Occupational Therapist-Early Intervention

POSITION SUMMARY: The Occupational Therapy (OT) Specialist provides specific expertise of that discipline as part of a regional team to develop and implement programs and interventions that benefit children in the least restrictive environment. The OT Specialist offers input, oversight, and consultation for children within the City of Chester. The OT Specialist ensures and embeds therapeutic strategies that can be applied in everyday situations within the daily activities/routines at home, school, or in the community. This role provides collaboration, guidance and coaching support to the regional teams, service providers, and early childhood programs, and works across disciplines to ensure that the occupational needs of eligible children are met in the least restrictive manner.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Deliver ongoing collaboration, guidance, and coaching support to regional Individual Education Planning (IEP) teams in accordance with Early Intervention regulations, Chapter 14 and IDEA
• Employ the use of the Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards, best practices, current research, and apply these principles in the least restrictive environment within the context of Preschool Early Intervention
• Provide assessment of eligibility including providing re-evaluation when necessary and plan appropriately for discharge of children
• Conduct ongoing training, modules, and programs for early intervention staff; serve as a staff trainer for Elwyn's workforce development occupational therapy track; provide ongoing training in occupational therapy techniques, adaptations, strategies, and objectives; develop carry-over strategies to families and guide IEP teams on what is developmentally appropriate for preschool age children
• Serve as a consultant regarding the adaptation of physical environments for children with disabilities and the need for adaptive devices or services that will support the child in achieving the highest level of functioning
• Work collaboratively with ELS staff and contracted service providers to ensure adequate coverage, high quality service delivery, and the titration of services as appropriate for the child to gain skills and achieve independence
• Provide periodic case coverage of direct occupational therapy services as recommended in each child's Individual Education Plan (IEP) within the context of the natural environment which includes covering initial services, service gaps, and/or children with a high degree of need.
• Participate in IEP meetings, provide service recommendations, present levels of performance, and goals/outcomes
• Conduct Evaluation and IEP reviews to ensure that goals, strategies, and adaptations are appropriate and individualized to the child's specific needs
• Participate in team/staff meetings designed to support the overall function of the program and region
• Participate in professional development opportunities within and outside of Elwyn that are appropriate to the field of occupational therapy practice
• Participate in supervision, feedback, mentoring, and self-reflection to support therapeutic excellence
• Maintain a caseload of children based on the regional need and frequency of services as indicated on each IEP (Not to exceed 10 direct service hours per week)
• Complete required documentation including daily Service Verification Notes, Biannual Progress Monitoring, and other necessary reports
• Complete other duties as assigned

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: Regional Manager

DIRECT REPORTS: None

CONTACTS: Elwyn staff, contractors, directors and teachers at program sites, children, and their family members

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILLS REQUIREMENTS:

• Licensed as an Occupational Therapist in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
• Experience providing Occupational Therapy services with young children and families is preferred
• Two (2) years' experience working with children on the Autism spectrum
• Employs a team oriented, family centered approach to early intervention
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Demonstrated excellent judgment with the ability to independently solve problems and make decisions with little or no need for direct supervision
• Must possess excellent customer interaction, collaboration, presentation, conflict resolution, active listening, and written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage and prioritize multiple, often competing, priorities
• Demonstrated ability to anticipate future needed changes or identify problem areas and take effective actions
• Demonstrated strong attention to detail
• Demonstrated strong time management and organizational skills
• Non-profit human service experience highly preferred
• Ability and means to travel on a flexible schedule as needed; must have current, valid driver's license in state of residence, three (3) years driving experience in the United States, and acceptable driving record
• Demonstrated basic experience with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint
• Experience using/knowledge of Electronic Health Record (EHR) / Electronic Medical Record (EMR) preferred

2025-2767