Part-Time Paediatric Occupational Therapist- Abu Dhabi

Vacancy for Paediatric Occupational Therapist to join our growing Paediatric Rehabilitation Team in Abu Dhabi. This part-time position is aligned with school hours, making it an excellent opportunity for professionals seeking a family-friendly work schedule while making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and their families.

As a Paediatric Occupational Therapist, you will support infants, children, and adolescents experiencing developmental, sensory, cognitive, physical, behavioral, or neurological challenges. You will play a vital role in helping children achieve greater independence and participation in everyday activities at home, school, and within the community.

The successful candidate will design and implement individualized treatment plans, deliver evidence-based therapeutic interventions, collaborate with multidisciplinary healthcare professionals, and empower families with practical strategies to support their child’s development and well-being.

Job Responsibilities

Paediatric Assessment and Evaluation

• Conduct comprehensive occupational therapy assessments to evaluate children’s physical, cognitive, sensory, developmental, emotional, and social functioning.
• Utilize standardized and non-standardized paediatric assessment tools to identify strengths, challenges, and functional limitations.
• Assess fine motor skills, gross motor coordination, sensory processing, visual-motor integration, self-care abilities, attention skills, and participation in daily activities.
• Establish measurable and meaningful therapy goals in collaboration with families and caregivers.

Individualized Treatment Planning

• Develop customized, child-centered occupational therapy treatment plans based on clinical findings and developmental needs.
• Design intervention programs that promote independence in activities of daily living (ADLs), learning, play, communication, and social participation.
• Set realistic, functional, and measurable outcomes to support long-term developmental progress.
• Ensure treatment approaches align with evidence-based paediatric occupational therapy practices.

Therapy Intervention and Rehabilitation

• Deliver engaging one-on-one and group occupational therapy sessions tailored to each child’s unique needs.
• Implement evidence-based therapeutic approaches including:
  • Sensory Integration Therapy
  • Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT)
  • DIR/Floortime Approach
  • Motor Learning Strategies
  • Play-Based Therapy
  • Functional Skill Development Programs
• Support children in improving:
  • Fine motor skills
  • Handwriting and school readiness
  • Visual perception
  • Sensory regulation
  • Coordination and balance
  • Self-care and daily living skills
  • Executive functioning and attention
  • Social participation and play skills

Progress Monitoring and Outcome Measurement

• Monitor therapy effectiveness through ongoing assessment and clinical observation.
• Maintain detailed progress records and outcome measurements.
• Regularly review and modify treatment plans based on developmental progress and emerging needs.
• Prepare comprehensive progress reports for parents, schools, physicians, and insurance providers.

Family Education and Caregiver Support

• Educate parents and caregivers on their child’s developmental needs and therapy goals.
• Provide home programs, practical recommendations, and therapeutic strategies that support skill development outside clinical sessions.
• Offer emotional support and guidance to families navigating developmental challenges.
• Foster active family involvement throughout the rehabilitation process.

School-Based Collaboration and Educational Support

• Collaborate with teachers, special educators, learning support staff, and school administrators to enhance student participation and success.
• Develop classroom strategies for children experiencing sensory processing difficulties, attention deficits, behavioral challenges, and motor skill delays.
• Recommend environmental modifications and accommodations to improve classroom accessibility.
• Provide guidance regarding adaptive equipment, seating systems, and assistive technologies.

Multidisciplinary Team Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with:
  • Paediatricians
  • Developmental Paediatricians
  • Speech and Language Therapists
  • Clinical Psychologists
  • Physiotherapists
  • Special Educators
  • Behaviour Therapists
  • Families and Caregivers
• Participate in multidisciplinary case discussions and integrated treatment planning.
• Contribute clinical expertise to ensure comprehensive and coordinated patient care.

Documentation and Compliance

• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential clinical documentation.
• Complete assessment reports, treatment notes, progress updates, discharge summaries, and insurance documentation.
• Ensure compliance with Department of Health (DOH Abu Dhabi) regulations, professional standards, and organizational policies.
• Adhere to ethical guidelines, patient confidentiality requirements, and evidence-based clinical practices.

Child Advocacy and Community Inclusion

• Advocate for children’s rights, accessibility, and inclusion within educational, recreational, and community environments.
• Promote participation and independence for children with developmental and physical challenges.
• Support families in accessing appropriate resources and services.

Professional Development

• Stay updated on emerging research, treatment techniques, and best practices in paediatric occupational therapy.
• Participate in continuing professional development (CPD), workshops, conferences, and training programs.
• Maintain professional licensure and competency requirements.

Non-Clinical Responsibilities

• Attend multidisciplinary meetings and contribute to patient care discussions.
• Ensure accurate and timely completion of administrative and insurance-related documentation.
• Prepare professional reports and correspondence for referral sources, healthcare providers, and insurance companies.
• Respond professionally to enquiries from parents, caregivers, and prospective clients.
• Maintain effective communication with clinic administration and management teams.
• Support community outreach, educational initiatives, and clinic awareness programs.
• Contribute to social media content, educational campaigns, and marketing initiatives that align with organizational branding and values.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited institution.
• Current Occupational Therapy license or eligibility for licensure under Department of Health (DOH Abu Dhabi) regulations.
• Valid professional registration and certification as required by regulatory authorities.
• Additional certifications in paediatric occupational therapy are highly desirable.

Experience Requirements

• Previous experience in paediatric occupational therapy, paediatric rehabilitation, early intervention, school-based therapy, or developmental services preferred.
• Strong interest in working with children and families within a paediatric healthcare setting.
• Experience supporting children with:
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
  • ADHD
  • Developmental Delay
  • Sensory Processing Disorders
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Learning Difficulties
  • Genetic Disorders
  • Neurological Conditions
  • Fine and Gross Motor Delays

Essential Skills and Competencies

• Strong knowledge of child development and paediatric rehabilitation principles.
• Expertise in paediatric assessment tools and outcome measures.
• Proficiency in evidence-based intervention approaches including Sensory Integration, DIR/Floortime, and Neurodevelopmental Treatment.
• Ability to develop individualized treatment plans and measurable therapeutic goals.
• Knowledge of adaptive equipment, assistive technology, and environmental modifications.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build trust and rapport with children and families.
• Creative, engaging, and play-based therapeutic approach.
• Strong clinical reasoning and problem-solving abilities.
• Commitment to family-centered care and ethical practice.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Strong organizational, documentation, and time management skills.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to actively participate in floor-based play and therapeutic activities.
• Physical stamina to support movement-based interventions and child handling when required.
• Capability to assist children with mobility, positioning, and functional activities safely and effectively.

Why Join as OT?

• Family-friendly part-time schedule aligned with school hours.
• Opportunity to work within a supportive multidisciplinary paediatric rehabilitation team.
• Meaningful role helping children achieve independence and developmental success.
• Collaborative and child-centered clinical environment.
• Ongoing professional development and learning opportunities.
• Rewarding career dedicated to improving the lives of children and families throughout Abu Dhabi and the UAE.