Notice of Vacancy

POSITION:

Occupational Therapist (.5 FTE)

LOCATION: TBD / District-Wide Support

START DATE/CALENDAR: 2026–27 School Year / Per Applicable Agreement

SALARY/BENEFITS: Based on experience and applicable compensation schedule/agreement

SUMMARY

Kenowa Hills Public Schools is seeking a collaborative, student-centered Occupational Therapist to support students with a variety of educational, developmental, sensory, motor, and functional needs within the school setting. The Occupational Therapist works as part of a multidisciplinary team to help students access and participate successfully in their educational environment.

The ideal candidate demonstrates strong communication skills, knowledge of school-based occupational therapy practices, and the ability to build positive relationships with students, families, and staff while supporting student independence and success across educational settings.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Current license as an Occupational Therapist through the State of Michigan required

• Registration through the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) preferred

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program required

• Previous experience in pediatric, educational, or school-based occupational therapy preferred

• Knowledge of special education laws, IDEA requirements, IEP development, and school-based service delivery models preferred

• Experience supporting students with sensory, fine motor, self-regulation, adaptive, behavioral, developmental, and functional needs preferred

• Ability to collaborate effectively with teachers, administrators, support staff, families, and outside service providers

• Strong organizational, communication, and documentation skills

• Ability to manage schedules, prioritize tasks, and maintain accurate service records and compliance documentation

• Willingness to participate in district-provided training opportunities, including CPI, CPR/First Aid, and district initiatives

• Knowledge of skills and abilities related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and cultural competence

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide occupational therapy evaluations, screenings, and assessments for students referred through special education or intervention processes

• Develop, implement, and monitor occupational therapy goals and services in accordance with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)

• Provide direct and consultative occupational therapy services to students individually and in small groups

• Support students with fine motor, sensory, self-regulation, adaptive, visual-motor, handwriting, and functional skill development

• Collaborate with teachers, support staff, families, administrators, and multidisciplinary teams to support student access and participation in the educational environment

• Participate in IEP meetings, evaluation meetings, and problem-solving teams as required

• Maintain accurate records, progress monitoring data, therapy notes, and compliance documentation in accordance with district, state, and federal requirements

• Recommend adaptive equipment, environmental modifications, accommodations, and intervention strategies to support student success

• Support students with varying academic, behavioral, social-emotional, sensory, and regulatory needs, including students who may demonstrate dysregulated, unsafe, or escalated behaviors

• Implement de-escalation and student support strategies aligned with district practices and training

• Respond calmly, safely, and appropriately to student behavioral escalation or crisis situations

• Collaborate with staff regarding strategies to support sensory regulation, classroom participation, and student independence

• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times

• Participate in professional learning and continuous improvement aligned with district initiatives and best practices

• Perform additional duties as assigned

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. This is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This position requires the ability to:

• Stand, walk, move, and transition frequently throughout classrooms, therapy spaces, and school environments

• Bend, kneel, crouch, squat, sit on the floor, and work at student level for extended periods of time

• Physically assist, position, transfer, or support students as needed during therapy activities or school routines

• Lift, carry, move, and organize therapy materials, adaptive equipment, sensory tools, and student support equipment weighing up to 50 pounds

• Use hands and arms repetitively while demonstrating activities, supporting students, completing documentation, and utilizing therapy materials and technology

• Communicate effectively with students, staff, and families

The work environment may include:

• Frequent movement between buildings, classrooms, therapy spaces, and educational settings

• Moderate to occasionally high noise levels

• Supporting students with varying physical, behavioral, social-emotional, sensory, communication, and developmental needs

• Exposure to bodily fluids, illness, or student medical needs consistent with school settings

This role also requires:

• The ability to maintain a safe, calm, structured, and supportive environment for students

• The ability to respond appropriately to changing student needs and dynamic educational environments in real time

• The ability to implement therapy interventions, sensory supports, accommodations, and behavioral strategies with consistency and fidelity

• Collaboration with teachers, administrators, families, special education staff, and related service providers in a fast-paced educational environment

WORK LOCATION REQUIREMENT

This position is an in-person role requiring regular, on-site attendance. The essential functions of this position cannot be performed remotely.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Until Filled

NOTE TO APPLICANTS

Pursuant to PA 131, the selected candidate must receive clearance from the Michigan State Police Department prior to employment through Livescan fingerprinting. The candidate is responsible for the fingerprinting background check fee.

NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION

Kenowa Hills Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), age, disability, height, weight, marital status, genetic information, military status, or any other legally protected status in its programs, services, activities, or employment opportunities.

Inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies should be directed to:

Director of Human Resources
Kenowa Hills Public Schools
2325 Four Mile Road NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49544
Phone: 616-784-2511

Applicants who require accommodation to participate in the application or interview process are encouraged to contact Human Resources.