School Occupational Therapist

OVERVIEW:

Under the immediate direction of the Directors of Special Education, The Occupational Therapist (OT) will provide comprehensive occupational therapy services to students in a school setting, addressing their unique needs and supporting their participation in educational activities. In addition, the OT will assess students' functional abilities, develop individualized treatment plans, and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to
promote student success and well-being. Responsibilities include direct therapy, consultation, and collaboration with students, parents, teachers, and administrators.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

The following duties are typical for this classification. However, incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and change business practices

• Evaluate students to determine eligibility for occupational therapy services under IDEA or Section 504
• Provide direct and consultative OT services in educational settings (e.g., classroom, cafeteria, playground)
• Provide direct therapy services to students based on Individual Education Programs
• Support students in developing fine motor, visual motor, visual perceptual, gross motor, core strength, sensory, and daily living skills.
• Prepare and maintain records and reports as required for compliance with state, federal, and administrative regulations.
• Participate in team meetings and contribute to collaborative problem-solving conversations.
• Participate in IEP meetings, multidisciplinary team discussions, and student support meetings
• Collaborate positively with teachers, support staff, and parents to support students’ functional performance in school
• Communicate tactfully and effectively in both oral and written forms
• Prepare and present materials effectively and maintain accurate progress documentation
• Recommend strategies, modifications, and accommodations to improve student participation and independence, including students with 504 plans
• Assess student performance in meaningful activities relevant to daily life routines and the curriculum
• Identify student abilities, educational, developmental, or functional needs with the Individual Education Program (IEP) team, and develop long and short-term goals
• Develop a therapy intervention plan aligned with the IEP goals, objectives, and outcomes and implement it in appropriate settings and curricula
• Coordinate the implementation of goals and outcomes with the IEP team, including collaboration with general education teachers for pull-out services, when appropriate
• Document findings, actions taken, and recommendations made regarding service areas and maintain records as required by the Department
• Assist in developing student transition plans, programs, and goals, as applicable
• Develop and implement training opportunities and in-services for educational staff, parents, and administrators, as needed
• Monitor and adjust interventions based on student progress and data
• Stay current with best practices in school-based occupational therapy
• Attend trainings, workshops, and continuing education as required by the school or licensing body
• Maintain accurate and confidential student records, including progress monitoring notes and service logs
• Adhere to school policies, procedures, and ethical standards in education
• Other duties as assigned by the department director and/or site administrator
  

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in a pediatric or school-based setting preferred.

REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Current Occupational Therapy license in the state of practice; NBCOT certification.
• One year experience in a school setting preferred
• Must pass fingerprint clearance and TB test
• Must complete required training upon hire: CPR, First Aid, Mandated Reporter, and Sexual Harassment

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Laws and regulations governing occupational therapy services; Laws and regulations relating to special education programs and criteria for student placement; student behavior management, effective time management, and proper documentation; Skills related to helping students with physical, cognitive, and sensory challenges succeed in their academic, social, and emotional lives
• Strong communication and organization; Collaboration; Adaptability; Time management; Strong listening skills and empathy for student needs; Strong written and verbal communication skills; Strong documentation skills.
• Assess, develop, and implement individualized interventions to help students participate more fully in the school environment and succeed academically
• Supervise other staff; Report to work on a regular and punctual basis.

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Indoors and outdoors
• Regularly required to sit, stand, kneel, stoop, walk, talk, hear or move about quickly and frequently in different settings
• Operate a computer, hand-held learning devices and other office equipment
• Reach with hands and arms, and must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
• Fine motor skills are needed for tasks like manipulating assistive devices or demonstrating exercise
• Regularly required to speak in audible tones so that others may understand clearly

BENEFITS: 

• Paid sick leave
• Paid personal leave
• Medical/dental/vision coverage
• Employer paid life insurance,
• 403 (b) retirement
• Induction program reimbursement and mentor
• Before and after school child-care

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Community Roots Academy is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status.

For questions, please contact hr@learningcommunities.org