Occupational Therapist- Adolescent Behavioral Health

Avery's House is a mental health treatment provider for adolescents. We are expanding services with a specialized residential program supporting neurodivergent adolescents through an individualized, strengths-based, and trauma-informed approach. Under the supervision and direction of the agency’s Clinical Director, the Occupational therapist is responsible for providing direct patient care. The Occupational therapist serves as a role model, mentor, advocate, and motivator for adolescents in a residential behavioral health program specializing in neurodivergent youth. The Occupational therapist also maintains a safe and efficient working and treatment environment per company policies, procedures, and best practices.

Minimum Qualifications

●      Master’s degree in Occupational therapy

●      Current license from the Arizona Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners

●      Current and valid Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card. If it is a new application, it can be submitted and in-process.

●      Preferred experience: 1 year in a behavioral healthcare

●      Valid Arizona Driver’s License in good standing

●      Driving Record must permit insurability with the agency’s carrier

●      Current CPR/First Aid Certification

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

1. Assessment and Goal Development

• Conduct comprehensive functional behavior and neuro-affirming sensory profiles.
• Evaluate independent living skills, fine/gross motor abilities, and executive functioning.
• Develop collaborative, strengths-based Individualized Treatment Plans (ITPs).

2. Direct Therapeutic Intervention

• Provide individual and group therapy focused on daily living skills (ADLs/IADLs).
• Teach self-care, cooking, budgeting, laundry, and community navigation.
• Implement sensory integration strategies to support emotional regulation and distress tolerance.
• Co-facilitate neuro-affirming social connections and community-building groups.

3. Environmental Modification and Collaboration

• Audit the residential environment to create low-demand, sensory-friendly spaces.
• Recommend and train staff on assistive technology and adaptive equipment.
• Train residential coaches, therapists, and educators on sensory and regulation plans.
• Participate in weekly multidisciplinary clinical team meetings.

4. Documentation and Compliance

• Maintain timely electronic clinical notes tracking progress toward functional goals.
• Ensure all documentation meets Arizona state licensing and insurance standards.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with low-demand approaches (e.g., Collaborative & Proactive Solutions).
• Certification in Sensory Integration or specialized executive functioning curricula.

Therapeutic Milieu Responsibilities

• Supervising and engaging clients throughout the shift.
• Providing continuous support within the therapeutic milieu.
• Assisting with daily routines, schedules, transitions, and activities.
• Participating in groups, community meetings, and therapeutic programming as appropriate.
• Supporting clients with activities of daily living (ADLs) while promoting independence.
• Supporting clients during meals, hygiene routines, school activities, recreation, and community outings.
• Utilizing de-escalation, co-regulation, redirection, and crisis intervention techniques.
• Implementing individualized behavioral support plans under the direction of the clinical director.
• Maintaining awareness of client whereabouts and supervision requirements.
• Conducting routine safety and environmental checks.
• Transporting clients to medical appointments, community outings, or other approved activities as assigned.
• Assisting with room searches, contraband checks, belongings inventory, and safety procedures according to facility policy.
• Supporting clients during difficult emotional or behavioral situations while maintaining a calm, therapeutic presence.
• Collaborating closely with clinical assistants, therapists, case managers, providers, and leadership to ensure continuity of care.
• Neurodivergent Client Support
• Demonstrate understanding of autism spectrum disorder, sensory processing differences, developmental disabilities, and executive functioning challenges.
• Utilize neurodiversity-affirming and trauma-informed approaches when interacting with clients.
• Recognize sensory sensitivities and modify communication and environmental factors when appropriate.
• Support individualized coping strategies, visual supports, structured routines, and sensory regulation interventions.
• Promotes client dignity, autonomy, and strength-based care.

Benefits:

Competitive salary.

401(k) retirement plan with an employer match.

Access to 24/7 virtual urgent care, primary care and mental health services.

Supportive clinical team with mentoring and supervision available as needed.

Schedule: Flexible hours

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $36/hour

Work Location: In person Fountain Hills, Arizona