Occupational Therapist SY2026-27 (NBOE)

Newark Public Schools; Newark (NJ); On-site; USD 72,250 - 114,750; Full time

Job summary

Newark Board of Education is seeking an Occupational Therapist in the Office of Special Education to join a district‑wide program supporting students with special needs.

The role requires NJ standards certificates and OT licensure, five years of experience, and strong collaboration with staff, families, and community partners. The incumbent will lead professional development and coordinate services across schools.

Qualifications

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Possess a Standard certificate that meets NJDOE requirements.
• License as an Occupational Therapist from OT Advisory Council.
• Minimum of five (5) years OT experience.
• Good computer and technological skills.
• Experience collaborating with staff, administrators, parents, community orgs, and vendors.
• Three (3) letters of recommendation, including one from current principal/supervisor.

Responsibilities

• Plans and conducts seminars, workshops, and professional development activities.
• Facilitates inclusion of special needs students into general education classes where possible.
• Coordinates services district-wide for special needs students from pre-school through high school.
• Attends and participates in ongoing professional development activities.
• Analyzes data and makes recommendations based on assessment findings.
• Provides progress reports on students and program initiatives.
• Keeps records for submission to the Director of Special Education.
• Assists teachers with use of new tech equipment and materials.
• Visits multi-sites and coordinates OT and educational activities.

Skills

Computer skills

Interpersonal skills

Documentation

Education

Master's degree

Standard certificate

OT license

NJ Emergency certificate eligibility

Job description

ROGER LEÓN, DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT

Occupational Therapist

(Pending availability of funds and Board of Education approval)

Position

The Superintendent invites qualified and interested persons to apply for the position of Occupational Therapist, Office of Special Education.

Qualifications & Requirements

• An appropriate New Jersey Department of Education Standard Certificate or eligible for an Emergency certificate as deemed necessary by https://www.nj.gov/education/certification/certsandtitles/
• Master's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Possess a Standard certificate that meets the requirements of the New Jersey Department of Education.
• Possess a License as an Occupational Therapist issued by the Occupational Therapy Advisory Council, Department of Law and Public Safety.
• A minimum of five (5) years successful occupational therapy experience.
• Good computer and technological skills.
• Experience in working with staff, administrators, parents, community‑based organizations, and vendors in therapeutic program development and implementation.
• Three (3) letters of recommendation, which should include one (1) from current principal or supervisor.
• Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

NOTE

Examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.

Basic Functions And Responsibilities

• Plans and conducts seminars, workshops, and professional development activities.
• Facilitates the inclusion of special needs students into general education classes whenever and wherever possible.
• Coordinates services throughout the district, in classes, schools other district sites, and with service providers for special needs students, pre‑school through high school.
• Assumes responsibility to attend and participate in on‑going professional development workshops and activities.
• Analyzes, draws conclusions, and communicates student assessment data, makes individual and program recommendations when needed, and makes program recommendations based upon the analysis of this data.
• Provides reports on the progress of students and program initiatives.
• Keeps accurate and detailed records for submission to the Director of Special Education or designee.
• Assists classroom teachers and teacher aides in the creative use of new technological equipment and supplementary materials.
• Visits multi‑sites and participates in the development and coordination of occupational therapy and educational activities.
• Performs other duties consistent with specific contractual terms of employment as assigned by the Director of the Office of Special Education.

KNOWLDEGE AND ABILITIIES

• Knowledge of Public Law 105‑17, IDEA ‘04 and NJ Code (Table 6A, Chapter 14).
• Knowledge of the principals, standards, and techniques of occupational therapy.
• Knowledge of occupational therapy methods, materials, and equipment and their utilization.
• Ability to physically lift, move, and position students as needed.
• Ability to prepare accurate and detailed student progress and other reports of the occupational therapy findings and progress.

REPORTS TO

Building Principal

Salary and Employment Period

• Salary Range: $72,250 - $114,750
• Employment Period: Ten (10) Months
• Union Affiliation: NTU

Benefits

In an effort to attract and retain staff, NBOE offers competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits for all full‑time staff. Offerings include Medical and Prescription Drug plans, employer‑paid Dental and Vision coverage, an array of Wellness and Voluntary benefits programs, and paid time off; all employees receive paid Personal and Sick days, as well as Vacation days for 12‑month employees. For details, please go to https://nboehrs.com/

How to Apply

Newark Public Schools is only accepting electronic applications.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Newark Board of Education is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employee