PT Occupational Therapist

solterra-school; Norfolk (VA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 63,000; Part time

Job summary

Solterra School in Norfolk, VA seeks a dedicated Occupational Therapist to support neurodivergent students within the classroom.

This part-time, on-site role blends therapy into daily routines, with pay ranging from $36 to $46 per hour, reflecting responsibilities and experience.

You will collaborate with teachers and BCBA teams to embed OT strategies into instruction, deliver individual and small-group sessions, and help students build independence and functional skills.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program.
• Active (or eligible) Virginia OT licensure.
• Ability to move and lift at least 50 lbs; safety considerations.
• Successful completion of safety care course.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate students’ sensory processing, fine motor, self-care, motor planning, and executive functioning needs.
• Deliver individual and small-group OT therapy within the classroom setting.
• Design practical sensory supports and calm-down plans for classroom teams to implement.
• Support students in developing independence with daily routines and participation.
• Collaborate with teachers and BCBA teams to embed OT strategies into instruction and behavior plans.
• Document progress and treatment plans, ensuring fidelity to individualized goals.
• Partner with families to carry over skills across settings.

Skills

Calm presence

Strong communication

Team collaboration

Creative problem-solving

Ethical care

Education

Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy

Virginia OT license

Job description

Solterra School provides a nurturing, highly individualized learning environment that blends evidence-based therapies with innovative education. Our mission is simple yet bold: to redefine what’s possible for neurodivergent students.

We believe the best learning happens when students feel safe — emotionally, relationally, from a sensory perspective, and physically. At Solterra, therapeutic supports and educational instruction are not two separate worlds. They’re integrated seamlessly, helping every student learn in ways that honor their strengths, their needs, and their unique story.

Occupational Therapist (OT)

Solterra School | Norfolk, VA | Part-Time

Help students build the skills to thrive, one movement at a time.

At Solterra School, we’re creating a different kind of school—one that brings education, clinical support, and compassion together to help students with autism reach their fullest potential.

We’re looking for an Occupational Therapist who’s passionate about helping students build independence, regulation, and functional skills, and wants to be part of a collaborative, growing team.

Hours & Compensation

This is a part-time, on-site clinical role aligned with the school day, with services embedded directly into the classroom and school routine rather than delivered in isolation.

The pay for this position is $36-$46 per hour, set in good faith based on the responsibilities of the role, qualifications, and market conditions.

What You’ll Do

• Evaluate students’ sensory processing, fine motor, self-care, motor planning, and executive functioning needs.
• Deliver individual and small-group therapy that builds regulation, fine motor, and functional independence skills.
• Design practical sensory supports—sensory diets, calm-down plans, and environmental adjustments that classroom teams can actually sustain.
• Support students in building independence with daily routines, self-care tasks, and classroom participation.
• Collaborate with teachers and BCBAs to embed OT strategies directly into instruction and behavior plans.
• Document progress and treatment plans with fidelity to support each student’s individualized goals.
• Partner with families to help skills and strategies carry over across settings.

What We’re Looking For

• A calm, grounded clinical presence who genuinely enjoys working with children.
• Comfortable supporting students with autism and diverse sensory, motor, and regulation needs.
• A strong communicator and collaborative team player.
• Practical and creative—someone who builds tools and strategies that classroom staff can actually carry forward.
• Committed to ethical, dignity-based, student-centered care.

Required

• Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program and active (or eligible) Virginia OT licensure.
• Ability to move and lift at least 50 lbs.
• Successful completion of safety care course
• Physical activity requirements such as walking, jogging, running, lifting, and standing on feet for extended periods of time

Preferred

Experience in a private day school, special education setting, pediatric clinic, or integrated education-therapy environment; familiarity with UDL and trauma-informed practices.

Why Solterra?

• Student-centered care
• True interdisciplinary collaboration
• Professional growth and learning
• Dignity, respect, and inclusion
• The opportunity to help shape a growing school

If you’re looking for a role where your work can make a real difference in a student’s day—and their future—we’d love to meet you.

Join Solterra School and help us redefine what school can be.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Solterra School, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all team members. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

We believe every member of our community deserves dignity, respect, and the opportunity to thrive.