Ocupational Therapist

American Paradigm Schools•Philadelphia, PA

26d•Onsite

About The Position

The Occupational Therapist (OT) provides school-based occupational therapy services to students in accordance with IDEA, Section 504, and relevant state regulations. The OT supports students' ability to access and participate in the general education curriculum by addressing fine motor, visual-motor, sensory processing, self-regulation, and functional school skills. The OT collaborates closely with educators, related service providers, and families to design and implement interventions that promote student independence, engagement, and success in the school environment.

Requirements

Master's degree (or higher) in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program.
Current state licensure as an Occupational Therapist.
NBCOT certification (or eligibility, depending on state requirements).
Prior pediatric and/or school-based experience (clinical rotations may be considered).
Strong understanding of child development, fine and visual-motor skills, sensory integration, and functional school skills.
Ability to interpret evaluation data and translate it into practical, classroom-relevant strategies.
Excellent collaboration, communication, and interpersonal skills with students, families, and staff.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage a caseload, schedule, and documentation requirements effectively.
Culturally responsive and trauma-informed approach to working with students and families.
Ability to lift, move, and position students or equipment as needed to support student participation (with appropriate assistance when required).
Ability to sit, stand, bend, kneel, and move throughout the school building and classrooms in the course of service delivery.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in urban public or charter schools.
Knowledge of IDEA, Section 504, and special education processes and timelines.
Experience with sensory processing interventions, assistive/ adaptive equipment, and school-based accommodations.

Responsibilities

Provide occupational therapy services to students with IEPs and 504 Plans in individual, small group, and/or push-in classroom settings.
Assess students' fine motor, visual-motor, sensory processing, self-care, and functional school skills using standardized and informal tools.
Develop and implement therapy interventions that improve student access to and participation in classroom and school activities.
Adapt materials, tools, and classroom tasks to meet the functional needs of students.
Conduct initial evaluations, reevaluations, and screenings as part of the special education and/or MTSS process.
Prepare clear, timely, and legally compliant evaluation reports, progress reports, and documentation of services.
Develop present levels of performance, measurable goals, and related service recommendations for IEPs.
Maintain accurate service logs, documentation, and records in accordance with district and state requirements.
Collaborate with teachers, paraprofessionals, related service providers, and support staff to integrate OT strategies into daily routines and classroom instruction.
Participate in IEP meetings, parent conferences, and multidisciplinary team meetings, providing professional input and recommendations.
Provide coaching, modeling, and consultation to staff on classroom accommodations, sensory supports, and motor-based interventions.
Communicate regularly and professionally with families regarding student progress and strategies for supporting skills at home.
Assist in developing and implementing school-wide sensory and regulation supports (e.g., sensory spaces, movement breaks, classroom environmental modifications).
Support the implementation of MTSS/RTI interventions through consultation, strategies, and data review.
Provide staff training on topics such as fine motor development, handwriting, sensory regulation, and ergonomic/positioning supports for students.
Ensure all services and documentation comply with federal, state, and local regulations and school policies.
Maintain confidentiality of student records and information in accordance with FERPA and school guidelines.
Engage in ongoing professional development to remain current in best practices and evidence-based school-based OT interventions.
Demonstrate professionalism, reliability, and a student-centered, solution-oriented mindset in all interactions.