Occupational Therapist (Long Term Substitute)

Newton Public Schools; Newton (MA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Part time

Job summary

Newton Public Schools in Newton, Massachusetts is seeking an Occupational Therapist for a long-term substitute assignment to support students in the regular education setting. The OT will evaluate student needs, provide direct and consultative services, collaborate with teachers and families, and help students access the curriculum in the least restrictive environment.

This role runs from Oct 27, 2026 to Feb 2, 2027.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in OT or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in school OT preferred.
• Ability to handle varying and complex issues.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Solid technical skills.
• Demonstrated organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and determine needs for OT services related to perceptual/sensory/motor/developmental delays affecting learning.
• Assess visual perception, motor proficiency, handwriting, self-care, sensory processing, and related skills.
• Collaborate with RTI and provide support through regular education.
• Consult with teachers, aides and team members to enhance academic performance.
• Provide direct and consultative OT services and collaborate with families and staff.
• Advise on instructional strategies and classroom accommodations.
• Suggest environmental adaptations to maximize student performance.
• Assist students in accessing their school curriculum and participate in plan development.
• Maintain consistent attendance and perform other duties as needed.

Skills

Bachelor's Degree

5+ years’ OT experience (school)

Ability to handle complex issues

Excellent oral and written skills

Solid technical skills

Demonstrated organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Job description

Occupational Therapist (Long Term Substitute)

Starting Date: Oct 26, 2026

Job Description

Department: Student Services

FLSA Status (Exempt/Non-exempt): Exempt, Unit A

Reports To: Occupational Therapist Coordinator

SUMMARY

The Occupational Therapist provides school-based occupational therapy is designed to enhance the student’s ability to fully access and be successful in the learning environment. School based OT helps facilitate independence and students perform important learning and school related to fulfill their role as students in the least restrictive environment.

This is a long term substitute role covering10/27/26 - 2/2/27.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Minimum of 5-years’ experience in OT - school setting preferred
• Ability to handle multitude of varying and complex issues
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Solid technical skills
• Demonstrated organizational skills

JOB FUNCTIONS

• Evaluate and determine the needs for OT services by identifying the perceptual/sensory/motor/developmental delay or underlying impairment that limit/prevent a student from accessing the educational curriculum
• Evaluates and determines needs related to visual perception, motor proficiency, social skills, handwriting, activities of daily living, self-feeding, fine motor, sensory processing, psychosocial skills, eating, self-care, organization by promoting independence
• Works with a (RTI model) through tiered instruction to provide support through regular education
• Provides consultation with the teachers, aides, team members. In consultation, the therapist and teacher form a cooperative partnership and engage in a reciprocal problem solving process. The goal of consultation is to enhance the student’s skills to improve academic performance
• Uses direct and indirect services, school occupational therapists collaborate with families, teachers and other team members staff to help implement a child's special education program
• Provides consultation to/collaboration with teachers regarding specific special education students, best instructional strategies and classroom accommodations
• Suggests adaptations to environment an order to maximize student performance
• Supports students in a accessing their school and curriculum
• Develops plans/ course of action to improve skill area
• Determines ways to adapt skill in order to fit with current level of functioning
• Evaluates and addresses skills that limit the child's ability to participate and succeed at school including educational, social, and functional skills
• Provides direct or consultative services; modify or adapt schools tools and materials in order for a student to access the educational curriculum in a fix manner and as independent as possible
• Consistent and on-time attendance is required or supervision and instruction of the students
• Responsible for implementing “other job related duties” as needed

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to operate computer, printer, telephone, copier, facsimile machine, and all other standard office equipment
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time
• Sufficient mobility to navigate within a large or small school building
• Regularly required to lift and/or move objects weighing up to 25 pounds

Newton Public Schools Zervas Elementary School - Newton, Massachusetts Open in Google Maps

In compliance with state and federal laws, Newton Public Schools is committed to equity, anti-racism and a nondiscrimination policy for students, employees and prospective applicants. All educational and employment determinations are based on an individual’s qualifications and achievements without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, pregnancy, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, ancestry, homelessness, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by state and/or federal statute.

Position Type: Substitute

Job Categories: Student Services > Occupational Therapist

Job ID: 5938102

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Posted: Yesterday

Contact Information

• Kate O'Leary
• Zervas Elementary School
• Email: [e-mail]