Occupational Therapist

KIPP New Orleans Schools • New Orleans, LA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

KIPP New Orleans Schools seeks an Occupational Therapist to help students with disabilities participate meaningfully and independently in learning and school life. The role works with students, families, educators, and other service providers to identify participation barriers and provide evidence-based services that build functional skills and improve access to instruction, school routines, and activities. It combines direct therapy, consultation, and staff coaching to help students apply skills throughout the school day and supports inclusive learning environments.

The Occupational Therapist evaluates students, contributes to IEP planning, delivers services consistent with IEPs, monitors student progress, and collaborates with school teams and families. The role also maintains required documentation, manages caseloads across assigned campuses, follows applicable special education and professional requirements, and participates in IEP meetings, team planning, and professional learning.

This is a full-time, 100% on-site position. Regular work hours are Monday through Friday and will be established with the supervisor; occasional evening and weekend work may be required. The position requires movement across school campuses and may involve travel to other school facilities using the employee’s personal transportation. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States for any employer.

Requirements

• Degree in occupational therapy or a related field from an accredited program that meets Louisiana licensure requirements.
• Current Louisiana Occupational Therapist license in good standing, or eligibility to obtain licensure before providing services.
• Current NBCOT certification.
• Knowledge of pediatric development, school-based occupational therapy, and the IEP process.
• Ability to apply relevant special education requirements and maintain student confidentiality.
• Ability to connect assessment findings to measurable goals, select evidence-based interventions, and use data to evaluate student progress.
• Strong communication, collaboration, organization, and documentation skills, including the ability to manage priorities across school teams.
• Commitment to inclusive, culturally responsive practice, respectful family partnerships, and high expectations for students with disabilities.
• Personal affinity for the organization’s mission and vision and demonstrated commitment to its five core beliefs: Relentlessness, Elevation, Achievement, Community, and Hope.
• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States for any employer.
• Successful completion of a professional reference check, proof of identity and work authorization, a state background check, and verification of teaching experience is required for offers.
• Ability to communicate information and ideas effectively and exchange accurate information in environments ranging from noisy cafeterias and playgrounds to classrooms and large-group professional settings.
• Ability to observe details at close range, read and interpret written and digital information, and maintain visual attention and mental concentration for significant periods.
• Ability to sit and work at a desk or computer for extended periods.
• Ability to move throughout school campuses, including classrooms, hallways, stairwells, playgrounds, cafeterias, and other instructional or student activity spaces; may need to stand, walk, or respond quickly.
• Ability to safely lift and move up to 30 pounds independently.
• Ability to travel to other school facilities using personal transportation when duties require.

Nice To Haves

• Experience providing occupational therapy in schools or other pediatric settings, including collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience coaching educators and supporting assistive technology, adaptive equipment, and classroom accommodations.

Responsibilities

• Conduct initial evaluations and reevaluations using assessments, observations, work samples, and input from students, families, and school teams.
• Assess functional areas relevant to educational participation, including fine motor and visual motor skills, sensory processing and regulation, classroom tools and technology access, and school-related self-care routines.
• Explain evaluation findings in clear, accessible language and contribute to team decisions about occupational therapy as a related service.
• Collaborate with IEP teams to develop measurable, educationally relevant goals and recommend services, accommodations, and supports.
• Provide individual, small-group, classroom-based, and consultative services consistent with students’ IEPs and support participation alongside peers.
• Design and adapt interventions connected to classroom tasks and daily routines, including written work, use of materials, transitions, organization, and self-care as appropriate.
• Collect and analyze progress data, adjust interventions, and share timely updates with families and IEP teams.
• Use evidence of functional progress to inform recommendations for continuing, revising, or discontinuing services through the IEP process.
• Recommend and support adaptive materials, assistive technology, and environmental modifications; train staff and students in their safe and effective use.
• Partner with teachers, school leaders, paraprofessionals, and related service providers to embed effective strategies into instruction and school routines.
• Model strategies, coach staff, and provide practical resources that help students use skills across settings and reduce reliance on adult support.
• Build partnerships with families, invite their expertise, and share understandable recommendations that support student goals.
• Coordinate with outside providers when appropriate and with required consent to support continuity of services and student transitions.
• Maintain accurate and timely evaluations, service logs, progress reports, and IEP documentation in designated systems, while protecting confidential student information.
• Manage schedules and caseload responsibilities across assigned campuses to deliver required services and meet evaluation and reporting timelines.
• Communicate barriers to service delivery promptly and collaborate on solutions.
• Follow applicable special education requirements, professional standards, licensure requirements, and KNOS procedures; complete service and reimbursement documentation when applicable.
• Participate in IEP meetings, professional learning, and team planning, and use feedback and current evidence to improve practice.
• Perform other related duties within the scope of the role.
• Maintain active supervision of students in assigned school settings and be present and engaged at assigned work locations during the scheduled workday.
• Respond appropriately to emergencies and participate in emergency response procedures, safety training, and crisis protocols.
• Support student and staff safety by implementing behavioral expectations and appropriate de-escalation strategies, and communicate promptly with school leadership and emergency personnel during safety incidents.
• Maintain professional, respectful relationships with KNOS stakeholders, contribute effectively as a team member, and be prompt and available for flexible scheduling.

Benefits

• 403(b) retirement plan with a 100% employer match on employee contributions up to the first 5% of salary and any bonuses; immediately vested.
• Health and wellbeing benefits starting the first day of the month following the date of hire.
• Comprehensive, customizable health coverage, including disability insurance, life insurance, hospital indemnity, and health and dependent-care FSAs.
• Free dental and vision coverage for employees.
• Approximately 30 paid holidays and additional paid time off.
• Ongoing professional development opportunities.
• Competitive compensation commensurate with experience.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time