Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapist Position

Somerset County Public Schools is recruiting Occupational Therapists for the 2026–2027 school year. Join a small but mighty district offering competitive salaries, a generous leave package, supportive leadership, and a strong sense of community.

State of Maryland licensed School Occupational Therapists receiving National Certification will receive an additional $2,000 in salary.

Summary of Classification

The Occupational Therapist (OT) serves as a member of the multidisciplinary Individualized Education Program (IEP) team. The OT provides assessment, evidence-based intervention, and consultative services to support students (ages 3–21) in accessing their specialized instruction and navigating the school environment.

Job Goal

To facilitate the student's functional independence and participation in educational activities by developing, restoring, or compensating for skills impaired by disability, injury, or environmental deprivation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Evaluation: Conducts comprehensive, culturally responsive evaluations to determine a student's functional levels in areas such as fine motor, visual-motor, sensory processing, and activities of daily living (ADL).

• IEP Development: Collaborates with the IEP team to develop measurable, educationally relevant goals.

• Service Delivery: Implements direct and indirect therapeutic interventions to promote functional outcomes in the "least restrictive environment."

• Adaptive Strategies: Recommends, designs, and trains students and staff in the use of assistive technology and environmental modifications.

• Consultation & Training: Provides professional development and "carryover" strategies to teachers, parents, and staff to support student success throughout the school day.

• Compliance & Documentation: Maintains accurate records in the Maryland Online IEP (MOIEP) system. Ensures all timelines for evaluations and annual reviews meet IDEA and COMAR (Code of Maryland Regulations) mandates. Completes Medicaid (Medical Assistance) billing documentation according to state and federal requirements.

• Progress Monitoring: Regularly collects data to reflect measurable progress and adjusts intervention strategies based on student performance.

Requirements & Qualifications

Educational & Licensing Requirements

• Degree: Minimum of a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Occupational Therapy from an AOTA-accredited institution.

• Maryland Licensure: Must hold a current, valid license from the Maryland State Board of Occupational Therapy Practice.

• Certification: Eligible for or holds MSDE Occupational Therapist certification.

Knowledge and Skills

• Clinical Knowledge: Strong understanding of pediatric development and clinical practices across a wide range of disabilities.

• Regulatory Knowledge: Proficiency in IDEA guidelines, Section 504, and Maryland special education laws.

• Communication: Excellent oral and written communication skills for interacting with families, medical providers, and school staff.

• Technology: Proficiency in basic computer applications and specialized assistive technology software.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Physical Ability: Must be able to sit on the floor, bend, and reach to engage with students. Ability to lift or assist in the positioning of students (up to 50 lbs) as required by their physical therapy or safety needs.

• Environment: Work is performed in various school settings (classrooms, therapy rooms, playgrounds). Frequent travel between school sites may be required.

Equal Opportunity: Somerset County Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics.