About this role
Berkley Public Schools Position Description: Occupational Therapist (OT) Length of Work Year: School Year Position Goal: The School-Based Occupational Therapist is responsible for providing evaluation, consultation, and occupational therapy services to students whose educational performance and access to the school environment are impacted by fine motor, visual motor, sensory processing, self-regulation, functional, or other occupational performance needs. Qualifications:
• Bachelor's Degree
• Current Massachusetts License to practice as an occupational therapist
• Current certification through the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, as applicable
• Understanding of the Individual Education Program (IEP) process
• Ability to work as part of an educational team
Reports to: School Principal and Administrator for Student Services Performance Responsibilities:
• Provide direct and consultative occupational therapy services to students in accordance with their IEPs.
• Develop and implement interventions that support students' access to and participation in the educational environment.
• Support students in developing functional skills related to fine motor development, visual motor integration, sensory processing and regulation, self-care, classroom participation, and other areas that affect educational performance.
• Collaborate with classroom teachers, special education teachers, paraprofessionals, and other related service providers to integrate occupational therapy strategies into students' educational programs and daily routines.
• Recommend appropriate accommodations, modifications, adaptive equipment, assistive technology, and environmental supports based on individual student needs.
• Provide consultation and strategies to staff to promote student independence and reduce unnecessary dependence on adult support.
• Support the development and implementation of inclusive practices that allow students to participate successfully in the least restrictive environment.
• Conduct occupational therapy evaluations and screenings using appropriate standardized and non-standardized assessment tools, observations, record reviews, and interviews.
• Prepare comprehensive written evaluation reports that clearly communicate assessment results, educational impact, and recommendations to the student's educational team.
• Participate in IEP Team meetings, eligibility determinations, reevaluations, and other student support meetings as appropriate.
• Develop measurable annual goals, objectives or benchmarks, service delivery recommendations, and accommodations based on identified student needs.
• Maintain accurate documentation of occupational therapy services, student progress, consultation, evaluations, and other required records.
• Monitor student progress toward IEP goals and adjust interventions and service delivery based on student data and educational needs.
• Complete progress reports and other required documentation within established timelines.
• Maintain, organize, and appropriately use occupational therapy materials, equipment, and assessment instruments.
• Identify and communicate needs for adaptive equipment, assistive technology, or specialized materials and support their appropriate implementation within the school environment.
• Follow all district procedures and professional standards related to student safety, infection control, equipment use, and service delivery.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with parents/guardians regarding students' occupational therapy needs, services, and progress.
• Participate collaboratively in IEP Team meetings and explain occupational therapy evaluations, recommendations, and services in clear and family-friendly language.
• Provide families with appropriate strategies and resources to support students' functional skills and independence when appropriate.
• Collaborate with outside providers and agencies, with appropriate authorization, to support continuity of services and student success.
• Support students and families during transitions between programs, grade levels, schools, or outside services as appropriate.
• Work collaboratively with general education teachers, special education teachers, administrators, paraprofessionals, school psychologists, speech-language pathologists, physical therapists, nurses, counselors, and other members of the educational team.
• Serve as a resource to school staff regarding occupational performance, sensory and regulation needs, fine motor development, adaptive equipment, assistive technology, and strategies that support student access and independence.
• Provide consultation, modeling, and training to staff regarding occupational therapy strategies and student-specific supports.
• Participate in multidisciplinary problem-solving and pre-referral processes when appropriate.
• Maintain professional competence through ongoing professional development and knowledge of current evidence-based practices in school-based occupational therapy.
• Demonstrate professional, ethical, and confidential practices in all interactions with students, families, colleagues, and community partners.
• Contribute positively to a collaborative school culture focused on student learning, belonging, independence, and success.
• Maintain effective communication with administrators regarding student needs, caseload responsibilities, scheduling, equipment, and program needs.
• Other essential functions of the position:
• Maintains a record of regular attendance and reports to the appropriate supervisor when absent
• Possesses a working knowledge of technology and Google applications
• Maintains physical agility and strength to perform job-related tasks as appropriate
• Be able to work in a noisy, stressful, high-pressure environment and maintain safety for students and staff.
• Be able to work independently and collaboratively
• Work with purpose to complete tasks with accuracy and efficiency
• Completes and adheres to all district-wide mandatory training
• Adheres to school and district emergency procedures
• Pursues professional training to maintain and improve skill set
• Communicates effectively verbally and in writing
• Ensures confidentiality regarding all personal information of students and staff
• Executes other duties and/or responsibilities as delegated by the Superintendent, School Principal, or Administrator for Student Services that are consistent with the scope and responsibilities of the position.
Terms of Employment: School year position. Salary and benefits in accordance with the applicable collective bargaining agreement and/or individual employment agreement. Evaluation: Evaluated in accordance with Berkley Public Schools procedures and applicable Massachusetts requirements.