Occupational Therapist - School

Job Details

This contract Occupational Therapist position is based in Ruidoso, New Mexico, serving students through a regional education cooperative in the surrounding area. Ruidoso is a scenic mountain community nestled in the Southern Rockies, offering a unique balance of professional fulfillment and an exceptional quality of life. The area is known for its pine-covered mountains, cool summer temperatures, and snowy winters, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking, mountain biking, fishing, skiing, and snowboarding. Residents and visitors are drawn to Ski Apache, nearby national forests, and beautiful trail systems, while Ruidoso Downs Race Track, local festivals, live music, art galleries, and a growing restaurant scene provide year-round cultural and entertainment options.The community has a friendly, close-knit feel with a strong emphasis on schools, youth activities, and family life. The slower pace and small-town charm are balanced by modern amenities, making it an appealing home base for professionals who want both a meaningful career and an enjoyable lifestyle outside of work. The surrounding region offers easy access to nature, clear night skies, and a relaxed mountain-town atmosphere that many clinicians find restorative and inspiring.In this role, you will be part of a regional cooperative that provides broad-based educational services to multiple school districts. The cooperative model allows you to support a diverse student population across various settings while working within a collaborative, multidisciplinary framework. You will work alongside educators, related service providers, and administrators who share a common goal of improving outcomes for children and families across the region. The cooperative is known for its service-oriented culture and its focus on bringing high-quality educational and therapeutic services to rural communities.As a contract Occupational Therapist, your primary responsibility will be to deliver school-based OT services to students with a variety of needs, from early childhood through high school, depending on assignment. Your typical day may include travel to one or more school sites within the cooperative's service area, conducting evaluations, implementing treatment sessions, consulting with teachers on classroom strategies, and participating in IEP or student support meetings. You will provide both direct and consultative services, helping students develop the fine motor, sensory, self-care, and functional school participation skills necessary for educational success.Duties may include administering standardized and informal assessments, writing detailed evaluation reports, developing individualized therapy plans aligned with IEP goals, and monitoring progress over time. You will collaborate closely with general and special education teachers to integrate OT recommendations into classroom routines, adapt materials and environments, and support inclusive practices. You may also provide training and coaching for school staff and families on strategies to support student independence and participation in daily school activities.Caseloads and age ranges will be determined by the cooperative based on regional needs, but often include a mix of students with developmental delays, autism spectrum disorders, learning disabilities, orthopedic and neurological conditions, and other health impairments. Because services are provided across multiple campuses, you can expect a variety of practice opportunities, including working in classrooms, therapy rooms, early childhood programs, and community-based school activities. This variety allows you to refine your skills, explore areas of specialization, and build a well-rounded school-based OT portfolio.Your schedule will generally follow the academic calendar, with typical hours aligning with school day schedules. Most assignments take place on weekdays during daytime hours, with occasional meetings or professional activities scheduled by the cooperative or participating districts. Student-to-therapist ratios and daily visit counts are designed to support effective, individualized service delivery while allowing time for documentation and collaboration.This position offers a strong professional growth opportunity for Occupational Therapists who want to deepen their experience in school-based practice, particularly in rural and cooperative settings. You will gain experience navigating special education processes across multiple districts, working on interdisciplinary teams, and serving diverse learners in a region that truly benefits from dedicated professionals. The role can be a meaningful addition to your resume and a stepping stone to future leadership, specialization, or advanced practice opportunities.

Benefits

School assignments are typically nine months in length but can vary depending on the length of the contract and school calendar. School assignments offer a generous benefits package that includes:\t

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• W-2 Employment Status with Professional and General Liability Coverage
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• Day 1 Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance Coverage
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• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Matching
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• Accident and Short-Term Disability Coverage
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• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
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• Clinical Support
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• License Reimbursement Wherever You Work
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• Free Continuing Education
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• Housing Assistance and Travel Reimbursement
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Required Qualifications

Occupational Therapist, School Experience: New Grad Accepted Graduate from an accredited Occupational Therapy program Active Occupational Therapy (OT) license in New Mexico

Preferred Qualifications

Initial certification through NBCOT Clear, articulate communication skills Ability to explain results to a varied audience Candidates with previous school experience a plus! Completion of a criminal record and background check

About Company

At AMN Healthcare, we strive to be recognized as the most trusted, innovative, and influential force in helping healthcare organizations provide quality patient care that continually evolves to make healthcare more human, more effective, and more achievable.