Expressions Pediatric Therapy is looking to add an Occupational Therapist or Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to our team!
Our Mission: Expressions Pediatric Therapy offers speech and occupational therapy services to children in the Birmingham metro area. Through intentional treatment planning and a love for learning, we provide thoughtful, specialized therapy that treats each child as a whole person rather than only addressing symptoms. We foster a family-centered environment built on open communication and integrity where every child and family feels heard, valued, and supported—because we believe that a foundation of kindness and respect creates a better world for all.
Our Values: We have created a work environment where staff helps and cares for one another! We value and appreciate each other and our families. We help each other grow and improve. Everyone on our team will place a high value on the following traits:
- Hard work and excellence
- Reliability and integrity
- Generosity and humility
- Teamwork
- Respectful and fair
- Joyful and fun
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide individualized, evidence-informed occupational therapy services for pediatric patients with needs including, but not limited to, sensory and emotional regulation, fine motor skills, activities of daily living, visual-motor and visual-perceptual skills, motor development, and other areas of occupational performance.
- For OTs: Complete occupational therapy evaluations, develop individualized plans of care, complete re-evaluations, modify treatment plans as appropriate, and make recommendations regarding discharge.
- For COTAs: Implement individualized plans of care established by the supervising OT; continuously observe and assess patient response to treatment; and collaborate with the supervising OT regarding progress, changing needs, and potential modifications to treatment.
- Take ownership of the care you provide while also recognizing when collaboration, additional training, or support is needed. None of us has all the answers!
- Continuously assess patient needs and use clinical reasoning and problem-solving to help each child reach their potential.
- Treat the whole child rather than addressing isolated symptoms, considering regulation, sensory-motor development, functional participation, environment, family needs, and other factors that may affect progress.
- Complete daily treatment documentation, progress documentation, data collection, and billing procedures accurately and within required timeframes.
- Provide consistent parent education and practical strategies that families can carry over at home. We believe what happens between therapy sessions matters just as much as what happens during them.
- Collaborate with family members, other therapists, physicians, teachers, and other professionals involved in the patient's care while maintaining appropriate confidentiality and HIPAA compliance.
- Communicate with the Clinical Director, supervising OT, and/or other appropriate leadership regarding treatment concerns, attendance, scheduling issues, changes in patient needs, or other concerns affecting care.
- Participate in supervision, mentorship, or training of students and team members as appropriate to the employee's role, experience, and applicable professional requirements.
- Maintain organized patient records, treatment materials, equipment, and workspaces.
- Attend and actively participate in staff meetings, clinical meetings, trainings, and other meetings as required.
- Continue developing clinical knowledge and skills through continuing education, mentorship, collaboration, and independent learning.
- Participate in community education, outreach, and other efforts that help families learn about Expressions and the services we provide.
- Contribute ideas and initiative toward developing programs, resources, or services that benefit patients and families.
- Maintain the physical ability to participate in activities commonly required in pediatric occupational therapy, including lifting, prolonged standing, sitting on the floor, stooping, squatting, and actively engaging with children.
- Provide safe, high-quality care and follow Expressions policies and procedures related to patient safety, documentation, time management, supply management, productivity, confidentiality, and quality of service.
- Maintain the agreed-upon work schedule, limit unnecessary absences, and communicate schedule changes appropriately to support continuity of patient care.
- Perform other related duties within the employee's scope of practice and role as assigned.
DESIRED SKILLS
- Most importantly, we are looking for someone who is excited to continue learning and developing strong clinical reasoning and treatment skills. We highly value identifying and addressing the factors contributing to a child's difficulties rather than simply treating surface-level symptoms.
- A neurodivergent-affirming, strengths-based, whole-child, and trauma-informed approach to pediatric care.
- At least one year of pediatric experience preferred, although we are willing to consider the right new graduate who demonstrates strong initiative, curiosity, and willingness to learn.
- Experience or interest in developing skills in areas such as:
- Pediatric feeding
- Sensory processing and regulation
- Advanced sensory-motor treatment strategies
- Neurodevelopmental approaches
- Fine motor and visual-motor development
- Activities of daily living and functional participation
- Strong clinical observation skills and the ability to recognize patterns, analyze why a task is difficult for a child, and modify treatment accordingly.
- Ability to use task analysis to break down complex skills and identify individualized treatment targets.
- Ability to communicate effectively and respectfully with children, families, coworkers, and other professionals.
- Ability to take initiative while also recognizing when consultation or additional support is appropriate.
- Good judgment and the ability to problem-solve in a variety of clinical situations.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills.
- Reliable, trustworthy, and able to follow through on responsibilities.
- A mature, collaborative approach to feedback, professional growth, and teamwork.
- Desire to contribute not only to individual patient care but also to the overall functioning and well-being of the clinic and team.
- Understanding of the value of interdisciplinary care and willingness to collaborate with or refer to other providers when appropriate.
- Comfortable using computers and electronic systems for documentation, communication, scheduling, and other basic job responsibilities.
- Ability and willingness to mentor, train, or supervise others when appropriate to the employee's role, experience, and professional scope.
- Interest in helping develop new programs, resources, or services for patients and families.
- Willingness to participate in community education and service opportunities as a representative of Expressions.
REQUIREMENTS
- Graduate of an accredited Occupational Therapy or Occupational Therapy Assistant program, as applicable to the position.
- For Occupational Therapist candidates: Degree in Occupational Therapy meeting current requirements for OT licensure.
- For Occupational Therapy Assistant candidates: Degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program meeting current requirements for OTA licensure.
- Current license as an Occupational Therapist or Occupational Therapy Assistant through the Alabama State Board of Occupational Therapy, or eligibility for licensure/in the process of obtaining licensure.
- Ability to practice within the applicable Alabama scope of practice and supervision requirements.
- Pass required background check and drug screening.
- Obtain and maintain First Aid and CPR certification.
- Maintain a valid driver's license, reliable transportation, evidence of automobile insurance, and an insurable driving record.
- Comply with HIPAA requirements and all Expressions policies and procedures.
BENEFITS (only available for full time employees)
- Paid holidays
- PTO days
- Continuing education stipend
- State license dues paid by employer
- Health and dental insurance (a portion paid by employer)
- Access to Aflac policies
- Liability insurance paid
- A manageable, reasonable caseload
- A great working environment!
Pay: $30.00 - $50.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Disability insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Opportunities for advancement
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Vision insurance
Medical Specialty:
Application Question(s):
- Do you have a current Alabama OT/COTA License?
- Describe your specialties/areas of interest, as well as areas of interest you would like to grow in.
- Are you currently credentialed with any insurers in Alabama?
Experience:
- pediatric OT (post-graduation): 1 year (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
