Occupational Therapist 26/27 SY

Occupational Therapist

The Occupational Therapist (OT) reports to the Executive Director of Inclusion and collaborates with the Special Education Managers, related service providers, inclusion teachers, and general education staff to support students with disabilities in achieving success in their learning environments. The OT plays a critical role in developing students' cognitive, physical, sensory, and motor skills within the school setting.

This is a full-time, exempt position aligned with the school year calendar.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Serve as the school-based Occupational Therapist for assessment and implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students with disabilities.
• Develop individualized goals and objectives to support students' participation in self-care, academics, vocational tasks, and recreational activities within the school setting.
• Conduct and interpret comprehensive occupational therapy evaluations to determine student eligibility for special education services.
• Utilize direct and indirect therapy services, assistive technology, and environmental modifications to enhance students' sensorimotor, perceptual, neuromuscular, cognitive, and psychosocial functioning.
• Maintain confidential student records, including assessments, progress notes, IEP documentation, and service logs.
• Collaborate with general education and inclusion teachers, families, and related service providers to develop and implement accommodations and modifications that support student success in the inclusive classroom.
• Modify and augment the learning environment to promote accessibility, including the use of assistive technology.
• Provide individual and group therapy aligned with students' IEP goals.
• Participate in IEP meetings, parent conferences, and eligibility determination conferences to discuss student progress and recommendations.
• Prepare written and oral reports for use in determining eligibility and program planning.
• Act as a resource for staff, providing training and consultation on best practices for supporting students with occupational therapy needs.
• Offer professional development and in-service training for educational personnel, parents, and community-based service providers.
• Work closely with one-on-one dedicated aides, providing training and guidance to support students in the classroom.
• Support classroom teachers in implementing IEP goals, designing instructional accommodations, and adapting curriculum as needed.
• Document and track student progress through data collection and analysis, ensuring compliance with legal and educational standards.
• Attend administrative due process hearings, eligibility conferences, and other required meetings, as needed.
• Communicate regularly with families regarding service delivery, progress, and strategies to support skill development at home.

Required Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited university.
• Licensed by the DC Department of Health (DOH) - Board of Occupational Therapy.
• Must be able to pass a background check.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience writing and implementing IEPs.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize competing responsibilities in a fast-paced school environment.
• Commitment to the success of every student.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 3+ years of related experience in a school or pediatric setting (preferred but not required). New graduates are welcome to apply.
• Knowledge of state and federal special education regulations.
• Prior experience working in urban or diverse school settings.

Physical Requirements: 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; walk; sit; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear. The employee may frequently lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include the ability to adjust focus.

EEO Statement: CMI does not discriminate against, or tolerate discrimination against, employees or applicants for employment on any legally-recognized basis or protected class including, but not limited to, actual or perceived race, color, national origin, immigration status (except as necessary to comply with federal, DC, state, or local law), religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity or expression), marital status (including domestic partnership status), genetic information, political affiliation, pregnancy, family responsibilities, personal appearance, veteran status, uniform service member status, status of being unemployed, status of victim a survivor of domestic violence, sexual offense or stalking, matriculation or any other protected class under federal, state, DC, or local law.