Occupational Therapist

About the role

Archbishop Damiano School is seeking a dedicated and compassionate full-time Occupational Therapist (OT) to work with students who have mild to severe disabilities. The OT will aim to improve students' academic and functional skills through therapeutic activities and collaborate with educators, families, and other specialists to support student participation, independence, and access to the educational environment.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of students' fine motor, sensory, and perceptual-motor skills.
• Evaluate students' needs and develop individualized treatment plans to support their educational goals.
• Provide direct occupational therapy services to students with a range of disabilities, including autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and other developmental disorders.
• Implement therapeutic activities and exercises designed to enhance students' ability to perform school-related tasks.
• Utilize adaptive equipment and techniques to support students' participation in educational activities.
• Recommend, implement, and monitor the use of adaptive equipment, assistive technology, and environmental modifications.
• Develop and implement interventions that support sensory processing, self-regulation, fine motor development, visual-motor integration, and participation in educational activities.
• Support students with varying academic, behavioral, communication, sensory, physical, and social-emotional needs.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, speech-language therapists, physical therapists, counselors, nurses, paraprofessionals, administrators, parents, and other members of the multidisciplinary team to support student success and implement individualized education programs (IEPs).
• Provide training and resources to school staff and families on strategies to support students’ occupational therapy needs.
• Collaborate with classroom staff to support the carryover of therapeutic strategies within instructional and school-based environments.
• Consult with educational staff regarding classroom supports, accommodations, environmental modifications, and strategies that enhance student participation and access to learning.
• Participate in IEP meetings and contribute to the development of educational goals and objectives.
• Maintain clear, accurate, and timely documentation of services and student progress.
• Promote student independence, functional participation, self-advocacy, and access to educational activities across school environments.
• Respond appropriately to interruptions, emergencies, and various safety and evacuation drills.
• Develop professional competencies; keep abreast of related literature, enhance technical skills and knowledge.
• Participate in department meetings and in-service training; offer ideas for improved services and operations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Minimum of bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy from an accredited institution; master’s degree preferred.
• Valid license from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
• New Jersey Department of Education Certification as School Occupational Therapist.
• Approved Criminal History Review from the NJ Department of Education, Office of Criminal History Review.
• CPR certification and first aid certification preferred.
• Experience working in a school setting with students with autism spectrum disorder, developmental disabilities, multiple disabilities, and complex communication needs preferred.
• Strong understanding of pediatric occupational therapy principles and practices.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to learn new tasks quickly.
• High level of discretion and confidentiality.

Work Environment

The OT will work primarily within the school environment, providing services in classrooms, therapy rooms, community-based instructional settings, and other educational environments. The position may require some physical activity, including lifting and positioning students, as well as demonstrating therapeutic exercises.

Schedule

Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM, 48-Week Contract

Benefits

• Dental Insurance
• Health Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Vision Insurance