Ocupational Therapist

American Paradigm Schools

8101 Castor Avenue Philadelphia PA 19152

Discovering Excellence Through Cultivating Differences

American Paradigm Schools are dedicated to equity and excellence for all learners while celebrating the uniqueness of our communities. Our values drive our dedication to providing a world class education.

Position: Ocupational Therapist

Position type: Part Time

Position location (School): Memphis Street Academy Charter School

Department: Special Education

Reports to: Director of Special Education

Employment status:Exempt

Employment duration: 10 months

FLSA Status: Part Time Hourly

Work Year: 10-month (School Year)

Hours and Days 8-10 hours per week Monday - Thursday Flexible

Position Summary

The Occupational Therapist (OT) provides school-based occupational therapy services to students in accordance with IDEA Section 504 and relevant state regulations. The OT supports students ability to access and participate in the general education curriculum by addressing fine motor visual-motor sensory processing self-regulation and functional school skills. The OT collaborates closely with educators related service providers and families to design and implement interventions that promote student independence engagement and success in the school environment.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Direct Services & Intervention

• Provide occupational therapy services to students with IEPs and 504 Plans in individual small group and/or push-in classroom settings.
• Assess students fine motor visual-motor sensory processing self-care and functional school skills using standardized and informal tools.
• Develop and implement therapy interventions that improve student access to and participation in classroom and school activities.
• Adapt materials tools and classroom tasks to meet the functional needs of students.

Evaluation & Documentation

• Conduct initial evaluations reevaluations and screenings as part of the special education and/or MTSS process.
• Prepare clear timely and legally compliant evaluation reports progress reports and documentation of services.
• Develop present levels of performance measurable goals and related service recommendations for IEPs.
• Maintain accurate service logs documentation and records in accordance with district and state requirements.

Collaboration & Consultation

• Collaborate with teachers paraprofessionals related service providers and support staff to integrate OT strategies into daily routines and classroom instruction.
• Participate in IEP meetings parent conferences and multidisciplinary team meetings providing professional input and recommendations.
• Provide coaching modeling and consultation to staff on classroom accommodations sensory supports and motor-based interventions.
• Communicate regularly and professionally with families regarding student progress and strategies for supporting skills at home.

School & Program Support

• Assist in developing and implementing school-wide sensory and regulation supports (e.g. sensory spaces movement breaks classroom environmental modifications).
• Support the implementation of MTSS/RTI interventions through consultation strategies and data review.
• Provide staff training on topics such as fine motor development handwriting sensory regulation and ergonomic/positioning supports for students.

Compliance & Professionalism

• Ensure all services and documentation comply with federal state and local regulations and school policies.
• Maintain confidentiality of student records and information in accordance with FERPA and school guidelines.
• Engage in ongoing professional development to remain current in best practices and evidence-based school-based OT interventions.
• Demonstrate professionalism reliability and a student-centered solution-oriented mindset in all interactions.

Qualifications

Required:

• Masters degree (or higher) in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program.
• Current state licensure as an Occupational Therapist.
• NBCOT certification (or eligibility depending on state requirements).
• Prior pediatric and/or school-based experience (clinical rotations may be considered).

Preferred:

• Experience working in urban public or charter schools.
• Knowledge of IDEA Section 504 and special education processes and timelines.
• Experience with sensory processing interventions assistive/ adaptive equipment and school-based accommodations.

Knowledge Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of child development fine and visual-motor skills sensory integration and functional school skills.
• Ability to interpret evaluation data and translate it into practical classroom-relevant strategies.
• Excellent collaboration communication and interpersonal skills with students families and staff.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage a caseload schedule and documentation requirements effectively.
• Culturally responsive and trauma-informed approach to working with students and families.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift move and position students or equipment as needed to support student participation (with appropriate assistance when required).
• Ability to sit stand bend kneel and move throughout the school building and classrooms in the course of service delivery.

Work Environment

• School-based environment serving students in general education and special education settings.

Relationships are the foundation of classroom and school life and underpin teaching learning and prosocial development. Building relationships and fostering students sense of community are a critical part of our work at APS and as such we have partnered with the Collaborative Classroom to implement the Caring School Community Model in all of our schools.

Caring School Community model builds positive classroom and schoolwide communities while developing students social and emotional learning (SEL) skills and competencies. It is designed to help students become caring responsible members of their school communities and ultimately to grow into humane principled and skilled citizens of a democratic society. The lessons in the program help faculty and staff create a warm safe and disciplined school environment where all community members can develop the skills and dispositions they need to interact constructively with others.

All employees at American Paradigm Schools are expected to be true champions of the Caring School Community Prog