into TEAMS and appropriately filed in student records.
6. Maintain knowledge of appropriate billing codes, including Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) and International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes.
7. Ensure that all licenses and certifications remain current and are renewed in a timely manner.

Occupational Therapy

1. Provide occupational therapy services as outlined in each child’s IEP.
2. Deliver services to children individually and in groups, utilizing both push-in and pull-out models as appropriate.
3. Accurately document therapy time by signing each child in and out of sessions.

Paperwork

1. Obtain required prescriptions for all children and upload them into the EasyTrac Database System prior to commencing services.
2. Complete all required documentation, including session notes, progress reports, Turning-5 reports, quarterly report cards, rationales, and other related paperwork, within established timeframes.
3. Submit monthly therapy attendance cards to the designated Administrative Assistant.
4. Complete occupational therapy evaluations when indicated, as well as any additional documentation necessary to support program operations.

Collaborative Activities

1. Provide consultation to teachers, peers, and parents as needed.
2. Participate in required meetings, including team meetings, teacher/clinician meetings, and Special Review CPSE/CSE meetings.
3. Participate in evaluation and intake team activities when indicated.
4. Attend all required training sessions, including discipline-specific and agency-mandated courses.
5. Engage in ongoing professional development through workshops and training to enhance knowledge and service delivery.
6. Maintain compliance with New York State licensure requirements by completing continuing education to keep licenses current.

SPECIFIC SKILLS:

• Deliver evidence-based therapeutic interventions and individualized care for young Children.
• Conduct comprehensive assessments to evaluate developmental and functional needs.
• Maintain productivity standards while ensuring full compliance with regulations requirements.
• Ability to provide effective supervision and mentorship to COTA staff and graduate-level occupational therapy students.
• Build strong, collaborative relationships with families while repeating confidentiality and cultural diversity.
• Conduct appropriate assessments in speech, language, and feeding domains for young children.
• Maintain required productivity levels and comply with all regulatory and program mandates.
• Demonstrate respect for family confidentiality and cultural diversity.
• Collaborate effectively as a team member and build strong working relationships across disciplines and locations.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Excellent work ethic
• Commitment to working in a mission-driven organization.
• Demonstrated personal ethics and values.
• Cross-team collaboration and cooperation
• Team player who works well with a diverse group of people

QUALIFICATIONS

• M.S. Occupational Therapy Degree; School accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).
• NYS License in Occupational Therapy
• National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT – Certification).
• Experience working with children presenting a wide range of communication disorders.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Salary commensurate with experience. Northside offers a competitive salary and benefits package. Salary Range: $80,000 - $95,000.

ABOUT NORTHSIDE

Northside Center for Child Development serves more than 5,500 children and families across New York City each year through high-quality, outcome-driven behavioral health, early childhood education, and enrichment services. With over $34 million in annual funding, Northside provides the comprehensive support children and families need to overcome adversity, build resilience, and pursue their dreams.

Founded in 1946 in Harlem, Northside has been a cornerstone of the community for eight decades, leading the way in integrating education and mental health to support children’s development. Several of Northside’s innovative programs were the first of their kind in Harlem, setting standards of care that continue to influence social service agencies throughout the United States today.

Northside’s founders, Drs. Kenneth B. and Mamie Phipps Clark, were renowned, pioneering psychologists whose groundbreaking research was instrumental in the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education landmark Supreme Court decision that declared school segregation unconstitutional. Their belief in the worth, dignity, and potential of every child continues to guide Northside’s mission and inspire its work today. Northside is driven by its vision and principle, “Each Child…First Chance.”

For more information on Northside Center for Child Development, please visit www.northsidecenter.org.