Occupational Therapist at Warrendale Charter Academy

Occupational Therapist

The Occupational Therapist (OT) provides comprehensive occupational therapy services to support students' access to instruction, participation in school routines, and overall functional independence. The OT works collaboratively with special education teams, educators, families, and administrators to meet the diverse needs of students with disabilities.

National Heritage Academies (NHA) partners with communities to build and operate public charter schools. Founded in 1995, today NHA serves over 100 schools in nine states, with more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Our schools are designed to eliminate the achievement gap and provide school choice to families so their children are prepared for success in college, career, and life. A majority of our schools consistently outperform their local district on the state test. According to the Center for Research on Education Outcomes at Stanford University, NHA is a leading performer among charter schools and management organizations, outperforming both conventional district schools and other charter school operators. In addition, according to our employee survey, over 90% of respondents agree that the work they do is meaningful to them. Join our team.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide direct and indirect occupational therapy services in accordance with students' Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Section 504 plans
• Conduct comprehensive assessments of fine motor, visual-motor & visual-perception, sensory processing and regulation, motor coordination and planning, and functional skills, for students referred for special education or related services
• Participate in the IEP and Section 504 processes, including eligibility determinations, annual reviews, progress monitoring, and service planning
• Develop, implement, monitor, and adjust evidence-based occupational therapy interventions aligned to student goals
• Collaborate as an active member of the multidisciplinary special education team to deliver coordinated and student-centered services
• Consult with teachers, administrators, parents, and relevant stakeholders regarding students' skill development
• Work closely with classroom teachers to integrate occupational therapy strategies and goals into the educational environment and daily routines
• Provide training and guidance to staff and families on effective strategies to support students in inclusive and mainstream settings
• Utilize a variety of therapeutic approaches and activities, including physical, sensory, manual, creative, and play-based interventions, to support student development and engagement
• Recommend, design, and support the use of adaptive equipment, assistive devices, and classroom accommodations as appropriate
• Maintain an accurate caseload, service schedule, and therapy documentation, including service logs and progress notes, in compliance with state, federal, and organizational requirements
• Communicate changes in student needs or caseload status to the Special Education Administrator in a timely manner
• Demonstrate professionalism and discretion when handling confidential information and student records
• Participate in school-based initiatives such as screenings, problem-solving teams, or intervention supports
• Engage in ongoing professional development to remain current with best practices, research, and regulatory requirements
• Attend parent-teacher conferences and other meetings as needed to discuss student progress and therapy plans
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned by the building principal

Qualifications

Required:

• Valid state Occupational Therapy licensure
• Michigan: Occupational Therapist License issued by the Licenses and Regularly Affairs.

Preferred:

• School-based or pediatric occupational therapy experience
• Experience working with diverse or at-risk student populations
• Familiarity with IEPs, Section 504 plans, and special education compliance requirements
• Strong collaboration, organization, and communication skills

This is an in-person position at our NHA Service Center located at 3850 Broadmoor Ave., Grand Rapids, MI. National Heritage Academies is an equal-opportunity employer.