Substitute Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Hudson City School District; City of Hudson (NY); On-site; USD 55,000 - 83,000; Part time

Job summary

The Hudson City School District seeks a Substitute Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant to support elementary students with disabilities at Montgomery C. Smith Elementary School.

Responsibilities include evaluating and providing direct and consultative OT services within classrooms and therapy areas to improve fine motor, sensory processing, self-care, and functional skills for school success. The role requires NYS OT licensure, NYSED School OT certification (or eligibility), NBCOT, and

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program.
• Current New York State license to practice Occupational Therapy.
• NYSED certification as a School Occupational Therapist, or eligibility to obtain certification.
• Current NBCOT certification.
• Experience with elementary-age children with disabilities.

Responsibilities

• Conduct occupational therapy evaluations and re-evaluations in accordance with IDEA and NYSED regulations.
• Develop and monitor individualized OT goals as part of IEPs.
• Provide direct, small-group, and consultative OT services in classrooms and therapy spaces.
• Collaborate with teachers and staff to embed sensory, fine motor, and self-regulation strategies.
• Maintain accurate documentation and participate in CSE meetings and RTI planning.

Skills

Collaboration

Communication

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Education

Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy

New York State OT license

NYSED School OT certification or eligibility

NBCOT certification

Job description

Substitute Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Location: Montgomery C. Smith Elementary School

Hours: 8:00am-3:15pm - Monday - Thursday, 8:00am-3:00pm - Friday

Dates: October 17, 2026 - April 17, 2027

Rate of Pay: Per Contract

Appropriate NYS certification/Licensure is required.

Position Summary

The Occupational Therapist (OT) provides evaluation and direct and consultative therapy services to elementary students (Pre-K-5) with disabilities that affect their ability to access and participate in the educational environment. The OT works collaboratively with classroom teachers, special education staff, related service providers, and families to support students’ fine motor, sensory processing, self-care, and functional skills necessary for school success, and contributes to the school’s broader efforts to meet New York State accountability and improvement goals.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct occupational therapy evaluations and re-evaluations in accordance with IDEA, New York State Education Department (NYSED) regulations, and district timelines.
• Develop, implement, and monitor progress on individualized occupational therapy goals as part of students’ Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
• Provide direct, small-group, and/or consultative therapy services within classrooms, therapy rooms, and other natural school environments.
• Collaborate with classroom teachers and special education staff to embed sensory, fine motor, and self-regulation strategies into daily instruction.
• Participate in Committee on Special Education (CSE) meetings, providing reports and recommendations regarding student needs and progress.
• Recommend, fit, and train staff and students in the use of adaptive equipment and assistive technology as needed.
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation of evaluations, service logs, progress notes, and Medicaid billing records as required.
• Communicate regularly with parents/guardians regarding student progress, home strategies, and therapy recommendations.
• Participate in Response to Intervention (RTI) and building-level student support team meetings as requested.
• Support school-wide initiatives related to the school’s ATSI designation by contributing to data collection, progress monitoring, and intervention planning for students receiving OT services.
• Maintain licensure, certification, and continuing education requirements; stay current on best practices in pediatric school-based occupational therapy.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Building Principal or Director of Special Education.

Qualifications

Required:

• Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program.
• Current New York State license to practice Occupational Therapy.
• New York State Education Department certification as a School Occupational Therapist, or eligibility to obtain certification.
• Current registration with the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
• Experience or demonstrated knowledge working with elementary-age children with a range of disabilities.

Preferred:

• Prior experience providing occupational therapy services in a public school setting.
• Experience with sensory integration approaches and assistive technology for young learners.
• Familiarity with IEP development and special education compliance requirements under IDEA and NYSED regulations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong understanding of child development, pediatric occupational therapy practice, and school-based service delivery models.
• Ability to develop measurable, standards-aligned IEP goals and progress-monitoring tools.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills with staff, students, and families.
• Strong organizational skills to manage caseloads, documentation, and compliance deadlines.
• Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team, including special education teachers, speech-language pathologists, physical therapists, school psychologists, and administrators.
• Cultural competence and ability to work effectively with a diverse student and family population.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and position students and equipment as needed (up to 40 lbs., with assistance as appropriate).
• Ability to sit, kneel, and move at floor level to work with young children.
• Ability to move throughout the building, including stairs, to provide services in multiple locations.

Terms of Employment

Salary and benefits shall be determined in accordance with the district’s compensation schedule and applicable collective bargaining agreement.

Evaluation

Performance in this position will be evaluated in accordance with district policy and procedures for related service providers.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required.

The Hudson City School District offers employment and educational opportunities, including vocational education opportunities without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, or handicap.

We welcome applications from those who contribute to our diversity.