Occupational Therapist - Smyrna, TN

Thrive Therapies

School-based OTs are fundamental to inclusive education, yet many practice in isolation, with insufficient time for collaboration and consultation. You're often pulled between direct service demands and the systems work that actually prevents deficits.

Thrive partners with districts that view occupational therapy as integral to school-wide accessibility. You'll work in environments where your expertise in fine motor, sensory integration, self-care, and environment adaptation is valued at the planning level — not just for individual IEPs. You'll have time for classroom consultation, collaborative activities design, and peer mentoring.

Position Summary

As a School-Based Occupational Therapist, you assess and treat students K–12 with physical, developmental, sensory, and learning challenges that impact educational function and independence. You design individualized interventions targeting fine motor skills, sensory processing, self-care routines, and learning environment modifications to support academic engagement and social participation.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive OT evaluations including fine and gross motor assessment, sensory processing screening, self-care functional capacity, and learning readiness
• Develop and implement individualized IEP goals focused on school function: handwriting, self-feeding, self-care routines, classroom participation, and independence
• Deliver direct and consultative occupational therapy services including fine motor skill development, sensory integration activities, and environmental modifications
• Design classroom-wide and school-wide sensory breaks, movement activities, and accommodations to support learning and self-regulation
• Collaborate with special education, physical therapists, and classroom teachers on positioning, adaptive equipment, and accessibility solutions
• Assess and recommend adaptive equipment, assistive technology, and learning environment modifications
• Participate in IEP/ARD meetings and contribute to transition planning for secondary students

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in Occupational Therapy from an ACOTE-accredited program
• NBCOT certification (OTR) required; Occupational Therapy License (OTL) in assigned state
• Valid, unrestricted state licensure/certification as an Occupational Therapist
• Proof of immunization status and background check clearance per school district requirements

Preferred Qualifications

• 2+ years of school-based OT experience (new graduates welcome with structured mentorship)
• Training in sensory integration and processing (Ayres Sensory Integration preferred)
• Experience with adaptive equipment, assistive technology, and accessibility assessment
• Experience with autism spectrum disorder and complex physical disabilities
• Bilingual capability a meaningful plus — premium compensation applies

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive W-2 salary: $58,000–$78,000 based on credentials, experience, and location
• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision) effective your first day
• 401(k) with company match
• PTO + paid sick leave
• Professional development stipend ($1,200 annually) for CEUs, conferences, and certifications
• $2,000 sign-on bonus (paid at 90 days)
• $1,000 semester retention bonus per semester completed
• NBCOT certification dues and state licensure fees fully reimbursed
• Malpractice and professional liability coverage provided by Thrive
• No non-compete clause — we earn your loyalty by being a place worth staying

$58,000 - $78,000 a year

Apply today: View email address on click.appcast.io | thrivetherapiesgroup.com/careers

We respond to every application within 24 hours. Thrive Therapies Group is an equal opportunity employer.