Occupational Therapist and/or COTA

Northsidecenter; New York (NY); On-site; USD 124,000 - 179,000; Part time

Job summary

Northside Center for Child Development is seeking a pediatric occupational therapist for a part-time role in New York City. The therapist will deliver evidence-based services to support physical, cognitive, and psychosocial development in children, working closely with families and care teams.

The position emphasizes individualized plans, family education, and coordination of care to improve functional outcomes in children under 5.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree required and current board licensure in OT.
• Pediatric experience of at least 1500 hours in the US.
• Strong skills in developing individualized treatment plans.
• Excellent communication with children and families.
• Knowledge of sensory integration and motor skills development.

Responsibilities

• Assess pediatric patients and diagnose impairments.
• Develop and adjust individualized treatment plans.
• Apply strategies to enhance motor skills, sensory processing, and communication.
• Educate families on safety and home strategies.
• Collaborate with healthcare professionals to coordinate care.

Skills

Treatment planning

Communication with families

Pediatric development knowledge

Adaptive equipment knowledge

Case management

Clinical assessment

Education

Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy

Current OT licensure (or COTA)

Minimum 1500 hours pediatric experience (US)

Job description

OBJECTIVES

Reporting to the Director of Programs, the Occupational Therapist will provide high-quality, evidence-based pediatric occupational therapy services that support the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial development of children. The Occupational Therapist will work closely with patients, families, and healthcare teams to enhance functional abilities, promote intendance, and improve overall quality of life. This is a part-time role.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Assess and diagnose physical, cognitive, and psychosocial impairments in pediatric patients.
2. Develop, implement, and adjust individualized treatment plans to improve functional performance and developmental outcomes.
3. Design and apply therapeutic strategies to enhance motor skills, sensory processing, and communication abilities.
4. Provide education and ongoing support to patients and families regarding safety, injury prevention, and home-based strategies.
5. Recommend and assist with the selection and use of adaptive equipment and assistive devices.
6. Collaborate with physicians, therapists, educators, and other healthcare professionals to coordinate comprehensive care plans.

SPECIFIC SKILLS

• Experience developing and implementing individualized, developmentally appropriate treatment plans.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage effectively with children and families.
• Knowledge of pediatric development, sensory integration, and motor skill enhancement techniques.
• Familiarity with adaptive equipment and assistive technology.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple cases efficiently.
• Strong clinical assessment, diagnostic, and problem-solving abilities.

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

• Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy.
• Current board certification/licensure as an Occupational Therapist or Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant(COTA).
• Minimum of 1500 hours of pediatric experience with Children under 5 in the United States.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

$45.00 for a 30-minute Individual therapy session and $67.50 for a 30-minute group therapy session.

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.