NP - PG - OT Fieldworker Intern Position

The Children's Guild; Hyattsville (MD); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The Children’s Guild in Hyattsville, MD, is seeking an Occupational Therapy Field Worker to support school-based OT services under the direct supervision of a licensed occupational therapist. You will assist in implementing individualized plans and help students access the full educational experience.

You will work closely with teachers, therapists, and other professionals to promote fine motor, sensory processing, self-care, and daily living skills in classroom and school settings.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; degree preferred.
• Experience with children with disabilities or complex behavioral needs.
• Familiarity with sensory processing and fine motor development.
• Ability to follow detailed clinical instructions under supervision.
• Strong observation, communication, and documentation skills.
• Collaborative, patient, and committed to student support.

Responsibilities

• Support the supervising OT in implementing treatment plans.
• Help students develop fine motor, sensory processing, and self-care skills.
• Assist with sensory strategies and adaptive equipment as directed.
• Participate in IEP meetings and progress reporting.
• Collaborate with teachers and multidisciplinary team.

Skills

Observation skills

Documentation

Communication

Team collaboration

Empathy

Patience

Adaptability

Education

High school diploma

Associate degree

Bachelor's degree preferred

Job description

Position Summary

The Occupational Therapy (OT) Field Worker supports the delivery of school-based occupational therapy services under the direct supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist. Working alongside the supervising OT, classroom teachers, TBAs, behavior specialists, and other multidisciplinary team members, the OT Field Worker assists in implementing individualized OT treatment plans and supporting students with fine motor, sensory processing, self-care, and functional daily living skills — helping every student access the full educational experience.

OT Service Delivery Support

• Assist the supervising OT in implementing individualized occupational therapy treatment plans for students with complex needs under direct supervision
• Support students in developing fine motor skills, visual-motor integration, sensory processing, self-regulation, and functional daily living skills
• Implement sensory strategies, adaptive equipment recommendations, and environmental modifications as directed by the supervising OT
• Assist with push-in and pull-out OT service delivery across classroom and therapeutic settings
• Monitor student responses to OT interventions and report observations to the supervising OT promptly
• Support students in applying OT strategies throughout the school day — in the classroom, during transitions, mealtimes, and other functional activities

IEP Support & Documentation

• Assist in tracking student progress toward OT IEP goals under the guidance of the supervising OT
• Maintain accurate session notes, attendance logs, and service delivery records in compliance with IDEA, MSDE, and agency requirements
• Support the preparation of OT progress reports and data collection materials as directed
• Participate in IEP meetings, multidisciplinary team meetings, and student support conferences as requested

Classroom & Multidisciplinary Team Collaboration

• Work closely with classroom teachers, TBAs, behavior specialists, SLPs, PTs, social workers, and clinicians as part of an integrated student support team
• Assist teachers and TBAs in embedding OT strategies and sensory supports into daily classroom routines
• Communicate student observations and therapy progress to the supervising OT and relevant team members regularly
• Participate in team meetings, professional development sessions, and school-wide initiatives

Equipment & Environment

• Assist in maintaining, organizing, and preparing OT therapy materials, adaptive equipment, and sensory tools
• Support the setup and breakdown of OT therapy spaces and classroom sensory stations
• Monitor the condition of adaptive equipment and report any concerns to the supervising OT

Professional Development & Compliance

• Participate in all required professional development, in-service training, and campus-wide orientation
• Maintain current certifications and meet all continuing education requirements as applicable
• Stay current on best practices in school-based occupational therapy under the guidance of the supervising OT

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or GED required; associate's or bachelor's degree in a related field preferred
• Prior experience working with children or adolescents with disabilities, complex behavioral needs, or developmental differences
• Familiarity with sensory processing, fine motor development, and functional daily living skills preferred
• Ability to follow detailed clinical instructions and implement individualized therapy plans under supervision
• Strong observation, communication, and documentation skills
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team
• Patience, empathy, and a genuine commitment to supporting students with complex needs

Preferred

• Experience in a school-based, therapeutic, or clinical setting
• Coursework or training in occupational therapy, special education, or a related field
• Familiarity with AAC, adaptive equipment, or assistive technology
• Experience working with students with autism, intellectual disabilities, or sensory processing disorders
• Currently enrolled in or planning to pursue an OT, OTA, or related degree program

Competencies

• Student-centered mindset — every decision begins and ends with what is best for the student
• Collaborative spirit — thrives in a team environment; values the expertise of every team member
• Attention to detail — thorough in documentation, observation, and implementation of therapy plans
• Adaptability — flexible and calm in a dynamic, high-needs therapeutic school environment
• Reliability — consistent, dependable, and committed to showing up fully for students every day
• Mission alignment — genuinely committed to equity, inclusion, and transforming outcomes for underserved children