Jackson Tennessee - Occupational Therapist

Thrive Therapies; Jackson (TN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Thrive Therapies in Jackson, TN is seeking a school-based occupational therapist to deliver OT services to K–12 students whose disabilities affect educational access. You will focus on fine motor development, sensory processing, self-care, and classroom participation.

You will collaborate with teachers, SLPs, PTs, and other specialists, develop IEP goals, conduct evaluations, and contribute to RTI/MTSS efforts. The role requires ACOTE-accredited OT degree, NBCOT-OTR, and active state licensure.

Qualifications

• Master’s or bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy from an ACOTE-accredited program.
• NBCOT certification (OTR) in good standing.
• Active state OT license in good standing, or initiation of licensure transfer prior to start date.
• Knowledge of IDEA, IEP process, and the educational model of OT.

Responsibilities

• Deliver school-based occupational therapy services to K–12 students with disabilities affecting education.
• Develop individualized OT IEP goals targeting handwriting, fine motor, sensory regulation and self-care.
• Provide direct individual and small-group therapy using Ayres Sensory Integration, CO-OP, and sensory diets.
• Design sensory diets, environmental modifications, and adaptive equipment for classroom participation.
• Collaborate with teachers, SLPs, PTs, BCBA, and families on sensory strategies and supports.
• Maintain accurate service logs and progress notes using Thrive’s AI tools.

Skills

NBCOT (OTR)

IDEA & IEP knowledge

Ayres Sensory Integration

Assistive technology awareness

Team collaboration with SLP/PT/BCBAs

Education

Master’s or bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy

Tools

Beery VMI

SIPT

BOT-2

SPM

COPM

Job description

WHAT YOU'LL DO

As a Thrive OT , you will deliver school-based occupational therapy services to students K–12 whose disabilities affect their ability to access education. Your work will focus on fine motor development, sensory processing, self-care, and classroom participation. You are a full member of the community.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

As a Thrive OT , you will deliver school-based occupational therapy services to students K–12 whose disabilities affect their ability to access education. Your work will focus on fine motor development, sensory processing, self-care, and classroom participation. You are a full member of the community.

EVALUATION & ELIGIBILITY

• Conduct comprehensive OT evaluations to determine educational need and IDEA eligibility, including assessment of fine motor skills, sensory processing, visual-motor integration, self-care, and classroom participation
• Administer and interpret standardized assessment tools (Beery VMI, SIPT, BOT-2, SPM, COPM, and others) as appropriate to the referral
• Write evaluation reports that are clinically rigorous, educationally relevant, and accessible to IEP team members and families
• Participate in eligibility determination meetings and translate OT findings for educational planning purposes
• Conduct re-evaluations (triennials) in accordance with IDEA timelines

IEP DEVELOPMENT & SERVICE DELIVERY

• Develop individualized OT IEP goals targeting skills that affect educational access — including handwriting, fine motor coordination, sensory regulation, and functional self-care
• Deliver direct individual and small-group therapy sessions using evidence-based OT frameworks (Ayres Sensory Integration, CO-OP, sensory diet programming, and others)
• Design and implement sensory diets, environmental modifications, and adaptive equipment recommendations to support classroom participation
• Provide consultative services to teachers and paraprofessionals on sensory accommodations and adaptive strategies
• Maintain accurate, timely service logs and progress notes — supported by Thrive’s AI documentation tools

COLLABORATION & ADAPTIVE SUPPORTS

• Partner with SLPs, PTs, BCBAs, school psychologists, and special education teachers on integrated, student-centered IEP teams
• Evaluate for and recommend adaptive equipment, positioning tools, and assistive technology to support educational access
• Train teachers, paraprofessionals, and families on sensory strategies, handwriting supports, and ADL skill generalization
• Contribute to RTI/MTSS frameworks by providing universal sensory screening and Tier 1/Tier 2 motor skill consultation
• Coordinate with physical therapists on overlapping mobility, positioning, and motor goals

REQUIRED

• Master’s or bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy from an ACOTE-accredited program
• NBCOT certification (OTR) in good standing
• Active state OT license in good standing, or documented initiation of licensure transfer prior to start date
• Knowledge of IDEA, IEP process, and the educational model of OT

PREFERRED

• 1+ years of school-based OT experience
• Training or certification in Ayres Sensory Integration (ASI) or related sensory processing frameworks
• Experience with AAC and assistive technology evaluation and implementation
• Familiarity with RTI/MTSS and universal design for learning (UDL) frameworks
• Experience serving students with autism, intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, or developmental coordination disorder