Occupational Therapist

Overview

The Occupational Therapist provides school-based occupational therapy services to students with academic, developmental, sensory, physical, social-emotional, and behavioral needs. The Occupational Therapist evaluates students, develops individualized goals, and delivers direct and consultative services in accordance with each student's Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Individualized Service Plan (ISP).

Working collaboratively with educators, families, related-service providers, school leaders, and district representatives, the Occupational Therapist helps students develop the functional skills necessary to access instruction, participate successfully in school routines, and increase independence.


Responsibilities

• Conduct occupational therapy evaluations and reevaluations using appropriate standardized assessments, clinical observations, interviews, and record reviews.
• Identify student strengths and needs related to fine-motor development, visual-motor integration, sensory processing, self-regulation, mobility, positioning, self-care, and functional school participation.
• Develop measurable, educationally relevant IEP goals and objectives.
• Provide individual, small-group, classroom-based, and consultative occupational therapy services.
• Implement interventions that support handwriting, classroom tool use, executive functioning, sensory regulation, daily living skills, vocational preparation, and student independence.
• Participate in IEP meetings, multidisciplinary team meetings, eligibility discussions, manifestation meetings, and student-support conferences.
• Monitor student progress and collect data to determine the effectiveness of interventions.
• Prepare progress reports, evaluation reports, treatment notes, Medicaid documentation, and other required records accurately and on time.
• Recommend appropriate adaptive equipment, assistive technology, sensory supports, seating, positioning, and environmental modifications.
• Collaborate with teachers and instructional staff to integrate occupational therapy strategies into classroom routines.
• Train and consult with teachers, paraprofessionals, families, and other team members regarding student needs and recommended interventions.
• Support students with significant behavioral or emotional needs through trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate, and regulation-focused practices.
• Assist with transition planning for students preparing for increased independence, vocational programming, community participation, or adult services.
• Maintain therapy equipment, supplies, assessment materials, and treatment spaces.
• Follow all student-safety, confidentiality, documentation, crisis-response, and mandated-reporting requirements.
• Maintain compliance with federal and state special education regulations, professional ethical standards, SESI policies, and applicable district requirements.
• Perform other duties consistent with the position as assigned by school or regional leadership.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program.
• Extensive experience working with severe disabilities and children with Autism.
• Experience working with students with severe disabilities in clinical settings.
• Current state license to practice occupational therapy in the state of employment.
• NBCOT certification, when required.
• Eligibility for any state educational credential or school-based certification required for the assignment.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification, if required by the school or state.
• Successful completion of required criminal-background, child-abuse, and fingerprint clearances.
• Knowledge of IDEA, Section 504, IEP development, progress monitoring, and school-based related services.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Previous experience providing occupational therapy in a K-12 school setting.
• Experience working with students with autism, intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities, emotional disabilities, neurological conditions, and significant behavioral needs.
• Experience with sensory-regulation strategies, assistive technology, functional behavioral supports, and trauma-informed practices.
• Familiarity with nonpublic special education schools and district referral processes.
• Experience supervising a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant when applicable.

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Posted Salary Range

USD $60,000.00 - USD $80,000.00 /Yr.