School Occupational Therapist

Job Description

Job Description

SCHOOL OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
The Shirley Aninias School | New York, NY | Full-Time, 12-Month | $80,000–$95,000

ABOUT THE ROLE
The Shirley Aninias School (SAS) is a private, 12-month, behavior-based elementary program serving neurodiverse students ages 4–13. We're seeking a dedicated School Occupational Therapist (OT) to join our multidisciplinary team. The OT helps students develop the fine motor, sensory, and adaptive skills they need to access their education and participate fully in the school day, through direct therapy, staff collaboration, classroom accommodations, and student support planning.

RESPONSIBILITIES
Assessment & Planning

• Conduct comprehensive OT evaluations of students' motor, sensory, self-care, and environmental needs
• Collaborate with IEP teams to develop, review, and revise OT goals and objectives
• Develop individualized treatment plans that support success across academic and functional settings

Therapeutic Interventions

• Provide direct OT services in individual or small-group settings per student IEPs
• Design interventions for fine motor coordination, visual-motor integration, sensory processing, and daily living skills
• Recommend adaptive strategies, modifications, and tools that support engagement and independence

Data Collection & Reporting

• Maintain accurate, timely documentation of assessments, interventions, and progress monitoring
• Track and report student progress to the IEP team, staff, and families
• Conduct periodic re-evaluations to adjust therapy plans and support ongoing IEP development

Collaboration & Communication

• Integrate OT goals into daily routines with teachers, staff, and related service providers
• Participate in IEP and multidisciplinary team meetings
• Communicate with families on progress, goals, and home practice
• Train and consult staff on sensory tools, motor strategies, and adaptive techniques

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Physically support students with motor needs (kneeling, bending, floor-level work)
• Engage in active play, transitions, and movement-based classroom tasks
• Lift and manage therapy equipment/adaptive materials (up to 35 lbs)
• Maintain visual/auditory supervision and travel between classrooms and therapy spaces
• Current First Aid/CPR certification, or willingness to obtain

QUALIFICATIONS
Required

• Master's degree or higher in Occupational Therapy
• Current NYS OT license in good standing
• Minimum of two years of experience in a school or clinical setting
• Strong organizational, documentation, communication, and interpersonal skills

  Desired

• Experience working with neurodiverse student populations
• Flexible, compassionate, and committed to student-centered, inclusive practices
• Engaged in ongoing professional development and current with best practices in school-based OT

WHAT WE OFFER
$80,000–$95,000 commensurate with experience, plus matching 401(k), health/dental/vision, long-term disability, commuter benefits, generous leave, and ongoing training.

 
The Shirley Aninias School is an equal opportunity employer.