Occupational Therapist (Pediatric Early Intervention & Preschool)

Join Our Team

At Finger Lakes Therapy Works, we believe children make the greatest progress when therapy happens where they naturally live, learn, play, and grow. Finger Lakes Therapy Works is a home-based pediatric therapy practice in the Rochester and Finger Lakes region, 20 years in Early Intervention (birth to 3) and preschool special education (ages 3 to 5).

Our therapists are more than clinicians—they are trusted partners to families. We believe every child deserves individualized care that builds confidence, supports participation in everyday life, and empowers families to help their child succeed long after each therapy session ends.

If you're passionate about helping children develop the skills they need to thrive while enjoying the flexibility and autonomy of community-based practice, we'd love to have you join our team.

Position Summary

We are hiring an occupational therapist to see young children one-to-one in their homes and daycares. You will help children with fine-motor, sensory, feeding, self-care and play skills, coach their families and daycare staff, and write the evaluations and session notes the programs require. Evaluations are part of the role.

You build your caseload with our clinical team on a weekday daytime schedule, and new clinicians get structured mentoring in their first months.

Working within children's natural environments, the Occupational Therapist partners with families and caregivers to improve fine motor development, sensory processing, self-care, play, emotional regulation, social participation, and school readiness through individualized, play-based intervention and caregiver coaching.

Unlike traditional clinic-based practice, this role emphasizes family-centered care, functional outcomes, and integrating therapy into children's daily routines and meaningful occupations.

Why Join Finger Lakes Therapy Works?

We believe exceptional therapists deserve an exceptional workplace.

We offer:

· Flexible scheduling that promotes work-life balance

· Clinical autonomy with supportive leadership

· Collaborative interdisciplinary team environment

· Diverse and engaging community-based practice settings

· Opportunities for mentorship and continuing education

· Meaningful relationships with children and families

· A mission-driven culture focused on making a lasting impact

· Professional growth and career development opportunities

What You'll DoAssessment & Evaluation

· Conduct comprehensive occupational therapy evaluations using standardized assessments, clinical observations, and caregiver interviews.

· Assess fine motor development, sensory processing, visual-motor integration, adaptive functioning, self-care skills, emotional regulation, and participation in daily routines.

· Identify functional strengths, developmental needs, and environmental barriers impacting participation.

Treatment Planning & Intervention

· Develop individualized treatment plans and contribute to Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs) and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), as appropriate.

· Deliver evidence-based, play-based occupational therapy interventions within children's natural environments.

· Promote development of fine motor, visual-motor, sensory, adaptive, self-regulation, and school readiness skills.

· Modify intervention strategies based on each child's developmental progress and family priorities.

Family Coaching & Education

· Coach caregivers to incorporate therapeutic strategies into everyday routines, play, mealtimes, dressing, and community activities.

· Educate families on sensory regulation, adaptive techniques, developmental milestones, and strategies that support independence.

· Empower caregivers to confidently support their child's ongoing development outside of therapy sessions.

Collaboration

· Collaborate with Speech-Language Pathologists, Physical Therapists, Special Educators, School Psychologists, physicians, childcare providers, and community partners.

· Participate in interdisciplinary meetings, transition planning, and collaborative case conferences.

· Coordinate services to ensure cohesive, family-centered intervention plans.

Documentation & Compliance

· Complete evaluations, treatment notes, progress reports, and required documentation accurately and within established timelines.

· Monitor progress toward individualized goals and adjust treatment plans as needed.

· Maintain compliance with New York State Early Intervention, Preschool Special Education, payer, and Finger Lakes Therapy Works documentation standards.

Professional Practice

· Maintain licensure and continuing education requirements.

· Demonstrate ethical, culturally responsive, and evidence-based clinical practice.

· Stay current with pediatric occupational therapy research and best practices.

· Contribute to a collaborative, supportive, and positive team culture.

What Success Looks Like

Successful Occupational Therapists at Finger Lakes Therapy Works:

· Build trusting relationships with children and families.

· Deliver engaging, individualized, play-based interventions.

· Empower caregivers through effective coaching and education.

· Demonstrate measurable progress toward individualized therapy goals.

· Collaborate seamlessly with interdisciplinary team members.

· Maintain timely, accurate documentation and strong clinical outcomes.

Required Qualifications

· Master's or Doctoral degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program.

· Current New York State Occupational Therapist license.

· National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) certification.

· Knowledge of pediatric development and evidence-based occupational therapy practice.

· Strong communication, organization, and interpersonal skills.

· Valid driver's license and reliable transportation for community-based travel.

· Ability to successfully complete required background screenings.

Preferred Qualifications

· Experience providing pediatric occupational therapy services.

· Experience in Early Intervention or Preschool Special Education programs.

· Experience delivering services in homes, childcare centers, or community settings.

· Training in sensory integration, emotional regulation, feeding, or executive functioning interventions.

· Experience with adaptive equipment recommendations and environmental modifications.

· Familiarity with telehealth service delivery.

Physical &

Work Environment

This position is performed primarily within children's homes, childcare centers, preschools, schools, and community settings. The role requires frequent standing, sitting on the floor, bending, kneeling, lifting therapy materials, demonstrating activities, and physically assisting children during therapeutic play and functional tasks. Regular travel throughout the Finger Lakes region is required.

Compensation & Benefits

• Pay: $55,000 to $95,000 a year, depending on experience and the benefits you choose. Part-time welcome; pay is prorated.
• A quarterly tune-up: when your caseload runs above its goal, you are paid for the extra work.
• $5,000 sign-on bonus for new hires, paid over 18 months.
• Health insurance with an employer contribution; dental, vision and life insurance; a 401(k) with a 4% employer match (for clinicians working about 15 or more sessions a week; each is optional, and choosing fewer raises your cash pay).
• 16 paid days a year for full-time clinicians, with more as you advance.
• A $500 yearly continuing-education budget for full-time clinicians.
• Malpractice insurance paid by Finger Lakes Therapy Works.
• Mileage reimbursed at $0.45 a mile, up to 60 miles a day, for clinicians paid per visit.
• Structured mentoring for new clinicians, and a clear career path with raises as you grow.
• A weekday daytime schedule. You build your caseload with our clinical team.

Pay: $55,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Continuing education credits
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Mileage reimbursement
• Opportunities for advancement
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance
• Wellness program

Work Location: In person