Therapist.Occupational (2026-2027)

Metro Nashville Public Schools • Nashville, TN

8h • Onsite

About The Position

Responsible for the evaluation and/or therapy services in support of the educational needs of the student and integrated throughout the learning environment. Collaborates and communicates with other disciplines and family members to establish appropriate goals, adaptations, modifications and assistive technological support for the students to enable them to meet their educational needs.

Requirements

• Masters (M.A., M.S., or MOT) degree in Occupational Therapy if graduated after 2006. Bachelors of Science if graduated prior to 2007.
• Current Tennessee License from the Tennessee Board of Health and pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy Examination administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy; or be eligible for licensure as provided in T.C.A. § 63-13-213.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience within the field of Pediatric school based Occupational Therapy
• New graduates who have displayed a unique set of skills, who have sought fieldwork experience in Pediatrics and who have a history of either work or volunteer experience with children who have special needs will be given strong consideration for the position.

Responsibilities

• Provides targeted evidence based therapeutic intervention to facilitate student participation and occupational performance within the school environment using a variety of appropriate frames of reference: occupational, developmental, environmental, technological and sensory processing.
• Evaluates the student’s ability and formulates the student’s occupational profile through a variety of functional, behavioral, and standardized assessments, skilled observation, checklists, histories, and interviews affecting the student’s ability to learn.
• Documents therapy data in support of goal acquisition; documents evaluations, therapy attendance, treatment notes to ensure accountability of service provision and consultation with teachers, staff and caregivers to write up present levels and curriculum based goals.
• Synthesizes evaluation results into a comprehensive written report which reflects strengths and barriers to student participation in the educational environment; directs program development; and guides evidence-based intervention
• Develops occupationally based intervention plans based on student needs and evaluation results and consults with the school-based team to achieve student outcomes.
• Creates sensory strategies, using techniques and appropriate equipment to help students regulate their sensory systems within the school environment.
• Trains staff in the sensory needs of the students and how to address them.
• Adapts and modifies the environment including assistive technology and sensory processing and training instructional staff to meet individual needs and to help students function as independently as possible.
• Participates in multidisciplinary meetings to review evaluation results, integrate findings with other discipline, offer recommendations, and develop individual education plans and intervention plans to achieve IEP goals
• Educates student, educational personnel, and family to facilitate skills in areas of occupation as well as health maintenance and safety.
• Monitors and reassess the effects of occupational therapy intervention and the need to continue, modify, or discontinue intervention
• Maintains understanding of the differences and similarities of school based vs. clinically based Occupational Therapy and the role that the therapist has as support to the school and the student’s ability to access their free and appropriate education.

Benefits

• Salaries are determined by factors relevant to the position which may include education, experience, and other qualifications.
• Final compensation decisions are made at the discretion of MNPS in alignment with organizational policies and procedures.
• The stated salary range for certificated teaching positions is calculated based on 201 days and should be viewed as a reference.
• All provided salary ranges serve as a general guideline.
• Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer committed to promoting diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities for all individuals.
• We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law.
• Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools is dedicated to creating an inclusive work environment that reflects the diversity of our global community.
• We strive to treat all employees and applicants with respect and fairness, and we make employment decisions based on merit, qualifications, and business needs.
• The American Disabilities Act (ADA) requires MNPS to provide adequate accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities.
• Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level