Occupational Therapist- Kids First Fort Smith
University of Arkansas System
Location
Fort Smith, Arkansas
Quick overview
The Occupational Therapist provides evidence-based fine motor assessment and therapy for children aged birth to five years within an interdisciplinary team. They are responsible for documenting services, managing billing, and collaborating with families and staff to support developmental outcomes.
Requirements summary
Candidates must hold a Master's degree in Occupational Therapy or a Bachelor's degree with two years of experience. A current Arkansas Occupational Therapy license and NBCOT certification or eligibility are required.
Job description
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Closing Date
06/01/2026 Type of Position: Other Health Care - Rehabilitation Therapy Job Type: Regular Work Shift: Sponsorship Available: No Institution Name: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) has a unique combination of education, research, and clinical programs that encourages and supports teamwork and diversity. We champion being a collaborative health care organization, focused on improving patient care and the lives of Arkansans. UAMS offers amazing benefits and perks (available for benefits eligible positions only): 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 Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening. To apply for the position, please click the Apply link/button. The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual preference, or pregnancy. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University’s Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights. Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment. All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act. For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at askrecruitment@uams.edu.
Department
- COM |
- Peds
- Kids
- First
- Fort
- Smith
- Department's
- Website:
- Summary of
- Job
- Duties: *This position is located in Fort Smith, Arkansas
- KIDS FIRST serves children with special healthcare needs ranging in age from six weeks to five years. In our pediatric day healthcare clinics, children diagnosed as having a medical condition known to place them at risk for developmental delays and disabilities receive intensive intervention. The Occupational Therapist works as a member of an interdisciplinary team to provide the evidence-based best practice evaluation and therapy techniques for the birth to 5 population with a variety of fine motor delays/disorders at UAMS Kids First clinic. May provide supervision to occupational therapy assistants. Travel to other KIDS FIRST locations may be required.
Qualifications
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. Knowledge, Skills &Abilities: 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).
Additional Information
Responsibilities: 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. Salary Information: Commensurate with education and experience Required Documents to Apply: None
Optional Documents
Proof of Veteran Status, Resume Special Instructions to Applicants: Recruitment Contact Information: Please contact askrecruitment@uams.edu for any recruiting related questions. All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS Please do not send to listed recruitment contact. Pre-employment Screening Requirements: Adult Maltreatment, Child Maltreatment, Criminal Background Check, FBI Background Check This position is subject to pre-employment screening (criminal background, drug testing, and/or education verification). A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication alone shall not disqualify an applicant except as provided by law. Any criminal history will be evaluated in relationship to job responsibilities and business necessity. The information obtained in these reports will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law. Constant Physical Activity: Climbing, Crawling, Crouching, Feeling, Grasping, Reaching, Standing, Talking, Walking Frequent Physical Activity: Lifting, Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding, Talking Occasional Physical Activity: Sitting Benefits Eligible: Yes The University of Arkansas System is a comprehensive, publicly-supported higher education institution composed of 18 unique campuses, divisions and administrative units that share the singular goal of serving Arkansas residents and others by developing and sharing knowledge to impact an ever-changing world. The UA System provides access to academic and professional education, and develops intellectual growth and cultural awareness in its students, staff and faculty. The system further promotes an atmosphere of excellence that honors the heritage and diversity of our state and nation. It provides students, researchers and professionals with tools to promote responsible stewardship of human, natural and financial resources in Arkansas and around the globe, and with workforce-relevant knowledge to enhance economic development efforts that improve the overall quality of life and societal well-being. Universities University of Arkansas, Fayetteville University of Arkansas at Little Rock University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences University of Arkansas at Monticello University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff University of Arkansas at Fort Smith The University of Arkansas System eVersity Two-Year Colleges Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas University of Arkansas Community College at Hope-Texarkana University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville Cossatot Community College at the University of Arkansas University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton University of Arkansas Community College at Rich Mountain University of Arkansas Pulaski Technical College Other Units University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Arkansas Archaeological Survey Criminal Justice Institute Arkansas School for Math, Sciences, and the Arts University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service Arkansas Research and Education Optical Network (ARE-ON)
Benefits
- Sick leave
- Retirement plan
- Life insurance
- Dental plan
- Vacation leave
- Medical plan
- Holiday leave
- Vision plan
- Career training
- Education discount
- Concierge prescription delivery
- Merchant discounts