Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapist Position

Great Prairie Area Education Agency has an opening for an Occupational Therapist.

Prorated contract (plus 2 orientation days initial year) for the 2026-2027 school year.

Benefits: IPERS, generous paid leave package and monthly cafeteria allotment of $1,050.00.

Salary: 2026-2027 Salary Schedule (based on education and experience).

Position may serve Region(s) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6.

Region 1: Albia, Centerville, Chariton, Moravia, Seymour, Wayne.

Region 2: Eddyville Blakesburg Fremont, Keota, North Mahaska, Oskaloosa, Oskaloosa Christian, Pekin, Sigourney, Tri-County.

Region 3: Cardinal, Davis County, Moulton-Udell, Ottumwa, Ottumwa Christian and Seton Catholic.

Region 4: Fairfield, Maharishi, Mediapolis, Morning Sun, Mt. Pleasant, WACO, Wapello and Winfield-Mt. Union.

Region 5: Burlington, Burlington Notre-Dame, Danville, New London, and West Burlington.

Region 6: Central Lee, Fort Madison, Holy Trinity Catholic, Keokuk, Keokuk Catholic, and Van Buren County.

Position Overview

A school occupational therapist partners with educators, families, and communities to provide effective learning environments for all students. Helps ensure success for all learners. Assists students in accessing their education in the least restrictive environment in the identified performance areas of educational and work activities, activities of daily living, and play and leisure skills.

Qualifications

• Occupational Therapy degree
• Licensed in Occupational Therapy by State of Iowa Department of Public Health, including Mandatory Reporter training.
• Authorized by Board of Educational Examiners (BOEE) through a Professional letter of Recognition.

Responsibilities

• Assesses/evaluates the student's functional performance in areas of educational and work activities, activities of daily living, and play and leisure activities.
• Interprets assessment/evaluation data to develop and implement appropriate intervention plans to enable students to participate in their educational environments. Reassesses and modifies intervention plans as necessary.
• Works cooperatively with family, teachers, local school district (LEA), and AEA to develop needs and individual goals through Intervention Plans, Individual Family Service Plans (IFSP), consultative, integrative (collaborative), and direct services as identified in the Individual Education Plan, and 504 Plans.
• Maintain current record of services and reports progress toward goals as required.
• Maintain data required for use in LEA, AEA, state, and federal reporting.
• Integrates research into the design of best practices. Maintains current knowledge of occupational therapy practices and related areas of special education.
• Consults with teachers and administrators and collaborates with teams regarding best practices for classroom and building educational programs.
• Follows policies, procedures, standards, and rules in accordance with national and state laws, the Iowa Dept. of Ed, Great Prairie AEA, the IA Licensure Board, and AOTA which includes, but is not limited to, developing and maintaining proper and adequate records and documentation.
• Supervises COTAs as required by the Iowa OT Licensure Board and as needed by the COTA.

Additional Responsibilities

• Demonstrates self-discipline and initiative to produce high-quality, organized and dependable results.
• Conveys a positive and professional image to staff and public.
• Handles information in a confidential manner in accordance with established policies and legal requirements.
• Pursues professional growth opportunities and relationships to keep current with and influence educational directions.
• Assists LEAs in implementing projects related to improving student achievement.
• Seeks to maintain standards of best practice as supported by research and state guidelines.
• Contributes to occupational therapy discipline-specific committees.
• Performs such other duties as may be assigned.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to travel between schools/sites served.
• Normal, routine levels of activity related to bending, carrying, climbing, hearing, lifting, reaching, sitting, standing, vision and walking, and may also involve above-average levels of activity at times that can't always be anticipated.