Occupational Therapist Candidate Pool

Howard County Public School System; United States; On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Paid time off

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

The Howard County Public School System is seeking an Occupational Therapist to provide vital therapy services that enhance student health and functional independence. This role involves assessing and developing personalized treatment plans for students with diverse needs.

Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor's degree in Occupational Therapy, valid licensure, and a commitment to evidence-based practices. The position comes with comprehensive benefits and follows the contractual agreements of the Howard County Educators Association.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program.
• Valid state licensure or eligibility for licensure as an Occupational Therapist.
• Experience working with the pediatric population preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of students' motor skills.
• Develop individualized treatment plans in collaboration with the educational team.
• Implement therapeutic interventions in school settings.
• Monitor and document students' progress toward their goals.

Skills

Understanding of child development

Sensory integration techniques

Evidence-based therapeutic interventions

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Occupational Therapy

Valid state licensure as an Occupational Therapist

Job description

DESCRIPTION

Under the direction of the Coordinator of Countywide Services and Principal, the Occupational Therapist provides occupational therapy services in Howard County Public Schools that comply with state, federal, and Board of Education policies and procedures to protect and promote the health and functional independence of students and facilitate their access to educational programming. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of child development, sensory integration techniques, and evidence‑based therapeutic interventions to support students with diverse needs in achieving their academic and functional goals.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program.
• Valid state licensure or eligibility for licensure as an Occupational Therapist (OT‑L) from the Maryland State Board of Occupational Therapy Practice.
• Holder or eligible for a National Provider Identifier (NPI) issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) NPPES and actively enrolled in Maryland Medicaid.
• Maintain active NPI and Maryland Medicaid enrollment throughout employment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Three (3) years of experience as an Occupational Therapist working with the pediatric population.
• Certification from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) (OT‑R).
• Previous experience working with children and adolescents in educational or pediatric settings.
• Strong knowledge of child development, sensory processing theory, and therapeutic techniques.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills across all stakeholders.
• Dedication to providing high‑quality, evidence‑based services to support students' success and well‑being.
• Thorough knowledge of the IEP/IFSP process.

ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct comprehensive assessments to evaluate students' fine and functional motor skills, sensory processing, visual‑motor integration, and activities of daily living (ADLs) in relevant educational environments.
• Interpret and report assessment results verbally and in writing to all stakeholders through the IEP team process.
• Develop individualized treatment plans and goals in collaboration with teachers, parents, and other members of the educational team.
• Implement evidence‑based therapeutic interventions to address students' areas of need, such as sensory diets, fine motor activities, handwriting skills, and adaptive equipment utilization.
• Provide direct intervention services to a caseload of students in individual or group settings within the school environment.
• Monitor students' progress regularly and adjust treatment plans as necessary to ensure continuous improvement and attainment of goals.
• Collaborate with teachers and other school personnel to integrate therapeutic strategies into the classroom and daily routines.
• Offer consultations and training to teachers, parents, and staff members on strategies and equipment to support students' sensory and motor needs in educational settings.
• Maintain accurate documentation of assessments, progress notes, service logs, and treatment plans in compliance with regulatory standards and school policies.
• Collect and analyze data on student performance, engagement, and behavior to improve student outcomes and direct intervention.
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings, and other relevant meetings to contribute to students' educational planning and outcomes.
• Stay abreast of current research, trends, and best practices in occupational therapy to inform practice and enhance service delivery.
• Provide supervision and/or training of paraprofessionals and OTAs as needed.
• Perform other related duties as required.

EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION

This is either a 10‑month or 11‑month per year position in the Howard County Educators Association (HCEA) employee bargaining unit. The salary is on the Related Service Provider salary scale, and compensation follows the Howard County Public School System and HCEA Master Agreement procedures.

BENEFITS

HCPSS offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees. Additional benefits such as paid time off are detailed in the negotiated agreement for employees in this bargaining unit.

PRE‑EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

Professional references will be contacted from current and recent supervisors. All employees, regular and temporary, must complete a criminal background investigation through fingerprinting, the Maryland Employment History Review, and may be required to complete a physical examination or drug testing. Identification and employment eligibility documentation in the United States is required. HCPSS participates in E‑Verify and does not offer employee sponsorship.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

HCPSS is an equal opportunity employer. To request an accommodation during the application or interview process due to a documented disability, please email [e-mail]. HCPSS celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.