Pediatric Occupational Therapist - Early Intervention Specialist

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 420,000 - 540,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote work

Professional development

Telehealth equipment provided

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Pediatric Occupational Therapist specializing in early intervention for a fully remote role serving Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, and surrounding areas. You will assess infants and toddlers, build individualized plans, and deliver interventions to improve motor skills, sensory processing, self-care and play.

The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor’s or Master’s in OT with HPCSA registration, 3–5 years of pediatric experience, and telehealth proficiency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program.
• Registered Occupational Therapist with HPCSA.
• 3–5 years of pediatric OT experience with a focus on early intervention.
• Proficiency in telehealth platforms and remote therapy delivery.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive OT assessments for infants and toddlers (birth to 5 years).
• Develop and implement family-centered intervention plans targeting fine/gross motor, sensory processing, self-care, and play.
• Deliver therapy via telehealth or home-based sessions as appropriate.
• Educate and train parents/caregivers to support development.
• Collaborate with other professionals to ensure coordinated care.
• Document progress and maintain electronic health records.
• Participate in early intervention team meetings and care planning.
• Maintain licensure and engage in required continuing education.

Skills

Telehealth

Communication

Caseload management

Empathy

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Occupational Therapy

Tools

Telehealth software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading provider of specialized pediatric therapy services, is seeking a dedicated and skilled Pediatric Occupational Therapist with a focus on Early Intervention. This is a rewarding, fully remote position that enables you to provide essential therapeutic services to young children and their families across Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, and surrounding areas, all from your home-based practice. You will assess the developmental needs of infants and toddlers, develop individualized therapy plans, and deliver engaging interventions to support motor skills, sensory processing, cognitive development, and activities of daily living. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in pediatric occupational therapy, experience with early intervention principles, and proficiency in various therapeutic approaches. Excellent communication, empathy, and organizational skills are paramount for this remote role, as you will collaborate closely with parents, caregivers, and other healthcare professionals. We are committed to supporting our remote therapists with the necessary resources and a collaborative network. This role offers the opportunity to make a profound difference in the early developmental trajectories of children, promoting their independence and participation in meaningful activities. Your passion for pediatric care and innovative therapeutic strategies will be highly valued.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive occupational therapy assessments for infants and toddlers (birth to 5 years) to identify developmental delays and functional limitations.
• Develop and implement individualized, family-centered intervention plans focused on improving fine motor skills, gross motor skills, sensory processing, self-care abilities, and play skills.
• Provide direct therapeutic services to children in their natural environments (home, daycare, etc.) via telehealth or in-person sessions as appropriate for a remote setup.
• Educate and train parents/caregivers on strategies to support their child's development and integrate therapy goals into daily routines.
• Collaborate with pediatricians, early childhood educators, speech-language pathologists, and other specialists to ensure coordinated care.
• Document client progress accurately and thoroughly, maintaining up-to-date electronic health records.
• Participate in early intervention team meetings and contribute to care planning.
• Stay current with best practices, research, and advancements in pediatric occupational therapy and early intervention.
• Maintain professional licensure and complete required continuing education credits.
• Advocate for the needs of children and families within the early intervention system.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited university program.
• Registered Occupational Therapist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience working as a pediatric occupational therapist, with a specific focus on early intervention.
• Demonstrated experience in assessing and treating developmental delays, sensory processing disorders, and motor challenges in infants and toddlers.
• Proficiency in telehealth platforms and experience delivering therapy remotely is essential.
• Strong knowledge of child development and play-based therapeutic approaches.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage a caseload effectively in a remote setting.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation for potential home visits (if applicable within the remote structure).

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
• Fully remote position offering flexibility and autonomy.
• Opportunities for professional development and specialized training in pediatric OT.
• Supportive clinical supervision and peer collaboration network.
• Provision of necessary telehealth equipment and software.
• Contribution to a mission-driven organization focused on child development.
• Generous paid time off.