Pediatric Occupational Therapist

Health & Human Services; North Carolina; On-site; USD 67,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Occupational Therapist at the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) serves within the Family, Infant and Preschool Program of the J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center, delivering early intervention to children birth through eight and supporting families with evidence-based practices.

Collaboration with an interdisciplinary team is essential. Minimum qualifications include licensure as an Occupational Therapist in NC; knowledge of IDEA and community resources is

Qualifications

• Experience and/or training in evaluating children and families.
• Experience and/or training in developing community resources.
• Experience and/or training in research and/or model development.
• Understanding of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
• Knowledge about community resources and the skills to locate and seek out resources for children and families.

Responsibilities

• Participate as a member of an interdisciplinary team providing early intervention and family support services.
• Provide occupational therapy assessments and evaluations for children birth through eight with or at risk for disabilities.
• Provide therapy using evidence-based practices and family-centered approaches.
• Coach parents and caregivers in OT-related activities to attain outcomes.
• Develop resources and provide consultation to staff and community partners.

Skills

Evaluating children

Community resources

Research/model development

IDEA understanding

Education

Licensed Occupational Therapist in NC

Job description

Agency Dept of Health and Human Services Division J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center Job Classification Title Occupational Therapist (NS) Position Number Grade MH17

About Us

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is one of the largest, most complex agencies in the state, and has approximately 17,000 employees. It is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of all North Carolinians, providing human service needs for special populations including individuals who are deaf, blind, developmentally disabled, and mentally ill, and helping poor North Carolinians achieve economic independence.

Description of Work

The Occupational Therapist participates as a member of an interdisciplinary team of professionals providing early intervention and family support services to children birth through eight with or at risk for disabilities and their families. The Occupational Therapist has specific responsibility for providing occupational therapy assessments and evaluations for children, providing occupational therapy to enrolled children using current evidence-based early intervention practices (family-centered practices, natural learning environment practices, resource-based practices, caregiver coaching, primary service provider approach to teaming), coaching parents and caregivers in occupational therapy related activities to attain desired outcomes and providing consultation and technical assistance to other staff and community paraprofessionals, professionals and agencies. The Occupational Therapist also participates in activities to support FIPP’s mission of providing a broad range of family-centered resources to children and families by participating in research, program evaluation, training and other activities related to children’s motor development and/or parents’ and caregivers’ ability to support their children’s growth and development in the context of healthy families. The Occupational Therapist must be knowledgeable about the practice of occupational therapy, with specialized knowledge of development of children birth through five, infant and toddler feeding disorders, sensory processing disorder, upper extremity splinting, specialized equipment for children birth through five, family systems theories, and family-centered practice. The Occupational Therapist must be skilled in occupational therapy related child assessments, communicating with families, assisting families in identifying strengths, goals, resources and individualized plans of action. Additionally, the Occupational Therapist must have the ability to develop FIPP and JIRDC resources, set priorities based on the organizational mission and principles, policies and procedures. Skill is needed in balancing the available resources at FIPP and JIRDC and the needs and resources of children and families in the community. Judgement is necessary in balancing the multifaceted circumstances surrounding referrals to FIPP. The Occupational Therapist must be able to work collaboratively with numerous FIPP and diverse community contacts. This position requires developing and maintaining effective relationships, achieving therapeutic goals, assisting in the evaluation of the organization’s needs, and ensuring all policies, standards and statutes are adhered to at JIRDC within DSOHF.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

As of 2/1/26, the new salary range: Recruitment Range: $66,696.00 – $110,049.00 Candidates now meet the minimum qualifications of a position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement. The Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs )/Management Preferences are not required. Applicants who possess the following skills are preferred:

• Experience and/or training in evaluating children and families.
• Experience and/or training in developing community resources.
• Experience and/or training in research and/or model development.
• Understanding of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
• Knowledge about community resources and the skills to be able to locate and seek out resources for children and families.

This Position Is Exempt And Is EXEMPT From Certain Provisions Of The State Human Resources Act (GS 126) Shift Hours: 1st shift (8:00 am – 5:00 pm), Monday - Friday

About the Family, Infant and Preschool Program (FIPP)

The Family, Infant and Preschool Program (FIPP) is a community-based component of the J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center. FIPP is an early childhood intervention and family support program that has been producing research and providing supports and services in western North Carolina since 1972. The overall mission of the program is to (1) promote optimal health and development of young children, especially those with or at risk for disabilities, through supporting and strengthening families in ways that enhance their growth and well-being; and (2) promote the dissemination of research, resources and professional development opportunities to improve the delivery of services to families and children.

About J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center

The J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center in Morganton, North Carolina is an ICF certified facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities. We provide comprehensive residential care to citizens from 37 counties in the western portion of the state. JIRDC is a caring community where professionals work with people of various ages, cognitive, & functional abilities. The J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center is located just an hour from the Queen City of Charlotte, home of the Carolina Panthers and the City of Asheville, home to the world renowned Biltmore Estate and Grove Park Inn. Our facility sits on one of the most picturesque properties in Burke County. We are nestled at the foot of the Blue Ridge and South Mountains and just minutes from beautiful Lake James. Nearby Pisgah National Forest offers outdoor adventure and fun for the whole family.

Supplemental Contact Information

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer who embraces an Employment First philosophy which consists of complying with all federal laws, state laws and Executive Orders. We are committed to reviewing requests for reasonable accommodation at any time during the hiring process or while on the job. For more information about DHHS: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/. Positions in the Division of State Operated Healthcare Facilities shall be subject to pre-employment drug testing and criminal record background checks. Also, the use of tobacco products of any kind including vapor products are prohibited from our campuses. All employees are required to adhere to the facility's Vaccination Policy. DHHS uses the Merit-Based Recruitment and Selection Plan to fill positions subject to the State Human Resources Act with the most qualified individuals. Hiring salary will be based on relevant qualifications, internal equity, and budgetary considerations pertinent to the advertised position. In accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order 303, our agency supports second-chance employment for individuals who were previously incarcerated, or justice involved. We invite all potential applicants to apply for positions for which they may be qualified.

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details. Licensed to practice as an Occupational Therapist in the State of North Carolina.

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

Recruiter: Meganna Gentle Benner Email: [e-mail]

North Carolina State Government is one of the state’s largest employers, with over 76,000 employees all working toward a common goal: a safer and stronger North Carolina. We are a large organization comprised of various agencies, offices, and universities, each providing important public services. Eligible state employees are entitled to comprehensive benefits, including a variety of leave options, professional development opportunities, insurance, and more. To learn more about the benefits of being a North Carolina state employee, visit the N.C. Office of State Human Resources' website. Permanent, temporary, and time-limited state government jobs can be found from the mountains to the coast. Find your next opportunity today!

State Application Resources/Frequently Asked Questions

Valuing Education and Experience The State of North Carolina values the knowledge and experience of our jobseekers and current state employees. Approximately 91 percent of state job classifications allow experience to be substituted for education or do not require a post-secondary degree. Learn more about how you may qualify for a position through education or directly related experience, or a combination of both, with the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide. All job postings close at 11:59pm the night before the End Date on the posting.