Occupational Therapist

Cooke School and Institute; New York (NY); On-site; USD 72,000 - 100,988; Full time

Job summary

The Cooke School and Institute in New York is seeking an Occupational Therapist. This key role involves providing both direct and indirect services to students, establishing relationships with parents and team members to ensure student inclusion.

Applicants should hold a valid New York State license and be committed to collaborating effectively with classmates, educators, and the family unit. The position offers a full-time schedule aligned with a 10-month academic year.

The role includes essential functions such as assessment interpretation, planning, and record keeping, along with maintaining communication with educational staff about student progress.

Qualifications

• Ability to navigate the school environment for student safety.
• Experience with progress reporting for students.
• Familiarity with student needs assessment and individual plans.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct support to students as a Related Service Provider.
• Coordinate with teachers and parents regarding student progress.
• Attend all pertinent meetings and document outcomes.

Skills

Direct service provision

Assessment interpretation

Collaborative relationship building

Physical capacity for school environment

Education

Valid New York State license and/or certification

Job description

Job Details

Location: New York, NY 10029

Position Type: Full Time

Salary Range: $72,000.00 - $100,988.00

Job Title

Occupational Therapist - Two Positions are Open

Supervisor

Department Chair, Occupational Therapy

Schedule

Regular Daily Schedule: 8:15 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Calendar to Follow: 10-month Academic

Status: Exempt

Term: 10 Months

Summary of Duties & Responsibilities

The Occupational Therapist, a Related Service Provider (RSP), is responsible for providing direct and indirect service to students and staff consistent with the integration and collaboration model of the Cooke School. It is expected that the Occupational Therapist will establish collaborative relationships with parents, partner schools, and Cooke colleagues to ensure successful inclusion for Cooke students.

Essential Functions

• Must be present from student arrival at 8:15 a.m. through dismissal at 3:30 p.m. – no exceptions.
• Must adhere to the physical requirements listed below – no exceptions.

Assessment and Direct Service to Students

• Interpret assessments to determine level of functioning and needs of each child.
• Conduct ongoing informal assessments in the classroom and coordinate professional practice with pedagogic staff.
• Utilize a variety of activities to meet students’ needs as determined by formal and informal assessment.
• Utilize knowledge of content area to effectively serve students.
• Maintain ongoing communication with classroom teachers and parents about the progress of the students.
• Attend monthly team meetings prepared with information about the students being discussed.
• Collect and assess student homework for portfolio using portfolio guidelines and assessments.

Planning and Record Keeping

• Develop progress reports on each student in conjunction with classroom teacher and other team members.
• Create plans consistent with progress report goals for each child.
• Maintain narrative logs for each child.
• Maintain attendance records for each child.
• Complete monthly documentation relevant to the number of sessions given to each child.
• Ensure that make‑up sessions are provided.

General Professional Responsibilities

• Initiate and foster good working relationships with teachers, paraprofessionals, general education teachers, and parents.
• Attend all planning meetings with teachers and monthly meetings with each classroom team.
• Participate in all progress report meetings convened at the school level.
• Attend and participate in all Cooke meetings and workshops.
• Arrive at assigned site and meetings promptly and be prepared for daily assignment.
• Prepare documents, when necessary, for CSE meetings and, if applicable, impartial hearings.
• Adhere to carefully planned schedules.
• Utilize supervisor for guidance, discussion, collaboration, professional and self‑growth.
• Develop professional growth goals with supervisor and create and implement a plan to reach the agreed goals.

Education and Experience

• Valid and current license and/or certification to practice in New York State.
• Ability to provide National Provider Identification (NPI) number.

Physical Requirements

Able to maintain the physical capacity required to navigate the school environment and ensure student safety.

• Walk, run, sit, and stand.
• Move rapidly forward, backward, and laterally.
• Bend and stoop.
• Push, pull, and lift.

Professional Development

All Cooke staff are responsible for developing a professional growth plan with their supervisor. Staff training is an integral part of the Cooke school and is a requirement of the job. All staff must, at a minimum, attend all scheduled staff development activities throughout the year and participate in staff orientation scheduled for the last week in August.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy Statement

The Cooke School and Institute provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Cooke complies with applicable state and local laws governing non‑discrimination in employment in every location where the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Harassment Policy

The Cooke School and Institute expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Cooke’s employees to perform their expected job duties is not tolerated.