Occupational Therapist - Central Based

Jeffco Public Schools; Colorado; On-site; USD 56,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Jeffco Public Schools in Jefferson County, Colorado, is seeking an Occupational Therapist for a center-based, 1.0 FTE, 185-day position. The role focuses on purposeful activities aligned with the IEP to promote functional independence within the school setting.

The ideal candidate holds a Colorado Special Service Provider License (or eligibility), NCBOT certification, and DORA eligibility. Travel between schools is required; physical demands include lifting up to 35 pounds.

Qualifications

• Special Service Provider License from the Colorado Department of Education or eligibility.
• NCBOT certification and DORA eligibility prior to hire.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate areas that may interfere with a child's educational performance (self-help, motor, sensory, communication, mobility, adaptive devices).
• Administer and interpret educationally relevant assessments to determine problems and solutions.
• Provide consultation to educational personnel, families and medical personnel as needed.
• Participate on a multi-disciplinary team in IEP development.
• Communicate effectively in written and oral form to coordinate services.
• Collaborate with school personnel to design, implement and coordinate individualized educational programs.
• Engage in problem-solving and professional development opportunities.
• Input information into ezEDMed system for reimbursement purposes.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education

Colorado Department of Education Special Service Provider License (eligible)

NCBOT certification

DORA eligibility

Job description

Jeffco Public Schools (Jeffco) is located in Jefferson County, Colorado. It is the second largest school district in Colorado serving 69,000 students across 155 schools. With 14,000 employees, the district is the largest employer in Jefferson County and has provided educational excellence for more than 70 years.

Jeffco embraces the spirit of the West and the natural beauty of the Rocky Mountain region with the county spanning more than 770 square miles running the length of the western edge of the Denver metropolitan area. The district is diverse in both population and geography, from urban to rural, including the mountain communities in the foothills west of Denver.

Overall, Jeffco has 31% of students that qualify for free and reduced lunch, an indicator of poverty, and 34% minority (25% Hispanic) student population. The district is implementing a new strategic plan, Jeffco Thrives 2025 that is focused on providing a world-class education that prepares all Jeffco students for bright and successful futures as local and global citizens. Come join us!

Jeffco Public Schools is a Single-State Employer. All candidates hired by Jeffco Public Schools must reside within the state of Colorado.

HOURS AND DAYS WORKED

Desired Start Date: 08/11/2026
Occupat Therapist _Cen Based
Annual Position
FLSA: Exempt
FTE: 1.00000 , Hours/Day: 8.000 , Days/Year: 185
Salary Plan, Grade, Step: JCE - Professional - 185 days , L01, 1
Min-Mid Annual Salary Range: $56,085.00 - $75,142.00 Effective as of: 08-16-2025

Compensation schedules for Jeffco Schools can be found here. Starting salary for non-licensed roles is based on the candidate's relevant work experience and education. Additional considerations may be given for job-specific certifications and skills. Applicants should submit all relevant and verifiable education, training and work experiences at the time of application. Starting Salary for licensed educators is based on the step and lane schedule found here.

RESPONSIBILITIES

SUMMARY: Use purposeful, goal directed activities and task analysis to enable a child with a disability to benefit from their Individualized Education Program (IEP). Federal law mandates that occupational therapy (OT) in the school system be educationally relevant. The focus of OT services in a school setting is to promote functional independence or participation within the educational environment. Occupational therapy services may be delivered directly to the child, on behalf of the child (consultation with parents and teachers) or through modifications and support for school personnel that will be provided for the child (training for staff).

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Facilitate any or all of the following areas that may interfere with a child's educational performance: self-help skills (feeding, dressing, hygiene); fine, gross and visual motor skills; sensory processing and visual processing skills; positioning, functional mobility and transitions; functional communication through alternative methods; and adaptive devices/equipment and using educational tools/toys.
• Administer and interpret educationally relevant assessments to determine why a problem is occurring and identify possible solutions.
• Provide consultation services to educational personnel, families and other medical personnel as needed.
• Participate on a multi-disciplinary team in the development of a student's IEP.
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in written form to coordinate services.
• Consult with school personnel regarding best practices for the classroom; collaborate with school personnel to design, implement and coordinate individualized educational programs.
• Use a problem-solving process and participate in professional development opportunities.
• Input information into ezEDMed system for reimbursement purposes.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS: Must hold a Special Service Provider License from the Colorado Department of Education or be eligible for a three year Special Service Provider Licensed. Must be certified by the National Certification Board of Occupational Therapists (NCBOT) and Department of Regulatory Agency (DORA) prior to hire.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Ability to travel between schools/sites served. Normal routine levels of activity related to bending, carrying, climbing, hearing, reaching, sitting, standing, vision and walking, and may also involve above‑average levels of activity at times that can not always be anticipated. Ability to lift and carry equipment, such as large test kits, up to 35 pounds.

Ability to meet physical needs of students.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Job Status: Temporary

A successful external applicant will be hired into a one-year, temporary position.

Applicants may be probationary or non-probationary for ongoing and temporary positions. If the successful candidate is a current Jeffco non-probationary or probationary educator, they may be displaced at the end of the current school year, as per Article 12. Displaced non-probationary educators may be placed for one school year unless a mutual consent placement is secured. Displaced probationary educators may be non-renewed by the Board of Education unless a mutual consent placement is secured by the educator.

The Jefferson County School District does not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, pregnancy, or gender.