What are the responsibilities and job description for the Occupational Therapist position at Kennedy-Donovan Center?
Position Summary:
The Early Intervention Occupational Therapist is a key member of a transdisciplinary team, supporting children’s development through activities aligned with the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). This role focuses on empowering parents and caregivers through coaching, education, and collaborative planning, helping children (birth-3 years of age) achieve developmental milestones.
It is understood that this position functions as an Early Intervention Specialist and performs duties consistent with their professional education, license, and scope of practice within a multidisciplinary team.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assessment & Evaluation – Conduct developmental assessments and eligibility evaluations to identify strengths and needs across adaptive, cognitive, motor, social-emotional, and communication domains.
- Intervention Planning – Collaborate with families to develop individualized IFSPs with meaningful, measurable goals and strategies.
- Direct Services – Provide home, community, and group-based services through a parent/caregiver coaching model aligned with IFSP goals.
- Family Support & Advocacy – Educate and empower families to understand child development, access resources, and advocate effectively for their child’s needs.
- Collaboration & Coordination – Partner with other professionals to deliver integrated, comprehensive services.
- Documentation & Progress Monitoring – Maintain timely, accurate records; track progress; and review IFSPs to adjust services as needed.
- Compliance & Productivity – Ensure accurate billing and documentation in accordance with EI Operational Standards and agency policies while meeting productivity expectations.
- Professional Growth & Teamwork – Engage in supervision, team meetings, case reviews, and professional development to stay current with best practices.
- Other Duties – Perform additional job-related responsibilities as assigned.
Required Qualifications:
- Must meet the required degree, licensure, and certification standards as defined in the Early Intervention Operational Standards.
- Flexibility in scheduling is required, including occasional evenings.
- Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other required documentation software.
- CPR/First Aid Certified (or ability to obtain certification within designated timeframe).
- Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and willingness to travel extensively.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience working with infants, toddlers, and families in home- or community-based settings.
- Knowledge of family-centered practices and early childhood development.
- Familiarity with evidence-based intervention approaches, parent coaching models, and community resources.
- Previous experience in a multidisciplinary or transdisciplinary team environment.
- Bilingual or multilingual abilities.
Working Conditions & Physical Requirements:
- This position requires frequent travel to homes, community settings, and meetings, as well as prolonged periods of driving, phone, iPad, and computer use.
- The EIS must be able to enter and work in a variety of home environments, including those with physical or environmental challenges such as stairs, limited accessibility, pets, and varying temperature conditions.
- The role involves extended periods of sitting, kneeling, standing, walking, bending, and reaching during home visits and trainings.
- May require climbing of stairs, pivoting, lifting, pushing, or pulling of up to 40 pounds to assist individuals or move program-related materials.
- May be required to provide physical assistance or support to individuals with mobility needs or in crisis situations, and must be comfortable navigating unpredictable settings.
- Caseloads and related physical demands will fluctuate, and the EIS must be adaptable to these changes.