Occupational Therapist - (qualifies for $1500 Recruiting Incentive)

Educational Service Center of Central Ohio; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Educational Service Center of Central Ohio is hiring an Occupational Therapist to evaluate students, develop individualized education programs (IEPs), and plan therapy programs. Candidates must have a valid state license to practice as an Occupational Therapist, a Pupil Services Registration, and a Master's Degree or equivalent. The role requires effective behavior management strategies and adherence to professional ethical standards. Located in Columbus, Ohio, this opportunity offers a chance to significantly impact students' lives.

Qualifications

• Valid state license to practice as an Occupational Therapist issued by the Ohio OT/PT/AT Board.
• Valid Pupil Services Registration issued by the Ohio State Board of Education.
• Documentation of a clear criminal record in compliance with state statute.

Responsibilities

• Evaluates students as part of the multi‑factored evaluation process.
• Assists with the development of the individualized education program (IEP) for students.
• Plans and implements therapy programs for identified students.

Skills

Valid state license as Occupational Therapist

Pupil Services Registration

Master's Degree or equivalent

Education

Master's Degree

Job description

Minimum Qualifications

• Valid state license to practice as an Occupational Therapist issued by the Ohio OT/PT/AT Board
• Valid Pupil Services Registration issued by the Ohio State Board of Education
• Master's Degree or equivalent
• Documentation of a clear criminal record in compliance with state statute.
• Complies with drug‑free workplace rules and Board policies

Note

This assignment may require a valid driver's license and access/availability of a reliable vehicle. Employees must meet all prerequisite and ongoing qualifications to be covered by the service center's insurance carrier.

FLSA Classification

Exempt

Reports To

Director of Student Services and his/her designee

Job Objectives

Provide interventions and evaluations informed by evidence; identify learning opportunities to enable students to improve skills within the context of everyday activities and routines.

Responsibilities And Essential Functions

"The following duties are representative of performance expectations, however, the list below is not ranked in order of importance or intended to be all inclusive."

• Evaluates students as a part of the multi‑factored evaluation process in the areas of self‑care, fine motor, visual‑motor, sensory processing, and other related areas.
• Assists with the development of the individualized education program (IEP) for students.
• Plans and implements therapy programs for identified students, develops a therapy schedule, participates in team meetings, conferences, etc.
• Uses effective behavior management strategies to create a safe, positive and engaging learning environment; and is responsible for the care, custody and supervision of students.
• Incorporates and promotes instructional, assistive, and other types of technology; and upholds the acceptable use policy.
• Utilizes appropriate assessment, data collection and progress monitoring methods to inform instruction and monitor progress.
• Consults with parents, school personnel and outside agencies as appropriate; provides families with techniques to assist with therapeutic interventions at home.
• Provides general supervision of an occupational therapist assistant when assigned, co‑signs all documentation as required.
• Provides in‑service and training to parents and school personnel.
• Participates on building level teams.
• Participates in professional growth activities through staff development, workshops, in‑services and higher education.
• Upholds Board policies, follows administrative guidelines, complies with Federal and state laws, model policies and procedures, rules and regulations for the education of students with disabilities. Ensures paperwork is accurate, all timelines and deadlines are met (annual reviews, progress reports, etc.), strictly adheres to HIPAA and FERPA, respects personal privacy and maintains confidentiality of privileged information.
• Maintains high ethical standards, exhibits professionalism, self‑control, flexibility, satisfactory attendance/punctuality, dependability, accepts responsibility for decisions and conduct, promotes a favorable image of the Agency, etc.
• Adapts to unique circumstances and factors such as travel, extended hours, student behaviors, lifting/transferring students, interactions with aggressive/disruptive individuals, etc.
• Completes other specific job‑related duties as assigned by the Superintendent or his/her designee.

Job performance is evaluated according to the policy provisions adopted by the Governing Board of the Educational Service Center of Central Ohio.

Conduct

Each staff member shall remain free of any alcohol or non‑prescribed controlled substance and abuse of any prescribed controlled substance in the workplace throughout his/her employment with the ESC.

Terms Of Employment

Each staff member shall serve as a role model for students in how to conduct themselves as citizens and as responsible, intelligent human beings. Each staff member has a legal responsibility to help instill in students the belief in and practice of ethical principles and democratic values. The employees are responsible for maintaining proper certification/licensure and initiating the renewal process in sufficient time to receive the updated certificate/license before the present certificate/license expires.

The Educational Service Center of Central Ohio Governing Board does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, sexual orientation, or age in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities. This job description summary does not imply that these are the only duties to be performed. This job description is subject to change in response to funding variables, emerging technologies, improved operating procedures, productivity factors, and unforeseen events.

Application Procedure

Please apply online at www.escco.org/careers.

Job ID 23091 - Occupational Therapist

February 2026