Occupational Therapist (Please apply directly to STEM School Highlands Ranch - DO NOT apply with DCSD online)

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Job Posting Title:

Occupational Therapist (Please apply directly to STEM School Highlands Ranch - DO NOT apply with DCSD online)

Job Description:

About Stem School Highlands Ranch
At STEM School Highlands Ranch, we place innovation at the heart of learning to unleash the potential of all students and prepare them for an exponentially changing world. As a K-12 public charter school in the Douglas County School District, we are committed to creating an environment that fosters respect, success, and continuous improvement. We welcome you to join us in our mission to redefine limits and unleash potential.

Position Specific Information (if Applicable):

Our Core Values:

Prioritize Students – Every decision we make is focused on ensuring students thrive, lead, and succeed. The community that surrounds students exists for the purpose of their growth and development.

Build a Strong Community – We are more than a school, we are a community. We all have equal value and seek to encourage each other to maximize our unique strengths, gifts, and passions. The true power of a charter school is in the strength of its community.

Do Right, Always – Honesty, trust, and ethical decision-making guide our actions, fostering respect, accountability, and a safe environment, even in challenging circumstances or when recognition is absent.

Embrace Innovation – Never Stop Innovating. Innovation thrives on continuous growth, bold problem-solving, and a willingness to push boundaries, transforming ideas into meaningful progress.

Take Steady Steps – We play the long game with people and projects by implementing strategic planning, clear communication, systems and process, ample resources, and appropriate pacing - setting a strong foundation for a supportive environment for our community to thrive.

Lead With Care – Dedicated to making a difference through personal ownership, care, and compassion, creates lasting impact in our students, colleagues, and community.

Elevate the Standard – A commitment to continuous growth, where skills are refined, applied, and adapted to achieve the highest standards and empower everyone to reach their fullest potential.

Laugh Together – Having fun makes the team work! Creating an environment where joy is encouraged. Strengthens our teams, fosters a positive culture, and fuels creativity, making everyone feel valued, energized, and motivated to contribute.

Benefits:
STEM School Highlands Ranch offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:
● Employer-paid health, dental, and vision insurance (available on the 1st of the following month).
● Short-term, long-term disability, life, and ADD insurance (available six months from hire date).
● Retirement benefits including PERA pension and 401K employee-only contribution managed through Colorado’s PERA program.
● Other benefits include FSA (medical and dependent care), Sick Time, and PTO based on years of service

Position Overview:
We are seeking a collaborative, student-centered, and solutions-oriented Occupational Therapist to support students across our K–12 program for the (2026–2027) school year.

The Occupational Therapist will play a critical role in supporting students’ ability to access their education by addressing fine motor development, sensory processing, self-regulation, and functional skills. This role works closely with special education teams, general education staff, and families to ensure students can fully engage in the learning environment.

Key Responsibilities
Student Support and Services
● Evaluate students using formal and informal assessments to determine occupational therapy needs
● Develop and implement IEP goals related to motor, sensory, and functional skills
● Provide direct and consultative occupational therapy services
● Support students in developing independence in school-related tasks

Collaboration and Instructional Support
● Partner with teachers and support staff to implement accommodations and strategies
● Adapt classroom environments, materials, and routines to meet student needs
● Provide training and guidance to staff on best practices for supporting diverse learners Family and Community Engagement
● Communicate regularly with families regarding student progress and strategies
● Participate in IEP meetings and contribute to goal development and reporting
● Build strong partnerships with caregivers to support student success
Operations and Compliance

● Maintain accurate documentation and service logs in compliance with state and federal regulations
● Ensure adherence to IDEA and district policies
● Monitor student progress and adjust interventions as needed

Qualifications Required
● Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy
● Current Colorado Occupational Therapist license
● NBCOT certification
● Experience working with school-aged children
● Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills

Preferred Qualifications
● Experience in a school-based setting
● Familiarity with IEP processes and special education law
● Experience supporting students with autism, sensory processing needs, or
developmental delays
● Knowledge of assistive technology and adaptive equipment

Essential Physical Requirements
● Occasional lifting of 5 to 50 pounds.
● Ability to stand or walk for extended periods of time.
● Ability to move quickly throughout the building and campus.
● Frequent bending, stooping, walking, standing, kneeling, reaching, and sitting.

Schedule
● Day shift
● Monday to Friday
● School Year: 2026–2027
This position will remain open until filled, but will not be open past: August 30, 2026.
Compensation
The pay range for this role is $62,150 – $131,345 USD per year, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Interested candidates should apply directly through the STEM School Highlands Ranch at

Responsibilities:

--- Assist the therapist in providing therapy for children with handicapping conditions, including sensory motor stimulation, handling and positioning, range of motion and daily living skills.

--- Follow the correct procedures of care for children with handicapping conditions including wheelchair safety, lifting, positioning, use of adapted equipment, oral feeding and other activities of daily living.

--- Maintain appropriate student records and documentation of service.

--- Collaborate and cooperates with supervising therapist and building personnel in the scheduling of services for students.

-- Document health related services in designated Medicaid documentation system for the DCSD School Medicaid Reimbursement Program as assigned.

--- Assist therapists in preparation and maintenance of therapy equipment and materials.

--- Perform other related duties as assigned or requested.

--- Follow plans provided by therapist and other designated personnel to provide physical management, stimulation and care of designated students.

--- Assist with implementation of student Individual Educational Plans (IEP) under the direction of the therapists. Represent and attend the Occupational Therapy Department during initial evaluations, annual reviews and other team meetings as requested and allowed by the supervising therapist.

Certifications:

AOTA Certification - American Occupational Therapy Association, First Aid/CPR Certification - American Heart Association

Education:

Bachelor's Degree: Occupational Therapy

Skills:

Position Type:

Charter School

Primary Location:

STEM Charter School

One Year Only (Yes or No):

No

Scheduled Hours Per Week:

40

FTE:

1.00

Approx Scheduled Days Per Year:

185 Work Days

• (260 days indicates a year-round position. Time off [or Off-Track Days] are then granted based on the position. Any exceptions to the normal off-track time will be noted in the Additional Position Details section above, as scheduled work days.)

Minimum Hire Rate:

$22.74 USD Hourly

Maximum Hire Rate:

$29.73 USD Hourly

Full Salary Range:

$22.74 USD - $36.71 USD Hourly

• All salary amounts listed above are based on a full-time (1.0) FTE. If applicable, part-time salaries will be prorated according to the assigned FTE.

Benefits:

This position is eligible for health, vision, dental, health savings account (HSA), flexible spending accounts (FSA), District paid and voluntary additional (supplemental) life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance, short and long-term disability, critical illness and accident voluntary insurance, employee assistance program (EAP), voluntary 401(k), 403(b) and 457 retirement plan options.

Time Off Plans:

This position will be open until filled, but will not be open past:

September 11, 2026