Occupational Therapist

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

EVALUATION & ELIGIBILITY

Conduct comprehensive OT evaluations to determine educational need and IDEA eligibility, including assessment of fine motor skills, sensory processing, visual-motor integration, self-care, and classroom participation

Administer and interpret standardized assessment tools (Beery VMI, SIPT, BOT-2, SPM, COPM, and others) as appropriate to the referral

Write evaluation reports that are clinically rigorous, educationally relevant, and accessible to IEP team members and families

Participate in eligibility determination meetings and translate OT findings for educational planning purposes

Conduct re-evaluations (triennials) in accordance with IDEA timelines

IEP DEVELOPMENT & SERVICE DELIVERY

Develop individualized OT IEP goals targeting skills that affect educational access — including handwriting, fine motor coordination, sensory regulation, and functional self-care

Deliver direct individual and small-group therapy sessions using evidence-based OT frameworks (Ayres Sensory Integration, CO-OP, sensory diet programming, and others)

Design and implement sensory diets, environmental modifications, and adaptive equipment recommendations to support classroom participation

Provide consultative services to teachers and paraprofessionals on sensory accommodations and adaptive strategies

Maintain accurate, timely service logs and progress notes — supported by Thrive’s AI documentation tools

COLLABORATION & ADAPTIVE SUPPORTS

Partner with SLPs, PTs, BCBAs, school psychologists, and special education teachers on integrated, student-centered IEP teams

Evaluate for and recommend adaptive equipment, positioning tools, and assistive technology to support educational access

Train teachers, paraprofessionals, and families on sensory strategies, handwriting supports, and ADL skill generalization

Contribute to RTI/MTSS frameworks by providing universal sensory screening and Tier 1/Tier 2 motor skill consultation

Coordinate with physical therapists on overlapping mobility, positioning, and motor goals

QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIRED

Master’s or bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy from an ACOTE-accredited program

NBCOT certification (OTR) in good standing

Active state OT license in good standing, or documented initiation of licensure transfer prior to start date

Knowledge of IDEA, IEP process, and the educational model of OT

PREFERRED

1+ years of school-based OT experience

Training or certification in Ayres Sensory Integration (ASI) or related sensory processing frameworks

Experience with AAC and assistive technology evaluation and implementation

Familiarity with RTI/MTSS and universal design for learning (UDL) frameworks

Experience serving students with autism, intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, or developmental coordination disorder