Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapist

The Laurel School District is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Occupational Therapist for the 2026-2027 school year. This position is available at 0.6 to 1.0 FTE, depending on the successful candidate's availability and District needs.

Salary Range: $43,675.00-$90,205.00 at 1.0 FTE for the full school year. Salary will be prorated based on the position's assigned FTE. Salary is dependent on years of experience and educational level. This position is part of the Certified Bargaining Agreement, and placement on the salary matrix will be limited to ten years of service/experience.

Qualifications

• A master's or doctoral degree in occupational therapy from a program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) or its predecessor.
• Completion of at least six months of supervised fieldwork, adhering to the standards recognized at the time of graduation.
• An active Montana state license to practice occupational therapy, as issued by the Montana Board of Occupational Therapy Practice.
• Be able to work with children and adults.
• Be able to perform the duties required as outlined in a consistent and proficient manner.

Essential Functions

• Assess students' fine motor, sensory, self-care, and functional skills to determine the need for occupational therapy services.
• Create and implement therapy plans aligned with students' Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or 504 Plans.
• Deliver one-on-one or small-group interventions to support students' participation in academic and school-related activities.
• Work closely with teachers, special education staff, counselors, and families to support students' functional development.
• Assist students in managing sensory processing challenges to improve focus, participation, and classroom behavior.
• Implement strategies to improve handwriting, cutting, grasping, and other motor functions necessary for school success.
• Recommend and modify tools, seating, and supplies to enhance accessibility and learning opportunities.
• Provide guidance to teachers and paraprofessionals on best practices for supporting students with occupational therapy needs.
• Recommend and implement adaptive devices or software to enhance student independence.
• Assist students in developing independence with dressing, eating, and hygiene within the school setting.
• Help students develop skills for interacting with peers and participating in group activities.
• Collect and analyze data to track improvements and adjust therapy strategies accordingly.
• Ensure adherence to state and federal special education laws, including IDEA and Section 504 requirements.
• Provide input on students' progress and therapy goals as part of the special education team. Participate in IEP meetings.
• Maintain accurate records of therapy sessions, student progress, and recommendations.
• Support students transitioning between grade levels or to post-secondary environments by building functional life skills.
• Collaborate with behavior teams to implement sensory and movement-based strategies for students with behavioral challenges.
• Work with educators to create an accessible and supportive environment for students with disabilities.
• Engage in professional development to maintain licensure and implement evidence-based therapy practices.
• Provide parents and guardians with strategies and resources to support students' needs at home.

Only minimum duties are listed. Other functions may be required as assigned.

Application Deadline: Open Until Filled