About the Role
Our client is seeking a highly skilled and compassionate Pediatric Occupational Therapist to join their renowned child development center in Durban . This is a hands-on role focused on supporting children with diverse developmental needs, helping them achieve greater independence in their daily lives. You will work within a multidisciplinary team, collaborating with speech therapists, psychologists, and educators to provide comprehensive care. The center is dedicated to early intervention and fostering optimal development for children from infancy through adolescence. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in pediatric occupational therapy, with a strong understanding of various therapeutic approaches and modalities. You will be responsible for assessing children's functional abilities, developing individualized treatment plans, and implementing evidence-based interventions. This role requires a person who is patient, empathetic, and adept at building rapport with both children and their families. The center is committed to providing a supportive and resource-rich environment for its staff, enabling them to deliver the highest quality of care. Your contribution will be vital in empowering children to overcome challenges and reach their full potential in physical, cognitive, and social-emotional domains. This position offers a rewarding career path within a supportive community setting.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct comprehensive occupational therapy evaluations for children with developmental delays, disabilities, or injuries.
- Develop individualized treatment plans based on assessment findings and family goals.
- Provide direct therapy services to children, addressing fine motor skills, sensory processing, gross motor skills, and self-care abilities.
- Educate and train parents and caregivers on strategies to support their child's development at home and in the community.
- Collaborate effectively with a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals and educators.
- Adapt activities and environments to meet the specific needs of each child.
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation of patient progress, treatment plans, and outcomes.
- Stay current with the latest research, techniques, and best practices in pediatric occupational therapy.
- Advocate for the needs of children and their families within the center and external agencies.
- Participate in team meetings, case conferences, and professional development activities.
Requirements
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited institution.
- Current registration or eligibility for registration with the relevant professional body in South Africa.
- Minimum of 3 years of clinical experience specializing in pediatric occupational therapy.
- Demonstrated expertise in assessing and treating common pediatric conditions (e.g., ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, developmental coordination disorder, cerebral palsy).
- Knowledge of various therapeutic approaches, including sensory integration, fine motor interventions, and assistive technology.
- Excellent clinical reasoning, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with children and families.
- Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
- Commitment to professional development and continuous learning.
- Must be able to pass background checks and provide professional references.
Benefits
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Opportunity to work in a state-of-the-art child development center.
- Access to a wide range of therapeutic equipment and resources.
- Supportive and collaborative multidisciplinary team environment.
- Opportunities for continuing education and professional growth.
- Generous paid time off and holiday schedule.
- Pension fund contributions.
- Employee assistance program for personal well-being.
- Be part of a mission-driven organization dedicated to child welfare.
- Making a tangible difference in the lives of children and families in Durban .