Occupational Therapist

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST (OT)

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

The Occupational Therapist (OT) provides specialized services to support students’ access to the curriculum and participation in school activities. The OT evaluates, plans, and implements therapeutic interventions that address fine motor, visual-motor, sensory-motor, self-help, and functional school skills in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) regulations, and division policies.

ESSENTIAL TASKS

The following duties are typical for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude the other duties if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment for this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job description. Other duties may be required and assigned:

• Conduct comprehensive occupational therapy evaluations using standardized and non-standardized tools as appropriate for the student and to the school-based setting.
• Observe and analyze student performance within natural school environments to determine educational impact and service needs.
• Prepare evaluation reports within required timelines.
• Develop and implement individualized therapy plans based on IEP goals and student needs.
• Provide direct, indirect, consultative, and collaborative services across general and special education settings.
• Integrate evidence-based interventions that support fine motor development, handwriting, sensory regulation, motor planning, adaptive skills, and assistive technology use.
• Support students’ participation in classroom routines, transitions, and functional school activities. School-based settings may include classrooms, hallways, playgrounds, cafeterias, art, physical education, and community-based instruction environments.
• Serve as a member of the IEP team and contribute to goal development, progress monitoring, and service recommendations.
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation in accordance with IDEA, Medicaid billing requirements, and division procedures.
• Communicate progress to families, educational team members, and administrators.
• Collaborate with teachers, administrators, related service providers, and families to support student success. Train educational team members in the use of strategies and tools to ensure carryover for generalization of skills.
• Provide classroom strategies, environmental modifications, and task adaptations to enhance student participation.
• May offer professional development and in-service training on topics such as sensory supports, fine motor development, and assistive technology.
• Assist with Response to Intervention (RTI)/MTSS processes/, including instructional screenings for classroom strategies.
• Support students with identified Assistive Technology (low to high tech) tools and supports including programming, training, and team coordination.
• Contribute to a positive, inclusive school culture that supports diverse learners.
• Supervise Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant(s) as directed.
• Participate in continuing education to remain current with best practices in school-based OT.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Ability to work effectively with students with diverse physical, developmental, and medical needs. Strong communication, collaboration, time management, and organizational skills. Knowledge of IDEA, Section 504, and VDOE special education regulations.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Master’s or Doctoral degree in Occupational Therapy from an ACOTE-accredited program, or a Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy for individuals who were credentialed prior to the profession’s transition to graduate-level entry.

Hold active Department of Health Professions - Occupational Therapist license through the Board of Medicine in Virginia.

Hold National Board Certification from National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (must have for initial certification for licensure and employer prefers ongoing certification).

Familiarity with adaptive equipment and assistive technology tools used in educational settings.

Experience working in a school setting or pediatric environment preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to safely assist with student transfers and positioning. Frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting, and assisting with student mobility. Regular travel between schools within the division. Work is performed in classrooms, hallways, cafeterias, playgrounds, and other school environments. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential tasks.

FLSA status: Exempt Description: 10/2026