Occupational Therapist

University of Arkansas System

Occupational Therapist providing fine motor assessment and treatment for children at UAMS Kids First clinic. Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to ensure quality care and support for child development needs.

Posted 4/29/2026full-timeFort Smith • 🇺🇸 United StatesJuniorMid-LevelWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provides fine motor assessment and treatment using evidence-based techniques in a naturalistic, developmentally appropriate manner.
Evaluates to determine fine motor skills, visual perceptual motor skills, sensory processing and self-help skills in addition to upper extremity strength, range of motion, muscle tone, dynamic sitting/standing balance for functional task and trunk stability using appropriate diagnostic instruments.
Also, determines the need for adaptive equipment and splinting needs.
Reviews results of standardized scores along with informed clinical judgment and observations to make the correct diagnosis.
Translates the obtained information into a professional, typed document along with treatment recommendations, developing appropriate goals and objectives as related to patient’s needs.
Confers with the Medical Director when necessary regarding said results/recommendations.
Implements direct therapy for children, based upon findings using evidence-based techniques.
Monitors progress and makes modifications to treatment plan as needed.
Documents services provided in a professional, timely manner.
Prepares and provides billing documents according to KIDS FIRST and Medicaid guidelines on a weekly basis.
Verifies accuracy billing documents through careful review of progress notes, treatment room sign-out forms, and child’s individual prescription requirements.
Collaborates and communicates with families, other therapists, nurses, social workers, director, developmental staff, and contractors to provide the best quality of care and optimal outcomes for each child.
Encourage families to take an active role in supporting their child’s development using the principles of Family Centered Care.
Supports the academic mission of the Kids First program. This includes participation in the training of students and pre-service professionals, education and outreach to stakeholders, families served, and community partners.
May include training and participation in research projects.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Master's degree in Occupational Therapy or Bachelor's degree in Occupational Therapy plus two (2) years of experience in Occupational Therapy required.
Certified by the National Board for Certification of Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) or eligible to apply for the examination.
Current Arkansas Occupational Therapy License or eligible to obtain license within one (1) month of date of hire.
Excellent communication skills with adults and children.
Must have the ability to function as a health care team member and operate within an interprofessional team.
Intermediate computer skills (MS Office preferred).

Benefits

Comp & perks

Health: Medical, Dental and Vision plans available for qualifying staff and family
Holiday, Vacation and Sick Leave
Education discount for staff and dependents (undergraduate only)
Retirement: Up to 10% matched contribution from UAMS
Basic Life Insurance up to $50,000
Career Training and Educational Opportunities
Merchant Discounts
Concierge prescription delivery on the main campus when using UAMS pharmacy

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

fine motor assessmentvisual perceptual motor skillssensory processingself-help skillsupper extremity strengthrange of motionmuscle tonedynamic sitting balancedynamic standing balanceadaptive equipment

Soft Skills

excellent communication skillsteam collaborationinterprofessional teamworkclinical judgmentfamily-centered carepatient advocacygoal settingprogress monitoringmodification of treatment plansprofessional documentation

Certifications

Master's degree in Occupational TherapyBachelor's degree in Occupational TherapyNBCOT certificationArkansas Occupational Therapy License