(1.0) Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapist

Livonia Public Schools is seeking a passionate and student-centered certified Occupational Therapist who will be able to plan and carry out treatment interventions with his/her students based on evaluation and research based best practice. The Occupational Therapist has the responsibility for evaluation, intervention planning and skill development for students in the process of multi-tiered systems of support and/or identified with disabilities according to state/federal guidelines. The job requires a wide knowledge of occupational theory, sensory integration theory, evaluation of muscle tone, range of motion/mobility, orthopedic needs, movement analysis, perceptive/fine motor skills and functional activities of daily living to address students' needs in the educational environment. The Occupational Therapist must also be able to work effectively with classroom teachers, support staff and building administrators in the provision of a free and appropriate public education. The ideal candidate fosters a positive, respectful culture where every student feels known, valued, and challenged to grow.

Livonia Public Schools employs approximately 1,800 staff members, serving approximately 13,100 students pre-K post secondary. There are 15 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, 3 high schools, 1 career technical center, 1 early childhood center and 1 vocational and transition center in the School District. The annual budget for Livonia Public Schools is $180 million, with a state funding of $10,000 per pupil.

Benefits of working with Livonia Public Schools include a traditional pension and tax-deferred retirement savings accounts with an employer matching contribution. The pension component guarantees you monthly retirement benefit payments over your lifetime once you meet age and service requirements. Additionally, as a new public-school employee, you will be automatically enrolled in a Personal Healthcare Fund (PHF), which is a portable, tax-deferred investment account that can be used to pay for healthcare expenses in retirement. Livonia Public Schools will contribute a dollar-for-dollar match on the first 2% you contribute. As an employee of Livonia Public Schools, you will be a part of a team working together in a positive work climate and a culture of mutual respect to support the successful education of children. You will also have the satisfaction of knowing you are a team member with Livonia Public Schools, which means you will have the following perks of employment available to you: Medical insurance, including prescription drug coverage: The district's contribution is the maximum allowed by Michigan law. Family coverage eligibility for employees working 30 hours or more per week. Single coverage eligibility for employees working 20 hours but less than 30 per week. Optional "cash in lieu" of medical insurance for those who qualify. Dental, vision, and life insurance: The district pays 100% of the premium for all employees. Long-term disability coverage: The district pays 100% of the premium for employees working 20 hours or more per week. Employee Assistance Program for employees and their eligible family members. This includes a completely confidential, short-term counseling service that utilizes a practical approach toward problem resolution and is available 7 days a week, with no cost to the employee. Paid holidays; earned vacation, sick, and bereavement days. Longevity pay. Paid "act of God" days, such as snow days. Additionally, the children of employees working 20+ hours, living outside the district's attendance boundaries, are eligible to attend Livonia Public Schools via schools of choice.

Minimum qualifications for this position include successful completion and graduation from an American Occupational Therapy Association or the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education accredited Occupational Therapy program and completion of all fieldwork requirements. Hold a current Michigan State License, in good standing, as an Occupational Therapist. Experience providing effective and appropriate occupational therapy to students based on educational needs. Experience evaluating students for educational occupational therapy needs. Experience working across multiple age/grade levels. Effective practices for working with students of all ability levels and ability to differentiate strategies based on student need. A passionate commitment to improving learning for all students. Adhere to a high level of professional and ethical standards. Ability to build and maintain positive, respectful relationships with students, families, and colleagues. Strong interpersonal, collaboration, and teamwork skills. Outstanding verbal and written communication skills. Demonstrated ability to use student data to inform instruction, monitor progress and provide intervention/enrichment. Commitment to creating an inclusive classroom environment that supports diverse learners.

Major functions and responsibilities include championing the District's mission, vision, and collective commitments by placing students and their learning at the center of all decisions. Create a safe, inclusive, and positive classroom environment where students feel respected, supported, and motivated to learn. Build strong relationships with students and establish clear expectations that support a respectful and productive learning environment. Actively participates in and contributes to professional learning teams (PLT) as part of the school improvement process at the district and school level. Monitor student learning through ongoing assessment, maintain accurate records, and communicate student progress to families in a timely and meaningful way. Actively engage families as partners through consistent, clear, and collaborative communication. Evaluates students through the use of formal and informal evaluation procedures to assess strengths and challenges of the students. Articulates the role of the school Occupational Therapist in the evaluation, intervention planning, and intervention process. Has knowledge of human development throughout the lifespan. Recognizes school-based performance deficits in the areas of personal care, student role/interactive skills, processing skills, play, community integration, and written communication. Demonstrates skills in gathering screening and evaluation data, completing checklists, histories and interviews. Assesses and makes recommendations regarding the use of adaptive equipment as needed and provide written justification. Provides specialized occupational therapy techniques through individual and/or groups sessions designed to meet the educational, social and emotional needs of the students. Prepares, monitors and communicates IEP goals, supplementary aids and services and prepares progress reports per state and federal guidelines. Participates in individualized educational planning and placement committees to assist in the identification, placement, and program planning for students with disabilities. Maintains student records in accordance with school, district, state, and federal guidelines and statutes and keeps abreast of new developments in the field. Establishes and maintains standards of student behavior needed to provide a safe and productive educational environment. Identifies student needs and works collaboratively with other professional staff members in assessing and assisting students. Communicates with students, parents and school staff on student progress. Analyzes tasks relative to areas of occupation, performance skills, activity demands, contexts and student factors to implement the intervention plan. Maintains safe therapeutic equipment by monitoring wear and condition and recommending repair or replacement as needed. Complies with confidentiality and FERPA. Participates in all professional development required of student services staff. Executes other duties and assumes other responsibilities as assigned by building or department administrator.

The work year, salary, and fringe benefits will be consistent with the current agreement between the Board of Education and the Livonia Education Association. The deadline for applications is minimally through June 14, 2026 for consideration of employment for the 26-27 school year. All applicants, including current LPS employees, must complete and submit an application through Applitrack, which can be accessed through the Livonia Public Schools webpage. Additionally, applicants must also upload: Letter of Interest Professional resume Copies of educational documents (transcripts/certificates) Three current letters of recommendation.

The Livonia Public Schools School District prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or transgender status), national origin, age, height, weight, marital status, handicap, or disability in any of its educational programs or activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries and grievances regarding discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or transgender status), national origin, age, height, weight, marital status-Director of Human Resources, 15125 Farmington Road, Livonia, MI 48154 at View phone number on click.appcast.io. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries and grievances regarding discrimination based on handicap or disability-Director of Student Services, 15125 Farmington Road, Livonia, MI 48154 at View phone number on click.appcast.io.