Occupational Therapist

About KIPP New Jersey

KIPP New Jersey is part of the nationally recognized “Knowledge Is Power Program” network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory public schools dedicated to preparing students for success in college and in life. In 2002, KIPP New Jersey first opened its doors in Newark’s South Ward as a single class of 80 fifth graders and has since grown to educate 7,035 students in grades K-12 across 16 schools in Newark, Camden and Paterson. More than 90% of KIPP New Jersey students currently qualify for free or reduced meals. To learn more, visit 

Here’s what you need to know:

We need you to help our students develop the skills they need to participate and succeed within the educational environment . As the Occupational Therapist, you will collaborate with educators, families, and related service providers to support students at the assigned KIPP NJ school sites. You will focus on developing students' fine motor, visual motor, sensory processing, self-regulation, executive functioning, handwriting, self-care, and school-related functional skills to support their ability to access their educational program. And you will report to the Director of Special Education.

A bit more about you:

Occupational Therapist Extraordinaire

• Provide direct treatment to students with occupational therapy needs.
• Develop and implement educationally-based IEP measurable annual goals and objectives to support the classroom curriculum.
• Follow and implement treatment plans.
• Communicate with families of students on assigned caseload regarding progress toward IEP goals.
• Complete evaluations and write reports as needed

Teammate and Collaborator

• Collaborate with teachers to ensure that students meet the goals outlined in their IEPs.
• Provide individualized and group classroom strategies to facilitate specific functional skills.
• Participate as a member of the child study team, updating IEPs and participating in IEP meetings for students on your caseload

Organizational and Achievement Guru

• Document student progress towards meeting established goals and objectives.
• Participate in IEP, eligibility, and team meetings. 
• Conduct formal and informal assessments.

Must Haves (ie. what you need to rock this role)

• Master's or Doctoral Degree in Occupational Therapy.
• Current state Occupational Therapy License.
• School Certification
• Certification through the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
• Knowledge of occupational assessments and report writing.
• Knowledge of formal occupational therapy assessments.
• Flexible and able to adapt to different school settings, procedures, and staff.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• A belief that all students deserve a world class education which can be achieved through education reform.

Nice to Haves:

• Previous school-based occupational therapy experience.
• Knowledge of assistive technology and sensory integration strategies.
• A record of exceptional student achievement and results at a high-performing charter network/charter management organization.

The salary range for this role is $85,000 - $115,000. Salary ranges at KIPP are set based upon the role level and function using benchmarks in the education and non-profit sector and allow for growth within the role. Individual compensation within this range will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to: relevant professional experience and qualifications; education, skills and training; and market conditions.

In addition to a competitive salary, KIPP NJ offers a full comprehensive benefits plan, including health care, retirement, and a school laptop.

KIPP New Jersey | KIPP Miami is an equal opportunity employer #LI-NJ