Occupational Therapist District-wide

Ithaca City School District; Town of Ithaca (NY); On-site; USD 56,918 - 119,338; Full time

Job summary

The Ithaca City School District is seeking an Occupational Therapist to support students in accessing and progressing in their education. The candidate will work closely with a diverse community of educators, students, and parents to provide comprehensive therapy services.

This role requires a commitment to equitable practices and strong communication skills, with a focus on supporting the whole child. Salary ranges from $56,918 to $119,338, depending on experience.

Qualifications

• Experience with diverse cultures and anti-racist approaches as an occupational therapist.
• Commitment to equity and supporting student success.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct therapy and consultation services to students.
• Collaborate with educators and parents for inclusive support.

Skills

Strong communication

Classroom management

Organizational skills

Education

Valid New York State Certification

National Board for Certification of Occupational Therapists (NBCOT)

Job description

Notice of Vacancy

Position Title: Occupational Therapist

Brief Description: The occupational therapist is an integral member of the school community, grade level teams, RtI/support teams, crisis teams, and the CSE process. Working in cooperation with building leadership, educators, parents, and students, the occupational therapist will provide an inclusive approach to motor and sensory-motor for students by providing direct therapy and consultation services to enable all children to access and progress in the general education curriculum. Ideal candidates will show experience with diverse cultures, anti‑racist approaches to the particular work of an occupational therapist, and a commitment to working with the school community towards the success of all students.

Location(s): District‑wide

Anticipated Date: 12/30/2025–6/25/2026

Posting Dates: 11/25/2025 – Until Filled

Number of Vacancies: 1

FTE: 1

Application Requirements

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover Letter
3. Proof of Certification (or pending certification)
4. Official copy of transcripts: undergraduate and graduate
5. Three (3) Letters of Reference (highly preferred for external candidates)
6. Mandatory Writing Sample (see prompt below)

The Ithaca City School District values diverse perspectives and life experiences. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, women, LGBTQIA+, veterans, people with disabilities, and those with lived experiences.

Mandatory Writing Sample

Explain how you would demonstrate your commitment to equity in your work with students. Provide specific examples of how you respond to students’ diverse identities and how you ensure success for every student. Also describe any related professional or personal experiences supporting the district’s equity goals.

Example prompts to consider:

1. The ICSD has a diverse student population representing a variety of races, gender identities, learning needs, socio‑economic status, sexual orientations, languages, national origins, etc. Describe your teaching strategies and/or experiences for effectively educating students from diverse backgrounds. Provide specific examples of how you respond effectively to students who have a variety of identities, and/or respond effectively to students who are different from your own identity. How do you ensure success for every student?
2. Tell us about any personal and professional experiences you have had that would help you help us to fulfill our district equity goals.
3. The Ithaca City School District is a 1:1 district in grades 3‑12. Provide examples of how you have used or your vision for using digital technology in instruction. Also, provide evidence of how you stay current with students’ digital world.

Required Qualifications

• The Ithaca City School District is committed to eliminating race, class, and disability as predictors of academic performance, co‑curricular participation, and discipline. Qualified candidates will demonstrate a basic awareness of these commitments and a strong willingness to support these efforts.
• Valid New York State Certification – National Board for Certification of Occupational Therapists (NBCOT) exam

Desired Characteristics

• Strong communication, classroom management, and organizational skills.
• A commitment to supporting the whole child and contributing to a positive school culture.

Salary Range: $56,918 – $119,338 (10‑month full‑time basis) Based on the 26‑27 ITA step and lane salary grid.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Ithaca City School District does not unlawfully discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, military status, veteran status, sex, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, marital status, familial status, domestic violence victim status, or other federal/state protected status.