Occupational Therapist (2026-2027)

Occupational Therapist

NATURE OF WORK

An employee in this class participates in the development, implementation, and coordination of an occupational therapy program to provide screening, evaluation and treatment of exceptional students. Professional judgment and clinical knowledge are used to develop individualized programming based on occupational performance deficits in the areas of personal care, student role, interaction skills, process skills, play, community integration/work, and graphic communication.  Occupational therapists are expected to independently review outcomes and modify intervention programs. Clinical reasoning and professional judgment are essential to ensuring the safety of students and protecting liability of the school system and the therapist. Errors may result in serious harm to students. Direct supervision may be exercised over support personnel, such as occupational therapy assistants.

LOCATION

Rockingham County, NC 

PAY GRADE

78

WORK WEEK SCHEDULE

Monday-Friday, school hours

POSITION PURPOSE:

Provides occupational therapy services in support of the federal civil rights law under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, section 504 (provides protection against discrimination for individuals with disabilities and general education students as part of the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) process). Ensures provided services align with the mission, vision, and core beliefs of Rockingham County Schools (RCS).

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSAs)

• Considerable knowledge of the theory, principles and methods of occupational therapy;
• Considerable knowledge of school-based occupational therapy practices;
• Considerable knowledge of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ( IDEA) policy and procedure and section 504 policy and procedure;
• Considerable knowledge of Common Core State Standards, Extended Common Core State Standards, and the RCS curriculum implementation regarding policies governing services for students with disabilities;
• Considerable knowledge of Microsoft Office, specifically Microsoft Word, Excel, and Power Point; Google Apps;
• Ability to adapt or design equipment for individual needs;
• Ability to select and administer appropriate assessment and treatment activities;
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both in oral and written form using a variety of communication techniques and tools to ensure the appropriate flow of information, collaborative efforts, and feedback;
• Ability to guide the learning process toward achievement of established Individualized Education Program ( IEP) goals;
• Ability to motivate students;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships, and build consensus with school administrators, teachers, support staff, central services staff, occupational therapists, and parents.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

• Have successfully completed and graduated from an accredited occupational therapy professional program recognized by NBCOT and have completed all fieldwork requirements. 
• Three years of experience as an occupational therapist with some pediatric experience  

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

• License as an occupational therapist in North Carolina.
• Initial certification by NBCOT;
• Current license by North Carolina Board of Occupational Therapy (NCBOT);
• Must hold and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator's license with a good driving record according to the State of NC requirements.
• Master's degree in occupational therapy from an accredited occupational therapy program;

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience in pediatric occupational therapy services;
• Experience in a public-school system
  
  ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Screens and evaluates children to determine needs for occupational therapy.
2. Identifies occupational therapy goals for the child's individualized family service plan or the IEP.
3. Provides occupational therapy interventions that enable children with disabilities to benefit from special education and to participate in the natural/general education environment.
4. Collaborates with team members on reinforcement of strategies and use of assistive devices for accessing the curriculum and activities of daily living.
5. Maintains communication with parents to discuss progress on goals and provide activities for home to reinforce skills.
6. Completes required documentation including evaluations, progress notes, individualized family service plans, IEPs, service logs, and quarterly progress reports in a timely manner.
7. Participates in staff meetings and professional development activities.
8. Participates in individualized family service plan and IEP meetings, team meetings, and parent conferences.
9. Performs other related duties, as assigned.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, scanners, and copiers. The position, at times, must be able to come into direct contact with school system staff, students, parents, staff members of external funding agencies, and the community. Work is considered medium physical work, requiring the exertion of up to 50 pounds occasionally, and/or 25 pounds of frequently, and/or 20 pounds of constantly. Driving between work sites is necessary.

EFFECTIVE DATE: 07/01/2026

DISCLAIMER: The above statements are intended to describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this position. They are not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required by the employees assigned to this position. This description may be revised by HR and approved at any time.