Occupational Therapist

Pawtucket Public Schools; Pawtucket (RI); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full PSD benefits package

Competitive salary based on experience

Job summary

A local public school district is seeking an Occupational Therapist to enhance students' learning potential through intervention and support. The role involves carrying out evaluations, planning therapeutic goals, and maintaining documentation in alignment with educational standards. Ideal candidates will be certified and licensed in Rhode Island, with a strong understanding of diverse student needs, including those with Autism. The position offers a full benefits package and a salary based on teaching experience.

Qualifications

• Possession of a valid driver’s license.
• Must be licensed by the state of Rhode Island Department of Health.
• Completion of an accredited education program.

Responsibilities

• Conduct assessments for referred students as per regulations.
• Plan therapeutic intervention goals for students.
• Communicate evaluation results to educational staff and parents.
• Supervise other professionals and monitor intervention implementation.

Skills

Public speaking

Problem-solving

Data analysis

Interpersonal skills

Leadership

Education

Certified by the Occupational Therapy Certification Board

Job description

Position Type: Student Support Services

Date Posted: 10/15/2025

Location: Pawtucket School Department

SUMMARY: To provide appropriate intervention designed to enhance the students’ potential for learning, assisting the student in acquiring functional performance skills needed to participate in and benefit from the educational process, and helping the students function independently.

EXEMPLARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Carry out assessment and evaluation procedures for referred students in accordance with special education regulations, section 504 regulations/procedures, and local procedures.
• Plan and develop therapeutic interventions goals that are educationally relevant and will be used in students’ educational and home programs.
• Establish and maintain a system of documentation that is professional, efficient, and accountable and conforms to state and individual agency policy.
• Order, construct, and adapt equipment to meet the therapeutic needs of the students.
• Maintain and be accountable for the OT equipment budget and inventory of OT supplies.
• Communicate results of evaluations and reports of OT services to the educational staff, parents and, when appropriate, students and other professionals and agencies.
• Attend staffing meetings, IEP reviews, and other school meetings when requested.
• Facilitate in service education and professional development for related service and OT staff.
• Monitor the OT program goals by teaching and supervising other professionals, para-professionals, and parents who are involved with the implementation of intervention procedures.
• Provide consultation to the educational system regarding student needs, professional needs and system needs.
• Professionally supervise and monitor the job performance of Assistant OT.
• Perform re-evaluations, focusing on areas of educational needs at intervals determined by the individual education plan, section 504 plans and/or state special education regulations.
• Communicate needs of the OT program to the Special Education Director.
• Perform other professional duties as assigned by the Special Education Director or Building Principal.

IS KNOWLEDGEABLE OF:

• Common Core Standards and NECAP/PARCC assessment.
• The related laws of Rhode Island, as they relate to IDEA and ADA requirements, regulations and procedures of the Pawtucket School Department and the Rhode Island Department of Education.
• Instructional materials and their relationship to program goals and objectives.
• Principles of effective management and evaluation of instruction.
• Principles of learning; principles of effective instruction.
• Assessment administration and use, both formative and summative.
• School accountability.
• Data analysis techniques.
• Response to intervention (academic and behavioral).
• Professional learning community organization and protocols.

SKILLED AT:

• Public speaking; writing; listening; problem-solving; dispute resolution and providing direction.
• Working with individuals and groups.
• Research and data analysis.
• Interpersonal skills.
• Teaching and presenting.
• Use of instructional technology.
• Observing and understanding effective teaching techniques.
• Being innovative and working with little direction.
• Leadership.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

LICENSE/CERTIFICATE:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid driver’s license.
• Certified by the Occupational Therapy Certification Board (OTCB). Must be licensed by the state of Rhode Island Department of Health.
• Completion of an accredited education program and all field work education requirements.
• CPI Training.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience in working with students from urban area.
• Desire to work with elementary, middle and/or high school students and young adults.
• Experience working with students with Autism and behavioral/social/emotional challenges.
• Experience with diversity preferred.
• Successful experience teaching.

COMPENSATION/BENEFITS:

• Full PSD benefits package.
• Salary will be that of teacher and commensurate with experience. Full PSD compensation package.
• Requirement to work some of their required days in the summer for training.
• Citizenship, residency or work VISA in United States required.

THIS JOB SPECIFICATION SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED TO IMPLY THAT THESE REQUIREMENTS ARE THE EXCLUSIVE STANDARDS OF THE POSITION. INCUMBENTS MAY BE REQUIRED TO FOLLOW ANY OTHER INSTRUCTIONS, AND TO PERFORM ANY OTHER RELATED DUTIES AS MAY BE REQUIRED BY THE SUPERVISOR.