Local Contract Occupational Therapist
Athens, OH
Amergis Healthcare Staffing, Inc.-Allied
4x7 hrs, Days

Pediatric Occupational Therapist (OT)
Location: Athens, OH (On‑site | Farm‑Based Center)
Contract Length: 52 weeks
Start Date: May 25, 2026

About the Practice

This is a small, private pediatric practice located on an 11‑acre farm in Athens, Ohio. The practice is intentionally warm, open, and non‑traditional, serving almost exclusively autistic children through a 100% relationship‑based therapy model (not ABA).

The team currently includes 2 SLPs and 4 music therapists and has been seeking the right OT fit. This is an opportunity to become a core clinician in a close‑knit, highly relational practice with deep family involvement.

Population Served

• Children with autism ages 2–11
• Primarily early childhood
• Families are highly engaged and active participants in therapy
• Practice currently serves approximately 23 families, all with close, established relationships

Therapeutic Model & Environment

• Fully relationship‑based, neurodiversity‑affirming approach
• Strong emphasis on:
  • Connection
  • Regulation
  • Engagement
• Animal‑assisted therapy is a core part of the model
  • On‑site animals include horses/ponies, sheep, goats, and bunnies
• Therapy takes place:
  • Indoors and outdoors
  • On walking paths and wooded areas
  • In natural, sensory‑rich environments
• Autism Scholarship provider, allowing for 90‑minute therapy sessions
• Outstanding attendance rates due to strong parent partnership

Role Details

• Occupational Therapist (OT) only (OT preferred over COTA)
• On‑site role; no remote option
• Around animals daily; must be comfortable outside and walking uneven terrain
• Practice provides:
  • Branded polo shirt
  • Canvas work apron
• Initial contract with expectation of long‑term continuation and potential transition to direct placement

Orientation & Training

• Approximately 1 month of coach‑led orientation and mentorship
• Close collaboration with the owner (licensed SLP)
• Employer‑paid relationship‑based therapy training after onboarding
• Role requires openness to observation, reflection, and learning a deeply relational model

Schedule & Reliability Expectations

• Arrival time expectations will be outlined in the contract
• Punctuality is essential due to safety considerations involving children, animals, and outdoor sessions

Licensure Requirements

• Active Ohio OT License
• ODE OT License (or eligibility)
• Preferred: ODE OT Pupil License

Ideal Candidate

• Pediatric OT with clear experience or strong interest in autism
• Exposure to relationship‑based, play‑based, or child‑led therapy models preferred
• Child‑first clinician who values:
  • Authentic connection over protocols
  • Family collaboration
  • Learning through observation and mentorship
• Comfortable working in a non‑clinical, farm‑based environment
• Reliable, reflective, and grounded in their clinical beliefs

Interview Process

• Virtual interview required
• Second, in‑person interview strongly preferred, which may include:
  • Observation of live sessions
  • Site tour
  • Clinical discussion around session flow and engagement