Pediatric Occupational Therapist - Early Intervention Specialist

Placements24; Richards Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 500,000 - 700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Professional development

State-of-the-art facilities

Supportive multidisciplinary team

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a skilled Pediatric Occupational Therapist in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, to support infants and young children (0–6 years) with developmental delays. You will conduct assessments, design individualized therapy plans, and work across clinic, home, and community settings to promote functional independence.

You will educate families, collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, and stay current with best practices in pediatric therapy.

Qualifications

• HPCSA registration in South Africa is required.
• Minimum of 3 years post-graduate pediatric OT experience with focus on early intervention.
• Experience with autism, cerebral palsy, sensory processing disorders.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel within KwaZulu-Natal.

Responsibilities

• Perform comprehensive OT assessments for infants and young children.
• Develop and monitor individualized therapy plans addressing developmental delays.
• Deliver therapy in clinic, home, and community settings.
• Educate parents with strategies to support development and independence.
• Collaborate with physicians, speech therapists, and educators.
• Maintain accurate records and participate in multidisciplinary meetings.
• Stay current with best practices in pediatric OT.

Skills

Pediatric OT

Early Intervention

Clinical Assessments

Family Education

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Occupational Therapy

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading multidisciplinary therapy centre in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, is seeking a highly skilled and compassionate Pediatric Occupational Therapist to join their dedicated team. This role focuses on early intervention, providing comprehensive assessment and therapy services to infants and young children (0-6 years) with developmental delays, disabilities, and functional challenges. You will work closely with families and other professionals to develop individualized treatment plans aimed at enhancing motor skills, sensory processing, fine motor control, and overall functional independence. This position offers a stimulating work environment with access to excellent therapeutic equipment and resources. The role involves both clinic-based therapy sessions and home/community visits, offering a dynamic and rewarding experience. We are committed to providing the highest standard of care and are looking for a therapist who is passionate about making a tangible difference in the lives of children and their families in the Richards Bay community. The hybrid nature of the role allows for a balanced approach to patient care and professional development.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive occupational therapy assessments for infants and young children.
• Develop, implement, and monitor individualized therapy plans to address developmental delays and functional challenges.
• Provide direct therapy services to children in clinic, home, and community settings.
• Educate and empower parents and caregivers with strategies to support their child's development.
• Collaborate effectively with physicians, speech therapists, physiotherapists, educators, and other relevant professionals.
• Maintain accurate and timely patient records, progress notes, and reports.
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and case conferences.
• Stay current with best practices, research, and advancements in pediatric occupational therapy.
• Adapt treatment strategies to meet the diverse needs of children with varying diagnoses.
• Advocate for the needs of children and their families within the healthcare and educational systems.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited institution.
• Registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
• Minimum of 3 years of post-graduate experience in pediatric occupational therapy, with a focus on early intervention.
• Demonstrated expertise in assessing and treating conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, sensory processing disorder, and developmental coordination disorder.
• Strong knowledge of developmental milestones and pediatric therapeutic interventions.
• Excellent clinical reasoning, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and active listening abilities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Proficiency in using various therapeutic modalities and equipment.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel within the KwaZulu-Natal region for home visits.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package reflecting experience and expertise.
• Opportunities for ongoing professional development and training.
• Access to state-of-the-art therapeutic facilities and equipment.
• Supportive and collaborative multidisciplinary team environment.
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on children's lives.
• Hybrid work model allowing for flexibility and diverse clinical experiences.
• Contribution to a well-respected therapy practice in Richards Bay.