Contract Occupational Therapist

Build a flexible, high-impact practice as a Contract Occupational Therapist in Manhattan.

Opportunity Overview:

Academics West is seeking a compassionate, experienced Contract Occupational Therapist to support students in grades 1 through 8 with learning differences, neurodivergent profiles, and social-emotional needs. This in-person pediatric occupational therapy opportunity offers the flexibility to grow your independent practice while collaborating with an exceptional academic and clinical team. You will make a visible difference in students’ confidence, independence, executive functioning, and ability to participate fully in school life.

What You’ll Do:

• Provide evidence-based school-based occupational therapy interventions for children and adolescents with needs related to fine motor skills, sensory processing, self-regulation, adaptive functioning, and activities of daily living.
• Develop individualized treatment plans, measurable therapy goals, and progress notes that support each student’s educational and therapeutic growth.
• Consult closely with teachers, counselors, learning specialists, and administrators to integrate occupational therapy strategies into the student’s daily school experience.
• Contribute occupational therapy insight to multidisciplinary planning, including individualized education program and care planning conversations when appropriate.
• Recommend practical adaptive equipment, classroom supports, and interventions that help students improve access, participation, and independence.
• Maintain timely documentation and submit monthly invoices for services provided.

Required Qualifications:

• You hold an active New York State Occupational Therapist license and are qualified to deliver pediatric occupational therapy services.
• You bring experience supporting children or adolescents with learning disabilities, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and related social-emotional or behavioral health needs.
• You can create thoughtful treatment plans that connect clinical goals to meaningful school participation and functional outcomes.
• You communicate confidently with families and multidisciplinary teams while maintaining a collaborative, student-centered approach.
• You have a master’s degree in occupational therapy or a related qualifying occupational therapy education pathway.

Preferred Experience:

• Three to five or more years of pediatric, school-based, rehabilitation, outpatient, or therapeutic education experience is preferred.
• Experience with sensory integration, executive functioning interventions, adaptive equipment, and activities of daily living is highly valued.

Schedule, Compensation, and Benefits:

This is an in-person contract position in New York, NY 10023, with an open start date. The anticipated schedule is three flexible days per week during the school day. Compensation is $75 to $100 per hour, with expected daily earnings of approximately $500 to $650 depending on scheduled services. Flexible scheduling supports a rewarding balance between meaningful client work and your professional independence.

About the Company:

Academics West is a premier, therapeutic K-12 college preparatory day school located on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. The school provides a highly customized, supportive educational environment specifically designed for bright, creative students who have struggled to reach their full potential in traditional classrooms. Through its innovative Clinically Informed Academics model, Academics West combines rigorous, project-based learning with daily therapeutic support for students with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Non-Verbal Learning Disabilities, anxiety, OCD, and other social-emotional challenges. You will join a warm, intellectually engaged culture where doctorate-level clinicians, educators, and specialists work together to help students thrive. Located near Central Park and Lincoln Center, the school offers an inspiring setting for impactful, discussion-driven learning and growth.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Academics West is an equal opportunity employer and values a diverse, inclusive workplace. Qualified applicants are considered without regard to protected characteristics under applicable law.

Apply Today:

Bring your pediatric occupational therapy expertise to a collaborative school community where your clinical perspective matters. Apply today to help students build the skills, confidence, and independence they need to succeed.

Employment Type: Part Time
Salary: $75 - $100 Hourly
Bonus/Commission: No