Lead Occupational Therapist (OT) - School

Hartford HealthCare; Trumbull (CT); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Hartford HealthCare’s St. Vincent’s Special Needs Services seeks a Lead Occupational Therapist to advance school-based OT services. You will evaluate students, design personalized plans, and deliver therapy addressing motor, sensory, and functional skills.

You’ll act as a clinical resource, coaching OT staff, collaborating with families and educators, and supporting program operations to ensure continuity of care.

Qualifications

• Requires BS in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program.
• Preferred: Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy or Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD).

Responsibilities

• Evaluate students’ functional needs and develop individualized treatment plans.
• Provide Occupational Therapy services addressing fine/gross motor skills, sensory processing, coordination, self-care, and functional skills.
• Serve as a clinical resource, guiding coaching, onboarding, and training for OT staff and students.
• Collaborate with families, educators, and interdisciplinary team to support goals and continuity of care.
• Document progress, monitor outcomes, and participate in quality improvement and program operations.

Skills

Coordinate patient care

Effective communication

Interpersonal skills

Age-appropriate care

Infection control

Independent judgement

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy

Master’s or D.O.T. (preferred)

Job description

Location Detail: 95 Merritt Blvd Trumbull (10439)

Work where every moment matters.

Every day, more than 40,000 Hartford HealthCare colleagues come to work with one thing in common: Pride in what we do, knowing every moment matters here. We invite you to become part of Connecticut’s most comprehensive healthcare network.

For over 60 years, St. Vincent’s Special Needs Services (SVSNS) has been a cornerstone in the special education community, supporting students ages 3–22 from 27 school districts across Connecticut. SVSNS supports children and young adults with developmental disabilities and complex medical needs, including autism spectrum disorders, cerebral palsy, brain injuries, and neuromuscular disorders. Each year, the organization provides specialized educational and therapeutic services to more than 400 students and families.

Knowledge, Skills And Ability Requirements

• Able to coordinate and manage patient care needs recognizing issues that require intervention
• Able to communicate effectively with patient, family, and team members to reach optimum patient outcomes.
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Demonstrates competence, including knowledge and behaviors, to meet age specific patients’ needs
• Maintains infection control policies related to patient care
• Ability to exercise independent judgement
• Able to adapt to a changing environment

The Lead Occupational Therapist evaluates students’ functional needs and develops individualized treatment plans to support participation, independence, and success in the school environment. Provides Occupational Therapy services addressing fine and gross motor skills, sensory processing, coordination, self-care, and other functional skills that impact learning and daily activities.

Serves as a clinical resource and subject matter expert, providing guidance, coaching, onboarding, and training to Occupational Therapy staff, assistants, students, and Rehab Aides. Collaborates with families, educators, and interdisciplinary team members to support student goals and continuity of care.

Responsibilities also include documentation, progress monitoring, caregiver and staff education, quality improvement, and support of program operations.

Qualifications

Education:

• Required: Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program.
• Preferred: Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy or Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD).

Experience

• Required: Minimum of 3 years of Occupational Therapy experience, including experience as a clinical instructor, mentor, or clinical resource.
• Preferred: 5+ years of Occupational Therapy experience. Pediatric, school-based, or special education experience preferred.

Licensure & Certification

• Required: Current State of Connecticut Occupational Therapist license. Basic Life Support (BLS) certification upon hire or within 30 days of hire, as required.

We take great care of careers. With locations around the state, Hartford HealthCare offers exciting opportunities for career development and growth. Here, you are part of an organization on the cutting edge – helping to bring new technologies, breakthrough treatments and community education to countless men, women and children. We know that a thriving organization starts with thriving colleagues-- we provide a competitive benefits program designed to ensure work/life balance. Every moment matters. And this is your moment.