Occupational Therapist

Job Summary: The Occupational Therapist provides evaluation, intervention, consultation, and support services to students with disabilities in grades K–12 to promote participation and success in the educational environment. The Occupational Therapist collaborates with students, families, educators, and related service providers to address fine motor, sensory, visual-motor, self-care, and functional skills that impact academic performance and school participation. Responsibilities include conducting assessments, developing and implementing individualized therapy programs, maintaining compliance with special education regulations, and participating in multidisciplinary teams. The Occupational Therapist works to enhance student independence, accessibility, and engagement in school-based activities through evidence-based practices and collaborative problem-solving.
 
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Maintain current knowledge of occupational therapy practices, evidence-based interventions, assistive technology, and educational regulations impacting school-based occupational therapy services.
• Conduct comprehensive screenings and assessments to accurately identify students’ occupational therapy needs, including fine motor, visual-motor, sensory processing, self-care, adaptive behavior, and school participation skills.
• Develop individualized intervention plans and implement appropriate occupational therapy services using a variety of assessments, techniques, and instructional materials tailored to diverse age groups, developmental levels, and educational needs.
• Complete comprehensive evaluations and re-evaluations in accordance with district, state, and federal guidelines.
• Prepare and submit weekly lesson plans and therapy activities aligned with student goals, educational objectives, and functional outcomes.
• Schedule and provide occupational therapy services as outlined in students’ Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), while maintaining an accurate weekly service schedule.
• Provide consultation, training, and support to staff and parents/guardians regarding occupational therapy needs, adaptive strategies, sensory regulation, fine motor development, environmental modifications, and assistive technology.
• Participate as a team member in any needed evaluations or re-evaluations, IEP documentation, ACCESS documentation, and related compliance requirements within mandated timelines, as assigned.
• Maintain accurate and timely therapy logs, service documentation, progress monitoring data, and student progress reports.
• Establish and maintain positive, collaborative relationships with parents/guardians, staff, administrators, and related service personnel to support student success and participation in educational activities.
• Explain processes related to evaluation, eligibility, placement, continuation, or dismissal of occupational therapy services, as applicable to relevant stakeholders.
• Facilitate and participate in Multidisciplinary Evaluation (MDE) and IEP meetings to review assessment findings, recommendations, accommodations, modifications, and student progress.
• Communicate student progress with parents/guardians through quarterly progress reports, conferences, and additional meetings as requested.
• Maintain and update caseload records and tracking systems, including IEP documentation, district reports, Medicaid billing documentation (if applicable), and student information systems.
• Recommend, monitor, and support the use of adaptive equipment, assistive technology, specialized seating, environmental modifications, and other accommodations necessary to enhance student access and participation in educational activities.
• Collaborate with teachers, administrators, and related service providers to develop and implement strategies that promote student independence, participation, and success within the educational environment.
• All other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Qualifications:

• Pennsylvania State Board license as a Occupational Therapist
• Submission of pre-employment medical examination
• Submission of the following clearances:
• Pennsylvania State Criminal History Record
• Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare Child Abuse History Clearances
• Federal Background Check (Fingerprints)
• Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may find appropriate and acceptable

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.