0.5 Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapist (.5 FTE)

LOCATION: TBD / District-Wide Support

START DATE/CALENDAR: 202627 School Year / Per Applicable Agreement

SALARY/BENEFITS: Based on experience and applicable compensation schedule/agreement

Kenowa Hills Public Schools is seeking a collaborative student-centered Occupational Therapist to support students with a variety of educational developmental sensory motor and functional needs within the school setting. The Occupational Therapist works as part of a multidisciplinary team to help students access and participate successfully in their educational environment.

The ideal candidate demonstrates strong communication skills knowledge of school-based occupational therapy practices and the ability to build positive relationships with students families and staff while supporting student independence and success across educational settings.

• Current license as an Occupational Therapist through the State of Michigan required

• Registration through the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) preferred

• Bachelors or Masters degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program required

• Previous experience in pediatric educational or school-based occupational therapy preferred

• Knowledge of special education laws IDEA requirements IEP development and school-based service delivery models preferred

• Experience supporting students with sensory fine motor self-regulation adaptive behavioral developmental and functional needs preferred

• Ability to collaborate effectively with teachers administrators support staff families and outside service providers

• Strong organizational communication and documentation skills

• Ability to manage schedules prioritize tasks and maintain accurate service records and compliance documentation

• Willingness to participate in district-provided training opportunities including CPI CPR/First Aid and district initiatives

• Knowledge of skills and abilities related to diversity equity inclusion and cultural competence

• Provide occupational therapy evaluations screenings and assessments for students referred through special education or intervention processes

• Develop implement and monitor occupational therapy goals and services in accordance with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)

• Provide direct and consultative occupational therapy services to students individually and in small groups

• Support students with fine motor sensory self-regulation adaptive visual-motor handwriting and functional skill development

• Collaborate with teachers support staff families administrators and multidisciplinary teams to support student access and participation in the educational environment

• Participate in IEP meetings evaluation meetings and problem-solving teams as required

• Maintain accurate records progress monitoring data therapy notes and compliance documentation in accordance with district state and federal requirements

• Recommend adaptive equipment environmental modifications accommodations and intervention strategies to support student success

• Support students with varying academic behavioral social-emotional sensory and regulatory needs including students who may demonstrate dysregulated unsafe or escalated behaviors

• Implement de-escalation and student support strategies aligned with district practices and training

• Respond calmly safely and appropriately to student behavioral escalation or crisis situations

• Collaborate with staff regarding strategies to support sensory regulation classroom participation and student independence

• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times

• Participate in professional learning and continuous improvement aligned with district initiatives and best practices

• Perform additional duties as assigned

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. This is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties responsibilities or requirements. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This position requires the ability to:

• Stand walk move and transition frequently throughout classrooms therapy spaces and school environments

• Bend kneel crouch squat sit on the floor and work at student level for extended periods of time

• Physically assist position transfer or support students as needed during therapy activities or school routines

• Lift carry move and organize therapy materials adaptive equipment sensory tools and student support equipment weighing up to 50 pounds

• Use hands and arms repetitively while demonstrating activities supporting students completing documentation and utilizing therapy materials and technology

• Communicate effectively with students staff and families

The work environment may include:

• Frequent movement between buildings classrooms therapy spaces and educational settings

• Moderate to occasionally high noise levels

• Supporting students with varying physical behavioral social-emotional sensory communication and developmental needs

• Exposure to bodily fluids illness or student medical needs consistent with school settings

This role also requires:

• The ability to maintain a safe calm structured and supportive environment for students

• The ability to respond appropriately to changing student needs and dynamic educational environments in real time

• The ability to implement therapy interventions sensory supports accommodations and behavioral strategies with consistency and fidelity

• Collaboration with teachers administrators families special education staff and related service providers in a fast-paced educational environment

This position is an in-person role requiring regular on-site attendance. The essential functions of this position cannot be performed remotely.

Until Filled

Pursuant to PA 131 the selected candidate must receive clearance from the Michigan State Police Department prior to employment through Livescan fingerprinting. The candidate is responsible for the fingerprinting background check fee.

Kenowa Hills Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race color religion national origin or ancestry sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity) age disability height weight marital status genetic information military status or any other legally protected status in its programs services activities or employment opportunities.

Inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies should be directed to:

Director of Human Resources
Kenowa Hills Public Schools
2325 Four Mile Road NW
Grand Rapids MI 49544
Phone:

Applicants who require accommodation to participate in the application or interview process are encouraged to contact Human Resources.

Required Experience:

IC