For over 30 years, Gersh Autism has empowered students on the autism spectrum to reach their full potential. Serving individuals aged 5-21 across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, our network of K-12 schools provides personalized education tailored to each student’s unique learning style. We offer comprehensive therapeutic services—speech, physical, occupational therapy, and more—along with vocational training for older students. Our dedicated team collaborates with families to ensure academic, social, and emotional growth, preparing students for success beyond the classroom.

At Gersh Autism, we are committed to helping individuals on the autism spectrum lead fulfilling, independent lives.

Description

The OT Lead provides leadership, support, and representation for the Occupational Therapy department within their assigned building. This role is responsible for ensuring the effective coordination of OT services, maintaining quality standards, and fostering a collaborative and evidence-based approach to therapy. Working closely with the OT Supervisor and Building Leader (Principal), the OT Lead ensures consistency, compliance, and excellence in OT service delivery.

General Responsibilities

1. Leadership and Representation: The OT Lead serves as the primary advocate for the OT department, offering guidance and support to therapists while ensuring alignment with organizational goals and policies.
2. Coordination and Communication: Acting as a key liaison, the OT Lead communicates directives from the OT Supervisor and Building Leader to the OT/PT team. They facilitate seamless collaboration within and across departments, ensuring uniformity in OT service implementation.
3. Quality Assurance: Maintaining the highest standards of OT practice, the OT Lead ensures that all services adhere to established guidelines, regulations, and best practices. They monitor service quality and implement improvements as needed.
4. Current Literature and Best Practices: Staying up to date with current research and best practices, the OT Lead integrates the latest evidence-based methods into department operations. They disseminate relevant findings to the team to enhance treatment effectiveness.
5. Model Treatment: The OT Lead models exemplary occupational therapy practices, setting a high standard for clinical care, professional conduct, and patient outcomes.
6. Mentorship: The OT leads are expected to be experts in their chosen area of interest and provide mentorship to the department on that area. OT Leads are expected to be the point person for daily mentorship in their specific building gym to answer any questions by treating therapist that arise. Mentorship will be further executed by providing co-treatments with the treating therapist that report to them directly at least once a week.

Specific Responsibilities

1. OT/PT Gym Leader in Queens

• Team Management: Oversee the OT/PT team in the Queens gym, providing support and direction.
• Scheduling: Manage the scheduling of OT services and staff shifts within the Queens gym.
• Program Implementation: Ensure that OT programs and interventions are effectively implemented and aligned with overall goals.
• Facility Oversight: Maintain the operational readiness of the OT/PT facilities in Queens, ensuring that all equipment and resources are in good condition.

2.      Annual Reviews (ARs):  

• Track report due dates and notify therapists.
• Review and edit ARs, alert therapist to complete corrections 
• Review, edit, and finalize ARs, ensuring accuracy and completion.
• Submit finalized reports to the appropriate principal and maintain updated records.

3.      Progress Marks:  

• Check all progress marks for completion and accuracy 
• Record errors on the appropriate tracker and contact therapists for corrections 
• Update tracker when corrections have been completed 
• Ensure PMs are complete quarterly at due date provided by the building leader

4.      Creating/ Maintaining Data Trackers:  

• Maintain and update key trackers, including:
• Annual Review and Progress Mark trackers
• Makeup session logs
• Weekly productivity reports
• Parent communication logs

5.     Supervision:  

• Conduct biweekly meetings with direct reports (one discussion-based, one co-treat)

6.      Purchase Orders:  

• Monitor supply levels and report needs to the OT supervisor.
• Maintain a wish list and submit purchase orders for necessary items.

7.      Hiring & Onboarding

• Assist in the hiring process by providing applicant demo details and participating in interviews.
• Train new hires on department policies, procedures, and tools (Fusion, PowerSchool, Teams, etc.).

Requirements

• Must have successfully completed and graduated from an accredited occupational therapy professional program recognized by NBCOT and have completed all fieldwork requirements.
• Must possess State OTR/L Licensure in the state.
• 5 or more years of experience as an occupational therapist, preferably in a supervisory, school, or other pediatric setting.
• Must have sensory knowledge and experience working with children with disabilities.
• Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Benefits

Benefits available to full-time employees:

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Short Term & Long-Term Disability
• Training & Development