Long Term Permanent Substitute Elementary Occupational Therapist - 2026/2027

Long Term Permanent Substitute Elementary Occupational Therapist - (to cover a leave of absence) - 2026/2027

Position Title: 1.0 Elementary Occupational Therapist Fox Hill/Memorial

Reports To: Building Principal/Director of Special Education

SUMMARY : Occupational Therapist, subject to Special Education Laws, with the educational development of children with special education accommodations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

1. Evaluates, plans, and implements therapy services to students with physical, sensory, and cognitive challenges.
2. Works directly with students, teachers, and other school staff to develop and promote strategies that facilitate learning and support students' ability to perform everyday tasks in the school environment.
3. Conduct comprehensive evaluations to assess students' visual perceptual development, visual motor integration, ocular motor, fine motor, handwriting and sensory motor skills.
4. Use standardized and non-standardized assessments to identify areas of need and develop individualized treatment plans.
5. Analyze how disabilities or developmental delays impact academic performance and daily living tasks.
6. Complete IEPs and other relevant documentation.
7. Provide direct services to students as per their individualized education programs
8. Implement therapeutic interventions to enhance fine motor skills, sensory processing, visual motor integration, visual perception and other relevant areas.
9. Offer strategies to support self-regulation, attention, and focus in the classroom setting.
10. Work closely with teachers, school counselors, speech therapists, and other staff members to coordinate support services.
11. Act as a consultant for classroom teachers to suggest adaptations to the physical classroom environment, materials, and teaching strategies to better support students with occupational challenges.
12. Participate in IEP meetings, providing insights into students' progress and make necessary adjustments.
13. Advocate for students' needs, provide recommendations and ensure that accommodations and modifications are implemented appropriately.
14. Maintain accurate records of student progress, therapy sessions, and IEP outcomes.
15. Regularly monitor and adjust therapy interventions to ensure continuous progress.
16. Complete necessary paperwork as outlined per Massachusetts Regulations.
17. Perform any other relative duties as requested by the Director of Special Education.

The above are typical tasks regularly performed but additional related tasks of equivalent skills and responsibilities may be assigned as service and/or educational requirements change, subject to Collective Bargaining.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1.Supervises students in his/her care.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS : To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:


BA degree, MA preferred.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:


Valid Massachusetts Teaching Certificate, in area of study required.


OT certification

SKILLS and ABILITIES:


Ability to apply knowledge of current research and theory to instructional program; ability to plan and implement lessons based on building and district objectives and the needs and abilities of students to whom assigned. Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with students, peers and parents; high-level skills in oral and written communication.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS : The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, for example, school supplies and books.


Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision such as to read handwritten or typed material, and the ability to adjust focus. The position requires the individual to meet multiple demands from several people and interact with the public and other staff.


WORK ENVIRONMENT : The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


The noise level in the classroom environment is moderate to loud.


The information contained in this job description is intended to comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position.


DATES:


Approximately September 7 through December 7, 2026

COMPENSATION:


$125 per day including benefits. When the teacher comes off the salary schedule the compensation will be in accordance with the Burlington Educators' Association Unit A collective bargaining agreement.

Burlington Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and school environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy or pregnancy status, age, genetic information, ethnic background, ancestry, disability, homelessness, immigration status or any category protected by state or federal law. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation.


~ We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer ~