Early Childhood Special Education Occupational Therapist

Early Childhood Special Education Occupational Therapist

Reports To: Director of Special Services and Building Principal

Salary Range: $57,392 - $109,152 annually, pursuant to the KAKEA Collective Bargaining Agreement Appendix I Salary Scale (2026-2027)
Position Summary

Regional School Unit 21 (RSU 21) is seeking an Occupational Therapist to provide evaluation, consultation, and direct occupational therapy services that support students in achieving maximum educational, developmental, and functional success. The Occupational Therapist collaborates with families, educators, and service providers to ensure students can access and benefit from their educational programs through the development of appropriate occupational skills and behaviors.

The ideal candidate is passionate about supporting student growth, skilled in multidisciplinary collaboration, and committed to evidence-based practices that enhance student outcomes.
Qualifications

• Current Maine Occupational Therapist certification/licensure required.
• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred.
• Experience working with children preferred.
• Knowledge of special education and Section 504 processes and regulations.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Essential Responsibilities
Student-Focused Services

• Determine eligibility and need for school-based occupational therapy services.
• Serve as a member of Individualized Education Program (IEP) and Section 504 teams for referred and eligible students.
• Develop and implement occupational therapy components of student IEPs.
• Schedule and provide direct occupational therapy services.
• Conduct occupational therapy evaluations and assessments.
• Maintain accurate student records to support annual reviews, reevaluations, and compliance requirements.
• Coordinate consultation meetings between educational staff and medical providers regarding accommodations and support strategies.
• Attend IEP, Annual Review, Triennial Review, Section 504, and related student meetings.

Collaboration and Consultation

• Provide consultation and training to classroom teachers and special education staff.
• Communicate student progress with general education and special education teachers.
• Collaborate with specialists, service providers, and classroom teachers to ensure effective service delivery.
• Provide consultation and support to families.
• Share resources, strategies, and materials with educational staff to support student success.

Operational Excellence

• Provide classroom consultation regarding occupational therapy needs prior to special education referral when appropriate.
• Deliver therapy services based on evaluation findings and identified student needs.
• Remain current with developments, research, and best practices in occupational therapy.
• Provide professional development and in-service training as needed.
• Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned by the immediate supervisor.

Professional Competencies

• Resourcefulness: Effectively utilizes available resources, tools, and professional networks to maximize student outcomes.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Uses assessment data and progress monitoring to guide instructional and therapeutic decisions.
• Teamwork: Collaborates effectively with colleagues and contributes to shared goals and collective success.
• Responsiveness: Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability when addressing changing student and program needs.
• Collaboration: Welcomes feedback, contributes to a shared vision, and supports continuous improvement.
• Communication: Communicates effectively and professionally with students, families, staff, and community partners.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to actively supervise and support students in educational settings.
• Ability to bend, lift, kneel, and assist students with mobility and personal care needs as required.
• Ability to respond appropriately during behavioral, safety-related, or emergency situations.

Salary and Benefits

• Schedule: 1.0 FTE, 184 days, grant funded position
• Salary is based on the KAKEA Collective Bargaining Agreement Appendix I Salary Scale and ranges from $57,392 to $109,152 annually, depending on education and experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package in accordance with district policies and collective bargaining agreements.
• Supportive and collaborative work environment with opportunities for professional development.

Reasonable Accommodations

RSU 21 will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable law, unless doing so would create an undue hardship for the district.
Evaluation

Performance of this position will be evaluated at least annually in accordance with district policy regarding the evaluation of professional personnel.
Equal Opportunity Employer

RSU 21 is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status.

Application Status: This position will remain open until a qualified candidate is secured.