Pediatric Occupational Therapist

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. About J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center: The J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center in Morganton, North Carolina is an ICF certified facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities. We provide comprehensive residential care to citizens from 37 counties in the western portion of the state. JIRDC is a caring community where professionals work with people of various ages, cognitive, & functional abilities. The J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center is located just an hour from the  Queen City of Charlotte,  home of the Carolina Panthers and the  City of Asheville,  home to the world renowned Biltmore Estate and Grove Park Inn.   Our facility sits on one of the most picturesque properties in Burke County.  We are nestled at the foot of the Blue Ridge and South Mountains and just minutes from beautiful Lake James.  Nearby Pisgah National Forest o