Occupational Therapist

Southbridge Public Schools•Southbridge, MA

15h•Onsite

About The Position

Southbridge Public Schools is undergoing a significant transformation, focusing on student achievement and school culture. We are seeking passionate and dedicated educators to join our team and contribute to our student-centered environment. As an Occupational Therapist, you will provide essential educational occupational therapy services to students and collaborate with IEP team members. This role is crucial in supporting students' fine motor skills, sensory processing, daily living activities, and overall academic functioning. We are committed to high expectations, strong relationships, and consistent support to drive student success.

Requirements

Licensed occupational therapist (OT).
Current certification in Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI).
Experience in developing and implementing a variety of behavior strategies and interventions for effective programming, including functional behavioral assessments.
Experience implementing strategies for improving social skills.
Thorough knowledge of school rules, regulations, and procedures.
Ability to establish and maintain standards of behavior.
Ability to deliver and articulate oral presentations and written reports.
Ability to effectively analyze needs and problems objectively.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with children, students, parents, staff, administration, and the general public.
Ability to report to work on a regular and punctual basis.
Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, operate a computer and other office equipment, reach with hands and arms.
Must occasionally lift, move and/or support up to 50 pounds (and/or up to adult size body weight with two-to-three person lift).
Position can require some degree of physical interaction with students who have difficulty controlling physical behavior.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of relevant technology including the use of technology such as iPads to individualize instruction.

Responsibilities

Screens and/or evaluates students referred to occupational therapy in areas such as fine motor performance, coordination, postural stability, perceptual motor performance, sensory processing, self-regulation, and activities of daily living/functional skills.
Oversees and assigns therapy groups to Occupational Assistants (COTa).
Consults and collaborates with teachers and other specialists regarding motor activities, self-help skills, sensory needs, adaptations, and assistive devices.
Implements educational plans as described on individual IEP/504 and provides information for building staff.
Provides monitoring, consultation, direct or indirect occupational therapy for eligible students.
Maintains communication with classroom teachers, other staff, and parents regarding student performance.
Maintains accurate records of students evaluated and served, including assessment results, IEP progress, and other documentation.
Participates in team meetings, individual education plan conferences, and periodic reviews.
Maintains appropriate records and reports.
Collects data on progress towards goals and objectives for each student and meets all required timelines.
Orders and maintains equipment and manages a check-out system.
Designs, orders, or constructs adaptive equipment, assistive devices, and other classroom support items.
Participates in in-services and organizational meetings for Special Services.
Participates in professional development by attending in-services, workshops, conferences, and classes.
Maintains communication with the Director of Special Education.
Promotes school and community awareness of occupational therapy.
Serves on school district and/or community policy-making committees in an advisory capacity when requested.
Complies with School Board policies and all state/federal rules and regulations.
Completes all district and state reporting requirements.
Performs other duties as assigned.