Job Description

Want to make a difference? So do we! We believe that everyone is capable of growth and development, and if people are not growing and developing, it’s because they haven’t been given the proper support (yet). That’s where we come in! We are here to help each person with whom we work grow, develop, and become a little bit better today than they were yesterday. Apply your skills as an OT in a public-school setting and begin making a difference in the lives of students with special needs.

Position Summary : Public school occupational therapists (OTs) support students with disabilities by helping them develop the skills needed to participate fully in school activities, such as handwriting, self-care, and classroom tasks. They collaborate with teachers, families, and other school staff to create and implement individualized education programs (IEPs). OTs also assess students’ needs, provide interventions, and monitor progress to ensure students can access and succeed in their educational environment.

The OT is responsible for delivering direct therapy to students receiving special education services. The OT will work individually with students 1-2 times a week in pull-out, and/or push-in sessions, and may hold small-group sessions with students working on similar goals. The OT may also consult with teachers on behalf of other students 1-2 times a month. 

• OTs must collaborate with teachers, parents, and other professionals to gain an understanding of students’ strengths, interests, and needs.
• Depending upon the school district, OTs should be able to utilize a variety of evaluation tools to assess students’ needs and help determine if they are eligible for special education services. 
• OTs will propose relevant IEP goals to students’ interdisciplinary teams and work throughout the year to help students achieve their goals. 
• OTs will need to collect and summarize data on students’ progress, and draft progress reports as per district schedules. 
• In addition to collaborating with teachers and parents, OTs will need to work closely with other professionals such as school psychologists, behavior analysts, and mental health therapists.
• Experience with or the ability to develop and coordinate therapy schedules to ensure students receive all services identified in their IEPs is essential.

Additional Job Functions

• Review/discuss caseload with Aveanna’s Clinical Director at least once a month.
• Provide screenings to identify students who require occupational therapy interventions and/or referral for formal assessment.
• Provide a written evaluation defining Occupational Therapy needs, goals and expected outcomes.
• Serves as a resource consultant for clinical staff.

Requirements

• Current and unrestricted OT license to practice in the state of practice (not under investigation for anything that may jeopardize one’s license).
• Additional requirements vary by state and district (e.g., First Aid, CPR certification, mandated reporter training, child abuse clearances, criminal history background checks).
• Continuing Education as required by state and/or licensing/regulatory bodies.

Other Skills/Abilities

• Ability to adhere to confidentiality standards and professional boundaries at all times.
• Effective problem-solving and conflict resolution.
• Good organization and communication skills.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to speak, write, read and understand English.
• Must be able to travel to two or more schools on any given day.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
• Prolonged walking, standing, bending, kneeling, reaching, and twisting.
• Must be able to appropriately respond physically and mentally to emergency situations.
• Must be able to sufficiently reposition students and move equipment without assistance.

As an employer accepting Medicare and Medicaid funds, employees must comply with all health-related requirements in all relevant jurisdictions, including required vaccinations and testing, subject to exemptions for medical or religious reasons as appropriate.

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