Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapist

The School Occupational Therapist is responsible for assessing and providing therapy to students with disabilities or developmental delays to enhance their ability to participate in educational activities. The therapist collaborates with educators, parents, and other professionals to develop and implement individualized intervention plans that support students' academic and functional success. This role requires creativity, adaptability, and a deep understanding of child development and special education needs.

Saline Area Schools strives to hire individuals who are intrinsically motivated, have a deep desire to grow professionally, believe children deserve to learn in an environment that is the least restrictive, and demonstrate the highest level of cultural competence. SAS strives to employ individuals who possess a strong work ethic, are committed to providing children with boundless opportunities, and understand that equity, inclusion, and social justice are essential to the success of a 21st-century school community.

Qualifications

Required Education/Certification

• Master's degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program.
• Current state licensure or certification as an Occupational Therapist.

Preferred Experience

• Minimum of one to three years of experience working with children in educational or clinical settings preferred.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of various intervention approaches, including sensory integration, motor learning, and behavioral strategies.
• Familiarity with assistive technology, adaptive equipment, and ergonomic modifications to support student success.
• Ability to develop and implement engaging, evidence-based therapy programs that address students' needs in diverse school environments.

Responsibilities & Duties

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of students' fine motor skills, sensory processing, self-care abilities, and overall functional performance within the school environment.
• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans and interventions tailored to students' specific needs in collaboration with educators, parents, and other service providers.
• Provide direct therapy services to students in individual or group settings to improve motor coordination, self-regulation, handwriting, organization skills, and other functional abilities necessary for academic success.
• Consult with teachers and school staff to modify classroom environments, recommend adaptive tools, and implement accommodations that support students' learning and participation.
• Design and lead professional development sessions and training workshops for teachers, support staff, and parents on occupational therapy techniques, classroom adaptations, and sensory-friendly strategies.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records, including therapy session notes, student progress reports, and formal evaluations, ensuring compliance with legal and ethical documentation standards.
• Actively participate in Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings, contributing expertise to the development of appropriate goals and accommodations for students receiving special education services.
• Advocate for students by collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, including speech-language pathologists, physical therapists, special education teachers, and psychologists, to create holistic support plans.
• Utilize Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI) strategies to help students regulate emotions and de-escalate behavior according to student plans.
• Stay informed about best practices, new research, and advancements in occupational therapy, special education, and assistive technology to continuously improve service delivery.
• Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations regarding occupational therapy services in schools, including adherence to Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) guidelines and district policies.

Essential Duties

• Demonstrate regular attendance, punctuality, and dependability in fulfilling all assigned responsibilities.
• Plan and deliver high-quality outcomes to the assigned area of responsibility.
• Effectively utilize district technology resources, computer network systems, and relevant software to support the learning community.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with students, families, colleagues, and administrators through respectful verbal and written communication.
• Prioritize, organize, and manage multiple responsibilities while meeting established deadlines and adapting to changing priorities.
• Engage in continuous professional reflection and self-evaluation to enhance effectiveness, leadership, and professional growth.
• Maintain organized work areas, accurate records, effective routines, and efficient time-management practices that align with district and school expectations, and maximize efficiency.
• Maintain a safe, orderly, inclusive, and emotionally supportive working environment.
• Effectively manage and maintain resources, technology, equipment, and materials to support responsible stewardship of district resources.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards

Work in standard office and school building environments requiring mobility, visual and auditory acuity, communication skills, interpersonal skills, organizational skills, problem-solving skills, adaptability, technology proficiency, physical stamina and environmental awareness.

Travel

May require occasional travel between schools within a district to support students across multiple locations.

Work Schedule

The work schedule follows the academic calendar, with potential opportunities for additional services during summer programs or extended school year (ESY) sessions.

FLSA Status Exempt

Terms of Employment

• Per SEA contract
• A full benefit package as defined by the Saline Area Schools Education Association (SEA)

Salary

Per SEA contract

Application Method

External Candidates: All interested and qualified external applicants must complete an application and upload all necessary documents on the TalentEd Website. All letters of interest, resumes and applications must be received no later than the deadline listed or until the position has been filled.

Internal Candidates: All interested and qualified internal applicants must submit a letter of interest and a current resume via email to Julie Voelker, Executive Director of Special Education, at View email address on click.appcast.io. All letters of interest, resumes and applications must be received no later than the deadline listed or until filled.

Nondiscrimination and Equal Employment Opportunity

The Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category, (collectively, "Protected Classes"), in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities.

If you have any accessibility concerns regarding the completion of this application, please contact Alli Littlejohn, HR Coordinator, View email address on click.appcast.io to set up an appointment for additional support.