Occupational Therapist | Middle School | 2026-2027

Please note that this is a one-year position for the 2026-2027 school year.

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES

The Occupational Therapist in a school setting provides therapeutic services to students with physical, sensory, or cognitive disabilities to support their participation in school activities. This role involves evaluating students' motor skills, sensory processing abilities, and overall functional abilities, then designing individualized interventions to improve their independence in daily tasks, academic participation, and social interactions. The occupational therapist collaborates with teachers, parents, and other specialists to develop strategies that enhance students’ learning and development. Additionally, they provide support in creating an accessible and inclusive environment that promotes students' physical and emotional well-being, helping them thrive academically and socially.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assessment & Evaluation: Conduct evaluations to assess students’ motor skills, sensory processing abilities, and functional performance in academic and daily activities.
• Individualized Treatment Plans: Develop and implement individualized therapy plans based on assessment results to address specific needs in fine motor skills, sensory processing, and daily living activities.
• Therapeutic Interventions: Provide direct therapy services to students, using activities and exercises designed to improve physical, sensory, or cognitive skills necessary for school success.
• Collaboration: Work closely with teachers, special education staff, and parents to ensure therapy goals are aligned with students’ educational needs and to share strategies for supporting students in the classroom.
• Classroom Support: Assist in modifying classroom environments and routines to support students' needs, ensuring accessibility and inclusion.
• Skill Development: Teach students strategies to improve fine motor skills, handwriting, sensory processing, self-regulation, and other skills necessary for success in school.
• Progress Monitoring: Regularly monitor and document student progress, adjusting therapy plans as necessary and communicating progress to parents and school staff.
• Professional Development: Stay updated with current research, techniques, and best practices in occupational therapy and special education.
• Advocacy & Consultation: Advocate for students’ needs and provide consultation to staff and parents on how to best support students’ functional abilities.
• Crisis Intervention: Provide immediate support and intervention when students experience sensory overload or physical limitations that affect their school participation.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Therapeutic Techniques: Strong knowledge of occupational therapy principles, techniques, and practices, particularly in the context of school-aged children.
• Assessment & Evaluation: Ability to conduct thorough evaluations and assessments to identify students’ needs, including motor, sensory, cognitive, and self-regulation skills.
• Individualized Education Plans (IEPs): Experience with developing and implementing goals for students within IEPs and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to support student success.
• Sensory Integration: Understanding of sensory processing and sensory integration techniques to support students with sensory processing disorders or sensitivities.
• Fine Motor Skills Development: Ability to design activities that help improve students’ fine motor skills, including handwriting, hand-eye coordination, and daily living skills.
• Classroom Adaptation: Ability to provide strategies for modifying classroom environments to meet the physical, emotional, and sensory needs of students.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to work effectively with students, families, teachers, and other school professionals.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Ability to collaborate with educators, parents, and other specialists to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
• Crisis Management: Ability to respond effectively to crises involving sensory overload or physical limitations, offering immediate support and strategies to address student needs.
• Problem-Solving & Adaptability: Strong problem-solving skills to develop creative solutions for students’ challenges and adapt interventions as necessary.
• Commitment to Continuous Learning: Willingness to engage in ongoing professional development and stay informed on the latest trends and research in occupational therapy and special education.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

• Standing & Moving: Frequent standing and moving throughout the school to work with students in classrooms, therapy rooms, or other environments.
• Lifting & Carrying: Ability to lift and carry therapy materials equipment and occasionally assist students with mobility or positioning (typically up to 25 lbs).
• Reaching & Bending: Regular bending, reaching, and kneeling to assist students with tasks, position equipment, or demonstrate exercises.
• Manual Dexterity: Frequent use of hands for fine motor tasks such as writing, manipulating therapy equipment, and engaging in activities with students.
• Physical Activity: Participation in physical activities and exercises with students, including activities to improve motor skills, balance, and coordination.
• Sensory Awareness: Ability to observe and assess students’ sensory responses and adapt activities accordingly.
• Communication: Ability to communicate verbally with students, teachers, and parents, as well as document progress and therapy plans.
• Endurance: Ability to work with students for extended periods of time, particularly during therapy sessions that may require physical activity. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

• Classroom & Therapy Spaces: Primarily works in classrooms, therapy rooms, or other specialized areas of the school to conduct individual and small group sessions.
• Collaboration with Staff: Regular interaction with teachers, special education staff, school administrators, and other specialists to support students' needs and implement therapy plans.
• Inclusive & Diverse: The environment is diverse, with students of varying ages and abilities, requiring a flexible, inclusive approach to therapy and classroom adaptations.
• Active and Dynamic: The work environment is physically active, with therapists frequently moving between classrooms and therapy spaces to engage with students.
• Varied Noise Levels: Noise levels can vary depending on the activity, with higher levels of activity during therapy sessions and classroom settings.
• Technology Integration: Use of assistive technology and other resources to support students' therapy goals and track progress.
• Health & Safety Focus: Strong emphasis on maintaining a safe and accessible environment for students during therapy activities, especially those requiring physical engagement.
• Sensory Considerations: Therapy rooms and workspaces are designed with sensory accommodations to support students who may have sensory sensitivities or needs.
• Occasional Outdoor Work: May involve working with students outdoors during physical or motor skill development activities, requiring attention to weather conditions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE 

• Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program.
• Training or certification in specific therapeutic techniques (e.g., sensory integration therapy, neurodevelopmental therapy).
• Experience developing and implementing Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for students with special needs.
• Familiarity with school-based therapy models, including collaboration with educational teams, teachers, and parents.
• Experience working with students who have a range of disabilities, including physical, sensory, and cognitive challenges.
• Knowledge of assistive technologies and adaptive equipment used to support students’ functional independence.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• Valid state licensure or certification as an Occupational Therapist (OT).
• Certification by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
• Experience working with children in a school or pediatric setting, particularly in a K-12 educational environment, is preferred.

BENEFIT INFORMATION
St. Louis Park Schools provides a comprehensive benefits package for employees working 20 or more hours per week. Key benefits include:

• Health and Dental Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for medical and dependent care expenses
• Life Insurance
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
• Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance

The cost of benefits varies based on the employee group and full-time equivalent (FTE) status. For detailed information, including specific benefits and associated costs, please refer to the applicable group or bargaining unit contract Employment Contracts.

Salary : $48,967 - $108,183