Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapist

Northbridge Public Schools - Whitinsville, Massachusetts

Starting Date: Aug 25, 2026

Job ID: 5767041

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Position Type: Full-time

Salary: $56,177 to $100,275 Per Year

Job Categories: Student Services > Occupational Therapist

Job Summary

A school-based occupational therapist (OT) evaluates students and provides therapeutic interventions to students with disabilities affecting their ability to access and participate in educational activities. Responsibilities include assessing students’ functional skills in areas such as fine motor, sensory processing, self‑care, cognitive abilities, and social interaction; adapting the environment and utilizing meaningful activities to enhance academic performance and overall participation within school environments. The OT monitors progress, maintains detailed records, ensures compliance with educational standards and regulations, and supervises certified occupational therapy assistants.

Knowledge and Skills

• Establish and maintain effective and harmonious working relationships with students, their families, colleagues, and supervisors.
• Engage actively with students, including play‑based interactions, bending, kneeling, lifting, and sitting at a child’s level as necessary for therapy.
• Apply common sense understanding and communicate options and solutions when several variables exist.
• Communicate effectively, orally and in writing; read, write, speak, and understand English.
• Exhibit compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including HIPAA, FERPA, reimbursement requirements, and state statutes and rules regarding OT education, training, and scope of practice.
• Operate specialized equipment such as adaptive seating, sensory tools, and fine motor assistive devices used in student treatment.

Responsibilities

1. Provide appropriate occupational therapy services to school‑aged children (ages 3‑22) while promoting an inclusive environment that addresses diverse student needs and incorporates culturally responsive practices.
2. Conduct comprehension evaluations for referred students, administer and interpret diagnostic assessments, generate detailed reports, and present findings during Team meetings.
3. Provide intervention that is appropriate to the age and learning needs of each individual student and is selected through an evidence‑based decision‑making process.
4. Employ a continuum of service delivery models in the least restrictive environment for students with disabilities, and provide services to other students as appropriate.
5. Maintain liaison with appropriate community agencies, administrators, teachers, and parents concerned with the students.
6. Plan and develop therapeutic intervention goals that are educationally relevant and aligned with students’ Individualized Educational Programs (IEPs).
7. Facilitate in‑service education and professional development for staff members, as appropriate.
8. Supervise and monitor the job performance of any assigned certified occupational therapy assistants.
9. Monitor program goals by teaching and supervising other professionals and paraprofessionals involved in the implementation of the intervention procedures.
10. Provide consultation and/or direct services to address student needs, professional needs, and system needs in order for the system to achieve its goals and objectives.
11. Maintain accurate and timely documentation required by federal, state, and district standards, ensuring compliance with Medicaid and IEP requirements.
12. Perform other duties consistent with professional training that the Director of Pupil Services and Building Principals may require.

Job Requirements

• Master’s degree in occupational therapy from an accredited college or university.
• Valid certification with the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy.
• Valid Massachusetts licensure as an Occupational Therapist through the Board of Registration for Allied Health Professionals.
• Knowledge of Massachusetts and federal special education regulations.
• Background in test administration, interpretation, and application to educational settings.
• Experience working in an educational setting or other relevant experience with school‑aged children requiring occupational therapy services.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• Citizenship, residency, or work visa required.

Contact Information

• George Ghitelman Spier
• 87 Linwood Avenue
• Whitinsville, Massachusetts 01588
• Phone: View phone number on click.appcast.io
• Email: View email address on click.appcast.io