THERAPIST

POSITION SUMMARY The Occupational Therapist provides specialized occupational therapy services to support students with disabilities in accessing and participating in educational programs and activities. This position evaluates students' functional abilities, develops and implements individualized interventions, and collaborates with educators, families, and related service providers to address students' physical, sensory, motor, and adaptive needs. The Occupational Therapist supports the development and implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), provides consultation and training to school personnel, and promotes student independence and success in the educational environment.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor's degree in Occupational Therapy required for individuals who earned their degree and obtained occupational therapy licensure prior to January 1, 2007
• Master's degree in Occupational Therapy required for individuals who earned their bachelor's degree after January 1, 2007

CERTIFICATION/LICENSE:

• Valid Georgia Occupational Therapy License without sanctions or restrictions required
• Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) Clearance Certificate required

WORK EXPEREINCE:

• Clinical experience obtained through accredited educational and licensure requirements accepted
• Two (2) years of school-based occupational therapy experience preferred
• Pediatric occupational therapy experience preferred
• Experience in K–12 education or public sector preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Knowledge of occupational therapy principles, practices, evaluation methods, and interventions for school-aged students
• Knowledge of special education laws, regulations, and procedures, including IDEA, Section 504, and IEP requirements
• Ability to assess students' fine motor, sensory processing, visual-motor, adaptive, and functional performance needs
• Skill in developing and implementing individualized therapy interventions that support educational participation and independence
• Ability to collaborate effectively with teachers, administrators, families, and multidisciplinary teams
• Strong written and verbal communication, active listening, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to maintain accurate documentation, prepare evaluation reports, and monitor student progress
• Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, organizational, and time-management skills
• Ability to provide consultation, training, and guidance to school personnel regarding therapeutic strategies and accommodations
• Proficiency in technology and electronic documentation systems used to support therapy services and student records

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Conducts occupational therapy evaluations and assessments to determine students' functional abilities, educational needs, and eligibility for school-based therapy services
• Develops, implements, and monitors individualized occupational therapy interventions aligned with students' IEP goals and educational needs
• Provides direct and consultative occupational therapy services to support students' fine motor development, sensory processing, adaptive functioning, and participation in educational activities
• Collaborates with teachers, administrators, families, and multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement appropriate accommodations, modifications, and intervention strategies
• Participates in IEP meetings, eligibility determinations, and multidisciplinary evaluations to provide recommendations regarding occupational therapy services and student progress
• Consults with and trains teachers, paraprofessionals, and other school personnel on therapeutic techniques, adaptive equipment, assistive technology, and classroom strategies that support student independence
• Reviews and interprets medical, developmental, and educational information to inform therapy recommendations and coordinate services with appropriate providers
• Monitors student progress, maintains accurate therapy records, and prepares required evaluations, progress reports, and documentation in accordance with district procedures and applicable regulations
• Coordinates with families, healthcare providers, and community agencies, as appropriate, to support continuity of services and effective implementation of therapeutic interventions
• Ensures occupational therapy services comply with professional standards, district policies, and applicable federal and state regulations while performing other duties as assigned
• Required to have prompt, regular attendance in person and be available to work on-site during regular business hours and as needed
• Performs other duties as assigned by the appropriate administrator or their representative

PHYSICAL ABILITIES AND WORKING CONDITIONS

• Vision: Ability to read small print and view a computer screen for prolonged periods
• Hearing: Ability to tolerate exposure to noisy conditions
• Speech: Ability to be understood in face-to-face communications, to speak with a level of proficiency and volume to be understood over a telephone or computer
• Upper Body Mobility: Ability to use hands to grasp, and manipulate small objects; manipulate fingers, twist and bend at wrist and elbow; extend arms to reach outward and upward; use hands and arms to lift objects; turn, raise, and lower head
• Strength: Ability to lift, push, pull and/or carry objects which weigh as much as 5 or more pounds on a frequent basis. Incumbent may be required to physically restrain parties involved in a conflict
• Environmental Requirements: Ability to encounter constant work interruptions; work cooperatively with others; work independently; work indoors
• Mental Requirements: Ability to read, write, understand, interpret and apply information at a moderately complex level essential for successful job performance; math skills at a high school proficiency level; judgement and the ability to process information quickly; learn quickly and follow verbal procedures and standards; give verbal instruction; rank tasks in order of importance; copy, compare, compile and coordinate information and records. Understand how to manage stress
• Additional Work Conditions & Physical Abilities: N/A

The Atlanta Public School System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, citizenship, ethnic or national origin, age, disability, medical status, military status, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, ancestry, or any legally protected status in any of its employment practices, educational programs, services or activities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential duties. This job description is intended to accurately reflect the duties, responsibilities and requirements of the position. It is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with the position. Management and administration reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary. COMPENSATION

COMPENSATION: Salary Grade: Student Support Services Salary Range: Salary Schedules - Atlanta Public Schools Work Year: 202 days