First Steps Occupational Therapist

Turnstone Center; Fort Wayne (IN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Turnstone Center in Indiana is expanding its First Steps service line and offering a stable, W-2 role with benefits. Therapists receive a guaranteed base salary, mileage reimbursement, and a robust benefits package, plus PSLF eligibility for qualifying employees.

As a First Steps OT, you will provide birth-to-three services, collaborate with coordinators and families, document thoroughly, and pursue continuing education within a supportive nonprofit setting.

Qualifications

• Master’s or Doctorate in Occupational Therapy is required.
• NBCOT certification and Indiana state license are required.
• Valid CPR/First Aid certification and transportation requirements apply.

Responsibilities

• Provide early intervention services to children birth through three.
• Develop and implement individualized therapy plans and goals.
• Collaborate with IFSP teams and service coordinators.
• Document sessions, progress reports, and required compliance records.
• Supervise OT students and maintain ongoing professional development.

Skills

Independent decision making

Coordination

Time management

Family-centered communication

Education

Master's or Doctorate in Occupational Therapy

NBCOT Certification

Indiana OT License

Job description

For more than 80 years, Turnstone has empowered people with disabilities to reach their highest potential through innovative programs and services that strengthen our community. Building on the success of our long-standing outpatient therapy program, we are excited to expand our impact through our growing Indiana First Steps service line. This is a unique opportunity to join an established, respected organization while helping shape and grow an early intervention program that will make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families.

Therapists who join our First Steps team are eligible for a $1,000 bonus upon acceptance into the Indiana First Steps program!

Turnstone offers the stability, support, and financial advantages of W-2 employment to our Therapy team. First Steps Therapists receive a guaranteed base salary, meaning you are paid even when a family cancels or a client does not show for a scheduled appointment. We also reimburse mileage at $0.75 per mile, including travel associated with no-show visits. In addition, our comprehensive benefits package, valued at approximately $25,000 to $35,000 annually, includes medical, dental, and vision insurance options; life insurance; short- and long-term disability coverage; paid holidays; vacation, sick, and personal time; and a 403(b) retirement plan with up to a 2% employer match. As a W-2 employee, Turnstone also pays a portion of your FICA taxes, providing additional financial value compared to independent contractor roles.

We're committed to supporting your professional growth through a $750 annual continuing education stipend, access to Turnstone's in-service training opportunities, and a robust library of treatment resources. As a nonprofit organization, qualifying employees may also be eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. At Turnstone, you'll find the resources of an established organization, the support of an experienced therapy team, and the opportunity to help build something new and impactful.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide quality early intervention services designed to develop, restore, and/or improve function, and support the achievement of individualized outcomes for children ages birth through three.
• Administer treatment that is individualized and appropriate for the diagnosis and the client, utilizing current techniques and procedures to address goals.
• Set treatment goals and implement strategies that are individualized, developmentally appropriate, family-centered, and aligned with the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP).
• Participate in evaluation, development, and implementation of adaptive materials, supports, and resources that enhance participation in daily activities.
• Modify intervention strategies based on ongoing assessment, child progress, family feedback, and changing developmental needs.
• Consult and communicate with First Steps service coordinators, pediatricians, childcare providers, therapists, and other identified service providers regarding intervention recommendations, goals, and progress.
• Ensure continuity of care by actively involving families in goal development, decision making, and service planning.
• Meet or exceed organizational productivity standards and performance expectations while maintaining high-quality, ethical, and client-centered therapeutic care.
• Utilize the agency's electronic documentation system for scheduling, documentation, reporting, and other daily operations.
• Document services accurately and within required timelines, including session notes, progress reports, IFSP recommendations and updates, discharge summaries and transition documentation, and required First Steps and agency documentation.
• Ensure documentation is accurate, thorough, descriptive, and compliant with agency standards, First Steps requirements, payer guidelines, and applicable regulations.
• Participate in or provide feedback in preparation for multidisciplinary team meetings, IFSP meetings, and care coordination activities to ensure continuity and quality of services.
• Complete letters of medical necessity and other written communication required to support therapeutic intervention.
• Provide supervision and mentoring to Occupational Therapy students, interns, and other support personnel as assigned and as permitted by credentialing requirements.
• Pursue continuing education and professional development opportunities and maintain all required First Steps credentials, certifications, and professional competencies.
• Complete all agency-required trainings, annual competencies, CPR certification, and compliance requirements.
• Adhere to all HIPAA and FERPA regulations, First Steps requirements, and applicable professional codes of ethics.
• Complete other related duties as assigned.

Skills

• Ability to make independent decisions within the scope of duties.
• Coordinate, prioritize, and communicate effectively.
• Maintain sound clinical judgement and effective time management skills.
• Ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with families, community partners, and peers.

Schedule and Work Environment

• Typical schedule is 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday.
• Services are provided primarily in natural environments, including family homes, childcare centers, community locations, and early learning environments
• Travel throughout the assigned geographic service area is required.

Required Qualifications

• Graduate of a School of Occupational Therapy, holding a Master’s or Doctorate degree in Occupational Therapy
• Certification through NBCOT and the state of Indiana at an Occupational Therapist.
• Must maintain current First Steps provider enrollment and credentialing status, current CPR and First Aid certification, valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and proof of automobile insurance.