Occupational Therapist (OT)

Meliora Academy; Meriden (CT); On-site; USD 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off and school breaks

Wellness perks

Tuition reimbursement

401(k) with company match

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Life and disability insurance

HSA contributions

Job summary

Meliora Academy in Connecticut seeks a compassionate Occupational Therapist to support students aged 4-22 with motor, sensory, and daily living skill delays in a school setting. You will screen, assess, and develop therapy plans within collaboration with teachers, BCBA/instructional teams, and families.

You will conduct assessments, implement programs, train staff, provide home visits on request, and document progress, staying current with OT research to guide best practices.

Qualifications

• Clinical knowledge for evaluating students and developing treatment plans in schools.
• Experience working with neurodiverse students.
• Ability to lift, push, pull, and move up to 60 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Conduct ongoing assessments with instructional team to identify sensory processing issues.
• Develop and implement programs addressing fine and gross motor skills, visual-motor integration, daily living skills, and sensory integration.
• Provide staff training in occupational therapy and support for COTAs as needed.
• Share research-based interventions with instructional staff and BCBA team.
• Attend PPT meetings and other team gatherings.
• Communicate with parents and provide training; conduct home visits on request.
• Complete progress reports, IEP codes, and required documentation efficiently.
• Maintain accurate records and data collection.

Skills

School-based evaluation

Neurodiverse student experience

Patient handling (lift 60 lbs)

Communication with families

Education

Accredited Occupational Therapy program

DHP OT licensure

Safety-Care, First Aid & CPR

Job description

At Meliora Academy, we provide individualized education for students with autism and related challenges, focusing on academics, life skills, and independence. Guided by collaboration, evidence-based practice, and whole-child support, we help students grow with confidence. Join us and make a difference every day.

We are seeking a compassionate, collaborative, and innovative Occupational Therapist to join our team. In this role, you'll provide screening, assessment, and therapeutic services to students ages 4-22 with significant delays in fine and gross motor skills, visual-motor integration, motor planning, daily living skills, and sensory integration. Your work will help students participate and succeed in the school setting.

What You'll Need

• Graduate of an accredited Occupational Therapy program.

• Current Department of Public Health licensure as an Occupational Therapist.

• Current Safety-Care, First Aid, and CPR certifications.

• Clinical knowledge and experience evaluating students and developing treatment plans in a school-based setting.

• Experience working with neurodiverse students.

• Ability to lift, push, pull, and move up to 60 pounds.

What You'll Do

• Conduct ongoing assessments with the instructional team to identify sensory processing issues that may interfere with learning.

• Develop and implement programs, goals, and objectives addressing students' fine and gross motor skills, visual-motor integration, daily living skills, and sensory integration.

• Develop practical strategies that the professionals working with each student can use to address sensory needs.

• Recommend equipment for individual students or the school.

• Provide staff support and training in areas of occupational therapy expertise, including training and support for COTAs as needed.

• Share research-based interventions with instructional staff and BCBAs.

• Attend Planning and Placement Team (PPT) meetings and other team meetings.

• Communicate with parents and provide training and support as needed. Conduct home visits upon request.

• Complete progress reports, IEP codes, and other required documentation in a timely manner.

• Maintain accurate records, data collection, reports, and documentation of services.

• Attend in-service trainings, workshops, and meetings, and review current occupational therapy research and literature to stay informed about current practices and trends.

Why You'll Love Working Here

• Enjoy both paid time off and extra paid school breaks (for select roles), plus paid holidays

• Wellness perks including gym discounts, mindfulness apps, and prescription savings

• Tuition reimbursement, career development programs, and leadership training

• 401(k) retirement savings with a 4% company match and immediate vesting

• Health, dental, and vision insurance

• Free Employee Assistance Program with confidential counseling, life coaching, and mental health resources

• Life insurance, disability coverage, and Health Savings Account (HSA) contributions at no cost to you

Meliora Academy is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you require reasonable accommodations during the application or interview process, please contact us at [e-mail].