Agency
Dept of Health and Human Services
Division
J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center
Job Classification Title
Occupational Therapist (NS)
Position Number
Grade
MH17
About Us
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is one of the largest, most complex agencies in the state, and has approximately 17,000 employees. It is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of all North Carolinians, providing human service needs for special populations including individuals who are deaf, blind, developmentally disabled, and mentally ill, and helping poor North Carolinians achieve economic independence.
Description of Work
The Occupational Therapist participates as a member of an interdisciplinary team of professionals providing early intervention and family support services to children birth through eight with or at risk for disabilities and their families. The Occupational Therapist has specific responsibility for providing occupational therapy assessments and evaluations for children, providing occupational therapy to enrolled children using current evidence-based early intervention practices (family-centered practices, natural learning environment practices, resource-based practices, caregiver coaching, primary service provider approach to teaming), coaching parents and caregivers in occupational therapy related activities to attain desired outcomes and providing consultation and technical assistance to other staff and community paraprofessionals, professionals and agencies. The Occupational Therapist also participates in activities to support FIPP’s mission of providing a broad range of family-centered resources to children and families by participating in research, program evaluation, training and other activities related to children’s motor development and/or parents’ and caregivers’ ability to support their children’s growth and development in the context of healthy families.
The Occupational Therapist must be knowledgeable about the practice of occupational therapy, with specialized knowledge of development of children birth through five, infant and toddler feeding disorders, sensory processing disorder, upper extremity splinting, specialized equipment for children birth through five, family systems theories, and family-centered practice. The Occupational Therapist must be skilled in occupational therapy related child assessments, communicating with families, assisting families in identifying strengths, goals, resources and individualized plans of action. Additionally, the Occupational Therapist must have the ability to develop FIPP and JIRDC resources, set priorities based on the organizational mission and principles, policies and procedures. Skill is needed in balancing the available resources at FIPP and JIRDC and the needs and resources of children and families in the community. Judgement is necessary in balancing the multifaceted circumstances surrounding referrals to FIPP. The Occupational Therapist must be able to work collaboratively with numerous FIPP and diverse community contacts.
This position requires developing and maintaining effective relationships, achieving therapeutic goals, assisting in the evaluation of the organization’s needs, and ensuring all policies, standards and statutes are adhered to at JIRDC within DSOHF.
Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences
As of 2/1/26, the new salary range:
Recruitment Range: $66,696.00 – $110,049.00
Candidates now meet the minimum qualifications of a position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement.
The Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs )/ Management Preferences are not required. Applicants who possess the following skills are preferred:
- Experience and/or training in evaluating children and families.
- Experience and/or training in developing community resources.
- Experience and/or training in research and/or model development.
- Understanding of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
- Knowledge about community resources and the skills to be able to locate and seek out resources for children and families.
This Position Is Exempt And Is EXEMPT From Certain Provisions Of The State Human Resources Act (GS 126)
Shift Hours: 1st shift (8:00 am – 5:00 pm), Monday - Friday
About the Family, Infant and Preschool Program (FIPP):
The Family, Infant and Preschool Program (FIPP) is a community-based component of the J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center. FIPP is an early childhood intervention and family support program that has been producing research and providing supports and services in western North Carolina since 1972. The overall mission of the program is to (1) promote optimal health and development of young children, especially those with or at risk for disabilities, through supporting and strengthening families in ways that enhance their growth and well-being; and (2) promote the dissemination of research, resources and professional development opportunities to improve the delivery of services to families and children.
Supplemental Contact Information:
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer who embraces an Employment First philosophy which consists of complying with all federal laws, state laws and Executive Orders. We are committed to reviewing requests for reasonable accommodation at any time during the hiring process or while on the job. For more information about DHHS: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/ .
Positions in the Division of State Operated Healthcare Facilities shall be subject to pre-employment drug testing and criminal record background checks. Also, the use of tobacco products of any kind including vapor products are prohibited from our campuses. All employees are required to adhere to the facility's Vaccination Policy.
DHHS uses the Merit-Based Recruitment and Selection Plan to fill positions subject to the State Human Resources Act with the most qualified individuals. Hiring salary will be based on relevant qualifications, internal equity, and budgetary considerations pertinent to the advertised position.
In accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order 303 , our agency supports second-chance employment for individuals who were previously incarcerated, or justice involved. We invite all potential applicants to apply for positions for which they may be qualified.
Application Process
Be sure to complete the application in its entirety. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing this application.
- Information should be provided in the appropriate areas, to include the following: Education, including high school and all degrees obtained, Work Experience, and Certificates & Licenses. It is critical to our screening and salary determination process that applications contain comprehensive candidate information.
- Answers to Supplemental Questions are not a substitute for providing all relevant information within the body of your application. To receive credit for the supplemental questions, you must provide supporting information within the "Work Experience" section of the application, to support your answers.
- If multiple applications are submitted to an individual posting, only the most recent application received prior to the closing date will be accepted.
- Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information regarding the status of your application over the phone. To check the status of your application, please log in to your account. Upon the closing date, applications are "Under Review" and will be screened by Human Resources for the qualified applicants. The hiring process may take several weeks.
- Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Transcripts and degree evaluations may be uploaded with your application. The State of North Carolina/Office of State Human Resources uses the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) as a referral resource for applicants who need to have their credentials certified as equivalent.
- For a list of organizations that perform this specialized service, please visit the NACES membership website at https://www.naces.org/members .
Degree/College Credit Verification
Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Transcripts, degree evaluations and cover letters may be uploaded with your application.
Veteran’s and National Guard Preference
- Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference must attach a DD-214 Member-4 Form (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) to their applications.
- Applicants seeking National Guard Preference must attach an NGB 23A (RPAS), along with the state application if they are a current member of the NC National Guard in good standing.
- Applicants who are former member of either the NC Army National Guard or the NC Air National Guard, with honorable discharge and six years of creditable service, must attach a copy of the DD 256 or NGB 22, along with the state application.
ADA Accommodations
Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), DHHS is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, DHHS will ensure that people with disabilities, or known limitations covered by the PWFA, are provided with reasonable accommodation. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the person indicated below.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
If there are any questions about this posting, please contact Talent Acquisition at [email protected] . Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing this application.
Minimum Education and Experience
Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.
Licensed to practice as an Occupational Therapist in the State of North Carolina.
EEO Statement
T he State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.
Recruiter:
Meganna Gentle Benner
Email:
[email protected]
