Occupational Therapist

**Overview:**

The School-Based Occupational Therapist plays a crucial role in supporting students with physical, sensory, or developmental challenges to participate fully in school activities and achieve educational goals. Working within the school system, the Occupational Therapist assesses students’ functional abilities, develops individualized treatment plans, and provides therapeutic interventions to enhance their participation in academic, social, and self-care tasks.

**Responsibilities:**

1. Conduct comprehensive evaluations of students referred for occupational therapy services, including but not limited to assessments of motor skills, sensory processing, visual-motor,self regulation, integration, self-care abilities, and functional performance in school-related tasks.

2. Interpret evaluation findings to determine students’ strengths, weaknesses, and areas of need in collaboration with parents, teachers, and other members of the educational team.

3. Develop individualized treatment plans (Individualized Education Programs or IEPs) based on assessment results and students’ educational goals, ensuring alignment with state and federal regulations governing special education services.

4. Provide direct occupational therapy services to students in individual or group settings, targeting specific areas of skill development, such as fine motor coordination, handwriting, sensory regulation, and activities of daily living.

5. Implement evidence-based therapeutic interventions and activities to improve students’ functional abilities, independence, and academic performance within the school environment.

6. Collaborate with classroom teachers, special education staff, and related service providers to integrate occupational therapy goals and strategies into students’ educational programs and classroom activities.

7. Monitor students’ progress and adjust intervention plans as needed, documenting treatment sessions, progress notes, and outcomes data to track student performance and communicate with stakeholders.

8. Provide consultation, training, and support to school staff, parents, and caregivers on strategies for promoting students’ independence, sensory regulation, and motor skill development across school and home environments.

9. Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings, and other collaborative forums to contribute to the development of comprehensive educational plans and student support strategies.

10. Stay abreast of current research, best practices, and emerging trends in occupational therapy and special education to inform evidence-based practice and professional development efforts.

**Qualifications:**

1. Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program.

2. Current state licensure or eligibility for licensure as an Occupational Therapist.

4. Experience working as an occupational therapist in a school or pediatric setting is preferred.

5. Knowledge of developmental milestones, sensory processing theory, and evidence-based interventions for pediatric populations.

6. Strong assessment and clinical reasoning skills to evaluate students’ functional abilities and develop individualized treatment plans.

7. Effective communication and collaboration skills to work as part of an interdisciplinary team and engage with students, families, educators, and other stakeholders.

8. Ability to prioritize tasks, manage caseloads, and maintain accurate documentation in compliance with legal and professional standards.

9. Commitment to ongoing professional development and continuing education in the field of occupational therapy and special education.

10. Empathy, patience, and a genuine interest in supporting the diverse needs of students with disabilities in the school setting.

**Working Conditions:**

- Work primarily takes place in school buildings, classrooms, therapy rooms, and other educational settings.

- May involve providing services to students with a wide range of physical, cognitive, and sensory disabilities, including those with complex needs or challenging behaviors.

- Regular interaction with students, teachers, parents, administrators, and other members of the educational team in a collaborative and supportive environment.

- Flexible schedule based on school hours and student needs, with occasional requirements for meetings, training, and professional development activities outside of regular school hours.

**Salary and Benefits:**

- Salary range varies based on education, experience, and geographic location.

- Benefits may include health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, professional development opportunities, and tuition reimbursement, depending on the employer and collective bargaining agreements.