Position Summary
The Occupational Therapist in a pediatric skilled nursing facility evaluates and treats infants, children, and adolescents who have developmental, neurological, or medical conditions that affect daily functioning. The therapist develops individualized treatment plans to improve fine motor skills, self-care abilities (such as feeding, dressing, and grooming), sensory processing, positioning, and functional independence. Occupational Therapists also recommend adaptive equipment, provide caregiver and staff training, participate in interdisciplinary care planning, document therapy services, and ensure treatments meet clinical, regulatory, and payer requirements while supporting each child’s developmental progress and quality of life.
Essential Functions
Patient Care
- Performs evaluations, reassessments, and treatment interventions according to regulatory requirements;
- Implements individualized treatment plans in collaboration with interdisciplinary teams;
- Documents services accurately and timely in the medical record;
- Participates in care planning meetings and caregiver education;
- Maintains therapy equipment and treatment areas.
Professional Conduct and Compliance
- Maintains professional conduct and ensures resident safety, dignity, and respect at all times;
- Reports suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of residents in accordance with facility policy and applicable law;
- Performs duties in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing healthcare facilities, as well as facility policies, procedures, and clinical operations manuals;
- Works collaboratively with nurses, therapists, educators, and other interdisciplinary team members to support resident care plans;
- Interacts respectfully with residents’ families or guardians.
- Performs other related duties as assigned consistent with training, certification, and scope of practice.
Qualifications
Education
- Graduate degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program
Certification / Licensure
- Current active Nevada OT license;
- Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification including infant, child, and adult CPR, AED use, and choking rescue.
Experience
- Clinical pediatric therapy experience preferred but not required.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
- Knowledge of pediatric occupational therapy evaluation and treatment techniques for medically complex and developmentally delayed populations;
- Ability to communicate effectively with children across developmental levels;
- Ability to educate parents, caregivers, and facility staff on ADLs, positioning, and safety techniques;
- Ability to collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary team members including nursing, respiratory therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, and medical providers;
- Ability to provide clinical guidance to therapy assistants, rehabilitation technicians, and support staff;
- Ability to model professional conduct, ethical practice, and patient-centered care;
- Ability to manage multiple patient caseload responsibilities while meeting documentation and regulatory timelines;
- Ability to demonstrate patience, empathy, and professionalism when working with medically complex pediatric residents and families.
Technical Skills
- Basic computer and mobile device skills sufficient to use scheduling systems, and other facility software applications;
- EMR documentation systems, therapy billing and productivity tracking systems.
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.
- Frequent standing and walking throughout the shift (up to 12 hours);
- Frequent bending, kneeling, stooping, and reaching;
- Lift up to 50 pounds independently;
- Lift or move more than 100 pounds with assistance or mechanical equipment;
- Ability to assist with transferring or repositioning residents;
- Ability to respond quickly to resident needs or emergencies;
- Frequent repetitive motions;
- Ability to safely lift and transfer pediatric residents; stand and walk for extended periods; bend, kneel, squat, and reach frequently; respond quickly to emergencies; perform extended grooming tasks; perform laundry handling, stocking supplies, and cleaning equipment.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
Work Environment
- Work is performed primarily in patient care areas including patient rooms, nursing stations, and common areas;
- Employees may encounter emotionally distressed residents or family members;
- The position may require evening, weekend, holiday, or overtime work;
- Employees may be exposed to infectious diseases, bodily fluids, and hazardous substances.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Silver State Pediatric Skilled Nursing Facility is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, Nevada state, or local law.
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. It is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, or qualifications required. The employer reserves the right to modify job duties as necessary. Employment is at-will unless otherwise specified by written agreement.