Occupational Therapist (OT) or COTA | School Based Position

Job description

Pediatric Rehabilitation Services | UPMC Williamsport

Make a difference where it matters most.

UPMC is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Occupational Therapist (OT) or Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to join our Pediatric Rehabilitation Services team based at 625 West Edwin Street, Williamsport, PA. In this rewarding role, you'll work directly with children in local school settings, helping them develop the skills and confidence they need to thrive both in and out of the classroom.

If you're passionate about pediatric therapy and enjoy collaborating with families, educators, and healthcare professionals, we'd love to hear from you!

Schedule

• Full-Time
• Monday through Friday
• 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Travel required between assigned school locations

Why Join UPMC?

• Meaningful, school-based pediatric therapy work
• Collaborative multidisciplinary rehabilitation team
• Opportunities to mentor students and support future healthcare professionals
• Professional development and continuing education support
• Competitive compensation and benefits package
• Work-life balance with a consistent weekday schedule

What We're Looking For

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with pediatric patients
• School-based pediatric therapy experience strongly preferred
• Passion for helping children achieve developmental and functional goals
• Strong communication and collaboration skills

Candidates will be placed into the appropriate OT or COTA role and compensation level based on education, credentials, qualifications, and experience.

Position Responsibilities

Patient Care & Treatment

• Perform occupational therapy assessments, reassessments, and treatments for pediatric patients.
• Develop individualized plans of care, treatment goals, and interventions based on physician referrals and clinical findings.
• Modify treatment plans as patient needs change and monitor progress toward goals.
• Provide education and home program instructions to patients, families, and caregivers.

Collaboration & Communication

• Communicate patient progress and treatment recommendations to physicians, families, school personnel, and interdisciplinary team members.
• Collaborate with Occupational Therapy Assistants and other rehabilitation professionals to ensure quality patient outcomes.
• Serve as a clinical resource for team members and support evidence-based practice initiatives.

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain accurate, timely, and comprehensive documentation for evaluations, treatments, progress notes, and discharge summaries.
• Complete required charging and statistical reporting processes.
• Ensure all documentation meets organizational and regulatory standards.
• OTs will provide appropriate supervision and co-signature review of COTA documentation as required.

Professional Development

• Participate in continuing education and professional growth activities to maintain licensure and enhance clinical expertise.
• Support the clinical education program through supervision of therapy students and interns as requested.
• Participate in staff meetings, in-service programs, and quality improvement initiatives.

Join Our Team

Every child deserves the opportunity to reach their fullest potential. At UPMC, you'll have the chance to build meaningful relationships, make a lasting impact, and grow your career while helping students succeed in school and everyday life.

Apply today and help shape brighter futures for children across our communities.

Occupational Therapist (OT)

Required:

• Graduate of an accredited Occupational Therapy program approved by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).
• Current Occupational Therapist (OT) license in the state of Pennsylvania.
• National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) certification.
• CPR/BLS certification (AHA-approved, including skills demonstration) within 30 days of hire.
• Strong clinical assessment, treatment planning, documentation, and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with patients, families, school personnel, physicians, and interdisciplinary team members.
• Knowledge of human growth and development across the lifespan.

Preferred:

• Pediatric occupational therapy experience.
• School-based pediatric therapy experience.
• Participation in professional organizations and continuing education activities.

Required Clearances:

• Act 33 Child Abuse Clearance (with renewal)
• Act 34 Criminal Background Check (with renewal)
• Act 73 FBI Clearance (with renewal)
• Act 114 PDE FBI Clearance (with renewal)

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

Salary Range: $24.98 - $37.42/hour

Required:

• Graduate of an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program approved by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).
• Associate degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant studies.
• Current Pennsylvania COTA license or eligibility for licensure.
• NBCOT certification.
• CPR/BLS certification (AHA-approved, including skills demonstration) within 30 days of hire.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to interpret clinical documentation and work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Knowledge of human growth and development across the lifespan.

Preferred:

• Pediatric therapy experience.
• School-based pediatric therapy experience.
• Participation in professional organizations and ongoing professional development.

Required Clearances:

• Act 33 Child Abuse Clearance (with renewal)
• Act 34 Criminal Background Check (with renewal)
• Act 73 FBI Clearance (with renewal)
• Act 114 PDE FBI Clearance (with renewal)

May work in areas where medications are stored; no direct medication handling is required.

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran