Role Description

The Head of Department (Occupational Therapy) will provide strategic leadership, clinical governance, and operational management of the Occupational Therapy division at the India Autism Center (IAC). The incumbent will ensure the highest standards of clinical excellence, evidence-based practice, and interdisciplinary collaboration in serving individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, Learning Disabilities, and Intellectual Disabilities.

The HOD will lead a team of occupational therapists and collaborate closely with psychologists, physiotherapists, speech-language pathologists, special educators, and social workers to develop and implement comprehensive, person-centered intervention plans that align with international best practices as per RCI, NICE, and APA guidelines.

Core Responsibilities

1. Departmental Leadership and Strategy

• Provide overall leadership and direction for the Occupational Therapy Department in alignment with the organization’s clinical, educational, and research objectives.
• Establish and maintain evidence-based clinical frameworks consistent with RCI, NICE, and APA standards.
• Develop, implement, and monitor departmental goals, KPIs, and quality assurance systems.
• Oversee staff recruitment, training, supervision, and professional development to maintain high clinical standards.
• Lead departmental planning, budgeting, and resource allocation in collaboration with the Clinical Director.

2. Clinical Governance and Quality Assurance

• Review and approve assessment tools, therapy models, and intervention protocols used by the department.
• Ensure standardization and quality across assessments, documentation, and reporting processes.
• Conduct regular clinical audits, case reviews, and supervision meetings to ensure consistent quality of care.
• Facilitate peer review mechanisms and continuous performance evaluation for therapists.
• Oversee risk management, ethical compliance, and adherence to confidentiality protocols.

3. Assessment and Clinical Supervision

• Guide and supervise the design and execution of comprehensive occupational therapy assessments covering:
  • Sensory integration and processing
  • Fine and gross motor skills
  • Activities of Daily Living (ADL)
  • Visual–motor and perceptual skills
  • Vocational readiness and functional participation
• Support clinical decision-making in complex cases and ensure multidisciplinary input in therapy planning.

4. Interdisciplinary Collaboration

• Serve as the primary liaison between Occupational Therapy and other clinical departments.
• Collaborate with psychologists, physiotherapists, speech-language pathologists, and special educators for integrated therapy plans.
• Participate in MDT case conferences, clinical rounds, and family meetings to ensure cohesive service delivery.
• Contribute to policy development for interdisciplinary coordination and outcome measurement.

5. Training, Research, and Professional Development

• Develop and oversee in-service training modules, clinical workshops, and mentorship programs for staff and interns.
• Stay abreast of advancements in occupational therapy, neurodevelopmental sciences, and global rehabilitation trends.
• Facilitate research collaborations, data collection, and publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Represent the department at conferences, professional bodies, and academic institutions.

6. Family and Community Engagement

• Oversee the development of structured caregiver training and home-based therapy modules.
• Ensure the dissemination of neurodiversity-affirming education for families, caregivers, and community partners.
• Support the design of vocational and transitional programs fostering independent living.

Requirements

Key Qualities

• Advanced knowledge of sensory integration, motor development, and neurorehabilitation.
• Strong leadership, supervision, and organizational management skills.
• Ability to standardize protocols, measure outcomes, and drive evidence-based improvement.
• Excellent communication, documentation, and interdisciplinary collaboration abilities.
• Strategic thinker with empathy, patience, and commitment to inclusive practice.

Qualifications

• Master’s or Doctoral degree in Occupational Therapy (MOT/PhD) from a recognized institution.
• Valid registration with the and membership in AIOTA (All India Occupational Therapists’ Association).

Professional Experience

• Minimum 10–15 years of progressive experience in a clinical leadership or managerial role within a core healthcare or rehabilitation department.
• Proven expertise in managing teams, conducting assessments, and designing therapy programs for neurodivergent or pediatric populations.
• Demonstrated familiarity with international best practices and clinical frameworks from RCI, NICE, and APA.

Benefits

Careers are made to last at the India Autism Center. We make you an incomprehensible promise: With benefits created to support you at all stages of life, our employees grow professionally and personally while making a difference in society.

Our benefits are built on core categories of health, financial security, learning, personal & professional development.