Occupational Therapist (SPED) 2026-2027

About the role

The Occupational Therapist (SPED) evaluates students to determine their functional levels and special needs, planning and implementing therapeutic activities to assist special education students in benefiting from their educational experience. The therapist also plans and implements the goals of the Individual Education Plan (IEP).

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy (minimum) from a school accredited by the American Occupational Therapy Association.
• Must have, or be eligible for current Occupational Therapy license from the Kansas State Board of Healing Arts.
• School-based Occupational Therapy experience and experience with assistive technology helpful.

Physical/Emotional Requirements

• Regularly required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear.
• Frequently required to stand, walk, sit, and reach with hands and arms.
• Occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.
• Requires close vision, distance vision, and depth perception.

Performance Responsibilities

• Implements the Individual Education Plan.
• Provides training to the appropriate persons who will carry out therapy goals in the school setting.
• Manages equipment and maintains a positive environment.
• Provides program services that include: self help, functional mobility, environmental adaptations/adaptive equipment, positioning, motor functions, sensory processing, and prevocation/vocational skills.
• Functions as a team member of the Student Improvement Team. Maintains contact with school, family, physicians, and agencies.
• Formulates occupational therapy procedures.
• Conducts screening evaluations and reassessment to develop Individual Education Plans.
• Schedules students for evaluation and treatment.
• Assigns and supervises caseload and responsibilities of the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant.
• Supervises pupils in out-of-classroom activities during the assigned duty day.
• Oversees assigned budgets.
• Supports the District’s educational mission for all students and implements all Board regulations and policies in a fair and equitable manner.
• Completes all Special Education paperwork including IEPs and Medicaid billing.

Terms of Employment

• 9 months; salary and work year to be determined by the Board of Education.

Evaluation

Performance of this position will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the board policy on evaluation of Support Service Personnel.

Significant Associations

• The performance responsibilities are not limited to those outlined in this description and may include any other responsibilities as assigned by the administrator/supervisor.

About Topeka Public Schools

Topeka Public Schools is recognized nationally for:

• Academic excellence
• Post-secondary and career success
• Achievement in arts, athletics and extracurricular activities

Strengthened by diversity and a welcoming and inclusive environment, our district will cultivate partnerships with staff, families, businesses, and the greater community to develop students' educational, physical, and social-emotional well being.

Our Mission: Engage students in the highest quality learning. Prepare students for responsible and productive citizenship. Inspire excellence for a lifetime.