School Based Occupational Therapist

Bellefaire JCB•Shaker Heights, OH

10d•$60,000 - $65,000•Onsite

About The Position

The School Based Occupational Therapist works at Monarch School, providing direct and indirect occupational therapy services to students with autism who require intervention. The role is part of an interdisciplinary team providing instruction in individual and small-class settings, and reports to the Occupational Therapy Director. The position also supervises Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs), including directing and evaluating their work and participating in hiring, disciplinary, discharge, and grievance processes. The therapist conducts assessments and evaluations, develops sensory recommendations and interventions, contributes to IEP/ISP and ETR meetings, and provides consultation and training to families and interdisciplinary staff. The role includes collecting student data, maintaining professional documentation, and keeping current with occupational therapy research and treatment approaches. Monarch Center for Autism’s interdisciplinary team includes specialists such as intervention specialists, teachers, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and behavior specialists. Classroom teams are intentionally small and use Monarch’s visual language immersion teaching model, which combines concept-driven language instruction with visual supports, technology, and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). The position is full-time for a 10-month school year, with additional compensation available for days worked during the extended school year program.

Requirements

Minimum bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy.
Valid Ohio Occupational Therapy license.
Current Ohio Department of Education license for the area of specialty.
National Board Certification in Occupational Therapy.
Combination of education, training, and/or experience working with autistic children.
Ability to perform role duties with relevant occupational therapy knowledge and skills and to keep knowledge current.
Ability to exercise initiative and independent judgment.
Cultural competency and the ability to work professionally with diverse individuals, groups, and communities.
Clear professional verbal, nonverbal, and written communication skills.
Ethical and professional conduct, accountability, and adherence to Agency policies and procedures.
Ability to collaborate effectively with employees, clients, and family members.
Problem-solving and decision-making skills, including gathering information, identifying root causes, and making timely decisions.
Service orientation and ability to anticipate, recognize, and meet others’ needs.
Technical proficiency with Agency computer systems and software required for the role.

Responsibilities

Supervise, assign, and direct Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants in their duties.
Evaluate COTAs, issue disciplinary action when appropriate, and complete annual performance evaluations.
Participate in and make recommendations for COTA hiring, disciplinary, discharge, and grievance processes.
Complete evaluations and recommendations for children with autism.
Conduct evaluations for IEP/ISP purposes and attend and present at related meetings.
Conduct evaluations for ETR purposes and attend and present at related meetings.
Administer formal and informal diagnostic assessments to children with autism.
Collect data electronically and through daily notes.
Ensure the department supervisor reviews and provides feedback on documents before they are placed in official records.
Use Safety Care procedures as necessary, including the required Two-Person Stability Hold when applicable.
Develop sensory recommendations and interventions for use throughout students’ days.
Provide families with feedback and develop and implement occupational therapy supports related to issues discussed.
Provide consultation and training to interdisciplinary team members regarding the occupational therapy needs of children with autism.
Provide in-class observation and consultation for Monarch School students.
Provide one-to-one and small-group direct therapy to children with autism.
Attend and participate in occupational therapy meetings.
Stay current with research and new treatment techniques in occupational therapy.
Contribute to occupational therapy team projects, including conference presentations, field day planning, educating interdisciplinary team members about sensory supports, and communicating with teams and families.
Attend scheduled staff meetings, supervision, and ongoing training.
Keep required training, certifications, and licensure current in accordance with applicable regulations and standards.
Maintain ethical and professional conduct and follow Agency policies and procedures.
Perform other duties assigned by management.

Benefits

$5,000 sign-on bonus.
Additional compensation for days worked during the extended school year program.
Low caseload numbers: 30–40 students total for evaluations and 3–6 for treatments.
Generous space and supply availability.
No formal productivity requirement.
Large, supportive, and collaborative Occupational Therapy Department.
Daily balance of hands-on student engagement and paperwork responsibilities.
Competitive benefit options for employees and their families, including domestic partners and pets.
Comprehensive medical coverage, including a free option.
Dental insurance.
Vision insurance.
Flexible spending accounts (FSAs).
Tuition discounts and scholarships through Case Western and Ohio University.
Free supervision for licensed roles.
403(b) retirement plan with employer match.
Generous paid time off.
Paid holidays.
24/7 employee assistance program support.
Fertility/IVF coverage.
Childcare FSA.
Pet insurance.