Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapist

Qualifications: The following represents the minimum qualifications for this position. The Administration reserves the right to waive any qualification as appropriate in determining the best candidate. Master's degree or higher in Occupational Therapy from a program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). Current Michigan Occupational Therapist License in good standing. National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) certification preferred. Successful completion of all required clinical fieldwork. Demonstrated experience providing school-based occupational therapy services to children with disabilities preferred. Knowledge of special education laws, IDEA, MARSE, Section 504, FERPA, and best practices for school-based occupational therapy. Experience collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to support student achievement and access to the educational environment. Ability to assess student needs and develop individualized intervention plans aligned to educational goals. Knowledge of assistive technology, adaptive equipment, sensory processing, fine motor development, visual-motor integration, and activities of daily living. Ability to effectively serve students with a wide range of disabilities, developmental needs, and cultural backgrounds. Strong organizational, problem-solving, and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple school assignments and priorities. Demonstrated ability to establish positive working relationships with students, families, staff, and community partners. Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. Commitment to continuous professional learning, collaboration, and high ethical standards.

Performance Responsibilities: Conduct comprehensive occupational therapy evaluations using formal and informal assessment measures to determine student strengths, needs, and educational impact. Interpret evaluation results and prepare written reports that support eligibility, educational planning, and service recommendations. Develop, implement, and monitor individualized occupational therapy services aligned with students' Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Write measurable IEP goals, objectives, accommodations, supplementary aids and services, and progress reports in accordance with district, state, and federal requirements. Provide direct and consultative occupational therapy services individually and in small groups to improve students' participation in educational activities. Assess student performance in fine motor skills, visual-motor integration, sensory processing, self-care, executive functioning, written communication, positioning, mobility, and school-related functional skills. Recommend, evaluate, and assist with the selection, implementation, and monitoring of adaptive equipment, assistive technology, environmental modifications, and specialized seating as appropriate. Collaborate with teachers, administrators, school psychologists, speech-language pathologists, physical therapists, social workers, nurses, and other related service providers to develop coordinated interventions. Participate as an active member of Multidisciplinary Evaluation Teams (METs), IEP Teams, Section 504 meetings, and other student support meetings. Provide consultation and training to staff and families regarding therapeutic strategies, accommodations, sensory supports, adaptive equipment, and classroom modifications. Monitor student progress, collect data, adjust interventions, and communicate progress regularly with families and educational teams. Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential records in compliance with IDEA, MARSE, FERPA, Medicaid documentation requirements (when applicable), district procedures, and professional standards. Maintain therapy schedules and caseloads while ensuring services are delivered in accordance with IEP requirements. Promote student independence by integrating therapeutic strategies within natural educational environments whenever appropriate. Assist in developing positive behavioral, sensory, and environmental supports that enhance student participation and learning. Demonstrate knowledge of child development, disability characteristics, and evidence-based occupational therapy practices across preschool through transition-age students. Participate in district professional learning, department meetings, and ongoing professional development to remain current with best practices and legal requirements. Establish and maintain effective communication and collaborative relationships with students, families, staff, administrators, and community agencies. Promote a safe, inclusive, and supportive educational environment that encourages student engagement and success. Uphold the ethical standards of the Occupational Therapy profession and all applicable district policies. Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Director or Coordinator of Special Education.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform basic functions. The employee must occasionally lift and move up to 25 pounds of supplies, which requires bending, stooping, and lifting. The employee must be able to use various instructional materials in the classroom. The employee must use hands and arms to manipulate objects. The employee must use keyboards, tools, and other controls. The employee must sit and stand for long periods. The employee must have normal vision and hearing with or without aid. The employee must be able to move about the assigned location unaided during the day.