Occupational Therapist

Sylvania; United States; On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Sylvania seeks a School-Based Occupational Therapist to provide educationally relevant OT services to students aged 3 through 12th grade. The OT assesses functional abilities within the school setting and develops, implements, and monitors intervention strategies to help students access the educational curriculum and participate in school activities.

Responsibilities include comprehensive evaluations, goal development, direct and consultative services, collaboration with teachers and parents,

Qualifications

• Master’s or Doctorate degree in Occupational Therapy from ACOTE-accredited program.
• NBCOT certification is required.
• Valid state OT license issued by the State Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners (LARA).

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive school-based OT evaluations using standardized tests, observations, and input from teachers/parents.
• Develop measurable, educationally relevant IEP/504 goals aligned with state standards.
• Provide direct individual and small group OT sessions as mandated by IEPs and deliver indirect services to teachers/parents.
• Collaborate with Multidisciplinary IEP/504 Team to determine service eligibility and placement.
• Monitor student progress, maintain treatment logs, and ensure district policy compliance.

Skills

Clinical expertise

Communication

Collaboration

IEP knowledge

Education

Master’s or Doctorate in Occupational Therapy

NBCOT certification

State OT license (LARA)

ACOTE-accredited program

Job description

Job Posting: Occupational Therapist

Description:

The School-Based Occupational Therapist provides educationally relevant occupational therapy services to students with identified special needs for students ages 3 through 12th grade. The OT assesses students' functional capabilities within the school environment and develops, implements, and monitors direct and indirect intervention strategies to help students access their educational curriculum, participate in school activities, and achieve their Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan.

Key Responsibilities

Evaluations & Assessments

• -Conduct comprehensive occupational therapy evaluations using standardized tests, observations, and teacher/parent input to determine educational relevance and need for services.
• -Assess areas such as fine motor skills, visual-motor integration, visual perception, sensory processing, self-regulation, neuro-muscular function, and daily living skills within the educational context.
• -Prepare clear, timely, and professional written evaluation reports outlining findings and recommendations.

IEP Planning & Service Delivery

• - Serve as an active member of the Multidisciplinary IEP/504 Team, collaborating to determine service eligibility and placement.
• - Formulate measurable, educationally relevant IEP goals and objectives aligned with state standards.
• - Provide direct individual and small group occupational therapy sessions as mandated by student IEPs.
• - Deliver indirect/consultative services to teachers, paraprofessionals, and parents to support goal generalization across classroom, playground, cafeteria, and home environments.

Program Implementation & Classroom Support

• - Recommend, adapt, and train staff on assistive technology, adaptive equipment, modified writing instruments, specialized seating, and sensory processing tools.
• - Design and implement sensory diets or classroom-based accommodations in partnership with general and special education teachers.
• - Monitor student progress regularly, maintain accurate treatment logs, and update IEP progress reports according to district policies.

Compliance & Administration

• - Maintain strict compliance with federal (IDEA, Section 504, HIPAA, FERPA), state, and local school district guidelines.
• - Complete required Medicaid billing documentation in a accurate and timely manner.
• - Participate in professional development opportunities and school-wide multidisciplinary meetings.

Qualifications & Requirements

Education & Licensure

• - Master’s or Doctorate degree in Occupational Therapy from an ACOTE-accredited program.
• - Licensure: Valid state license as an Occupational Therapist issued by the State Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners. (LARA)
• - Certification: National certification by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
• - Clearances: Required state and federal criminal background checks.

Experience (Preferred)

• Minimum 1-2 years of clinical experience in pediatric occupational therapy or a school-based setting preferred (New graduates with strong pediatric fieldwork experience are encouraged to apply).
• Demonstrated experience with IEP software systems (e.g., SEIS,MiPSE, EdPlan) and Medicaid billing procedures preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Clinical Expertise: Deep knowledge of child development, sensory integration, motor planning, and adaptive equipment adaptation.
• Special Education Law: Understanding of IDEA, Section 504, and the distinction between clinical (medical model) and educational OT services.
• Communication: Exceptional oral and written communication skills for explaining clinical findings clearly to non-clinical team members and parents.
• Collaboration: Ability to work productively within multidisciplinary teams (SLPs, PTs, Special Education Teachers, Psychologists).