Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapist

Archbishop Damiano School is seeking a dedicated and compassionate full-time Occupational Therapist (OT) to join our team. The OT will work with students who have mild to severe disabilities, aiming to improve their academic and functional skills through therapeutic activities. This position requires a professional who is passionate about making a difference in the lives of children with special needs and who can collaborate effectively with educators, families, and other specialists. The Occupational Therapist collaborates with educators, related service providers, paraprofessionals, and families to support student participation, independence, functional performance, and access to the educational environment. The Occupational Therapist serves as a collaborative member of the multidisciplinary team, supporting student achievement, access, participation, and functional independence across educational settings.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities of the Position:

1. Assessment and Evaluation:

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of students' fine motor, sensory, and perceptual-motor skills.
• Evaluate students' needs and develop individualized treatment plans to support their educational goals.

• Therapeutic Intervention:

• Provide direct occupational therapy services to students with a range of disabilities, including but not limited to autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and other developmental disorders.
• Implement therapeutic activities and exercises designed to enhance students' ability to perform school-related tasks.
• Utilize a variety of adaptive equipment and techniques to support students' participation in educational activities.
• Recommend, implement, and monitor the use of adaptive equipment, assistive technology, and environmental modifications to support student access and participation.
• Develop and implement interventions that support sensory processing, self-regulation, fine motor development, visual-motor integration, and participation in educational activities.
• Support students with varying academic, behavioral, communication, sensory, physical, and social-emotional needs.

• Collaboration and Consultation:

• Work collaboratively with teachers, speech-language therapists, physical therapists, counselors, nurses, paraprofessionals, administrators, parents, and other members of the multidisciplinary team to support student success and implement individualized education programs (IEPs).
• Provide training and resources to school staff and families on strategies to support students' occupational therapy needs.
• Collaborate with classroom staff to support the carryover of therapeutic strategies within instructional and school-based environments.
• Consult with educational staff regarding classroom supports, accommodations, environmental modifications, and strategies that enhance student participation and access to learning.
• Participate in IEP meetings and contribute to the development of educational goals and objectives.

• Documentation and Reporting:

• Maintain clear, accurate, and timely documentation of services and student progress.
• Develop and implement evaluation processes.
• Collaborate with classroom staff to support the carryover of therapeutic strategies within instructional and school-based environments.

• Other Responsibilities:

• Promote student independence, functional participation, self-advocacy, and access to educational activities across school environments.
• Responds appropriately to interruptions, emergencies and various safety and evacuation drills.
• Develops professional competencies; keeps abreast of related literature, enhances technical skills and knowledge.
• Participates in department meetings and in-service training. Offers ideas for improved services and operations.
• Meets and maintains School standards for safety, emergency procedures, attendance, moral and professional conduct.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualification for the Position:

• A minimum of bachelor's degree in occupational therapy from an accredited institution; master's degree preferred.
• Valid license from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
• New Jersey Department of Education Certification as School Occupational Therapist.
• Approved Criminal History Review from the NJ Department of Education, Office of Criminal History Review. CPR certification and first aid certification preferred.
• Experience working in a school setting with students with autism spectrum disorder, developmental disabilities, multiple disabilities, and complex communication needs preferred.
• Strong understanding of pediatric occupational therapy principles and practices.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to learn new tasks quickly.
• High level of discretion and confidentiality.

Work Environment:

• The OT will work primarily within the school environment, providing services in classrooms, therapy rooms, community-based instructional settings, and other educational environments.
• The position may require some physical activity, including lifting and positioning students, as well as demonstrating therapeutic exercises.

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM, 48-Week Contract

Benefits:

• Dental Insurance
• Health Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Vision Insurance

Archbishop Damiano School is an Equal Opportunity Employer, drug-free workplace, and complies with ADA regulations as applicable.