Occupational Therapist

This position is an anticipated vacancy. It is expected to be vacant by 08/24/2024. However, the current incumbent has a right to rescind their retirement, leave, or resignation up until the day of the expected vacancy date. Your hire will not be confirmed until the position is vacated, and you may start the year as a Long-Term Substitute if the position does not become vacant by the start of the school year.

General Description

Occupational Therapists provide services to students with fine motor, visual motor/visual perception, and sensory motor skills which will allow them to access the BPS curriculum and to participate in both school and community life to the greatest extent possible. This is an exciting opportunity for occupational therapists who desire to serve where their efforts matter. In BPS, the staff and leaders are committed to the vision of high expectations for achievement, equal access to high levels of instruction, the achievement of academic proficiency for all students, and the closing of the achievement gap among subgroups within the schools. BPS is a great place for those who seek to work in an environment that supports their creativity and innovation, and respects their skills and abilities as an occupational therapists.

Responsibilities

1. Evaluation

• Occupational Therapists will assess students referred for evaluation using appropriate testing instruments.
• Occupational Therapists will write reports that reflect the results of standardized tests and observations that contain information helpful and understandable to all involved parties and that contain clear recommendations.
• Evaluations will be performed within timelines established in state and federal regulations.

2. Occupational Therapy Services

• Therapy and consultation services will be provided to students based on the individual needs of each student and in compliance with each child’s IEP or 504 Plan.
• Occupational Therapists will provide services in the least restrictive setting.
• Occupational Therapists will participate in pre-referral, Team Meetings, and Student Support Team activities and will provide professional development to school-based staff as requested.
• Occupational Therapists will consult with other Related Services providers, teachers, and parents in order to provide effective services in a variety of settings.

3. General Responsibilities

• Occupational Therapists are to comply with state regulations concerning renewal of certifications and licenses.
• Occupational Therapists are expected to develop, update, and adhere to both a daily and weekly schedule. Each school’s principal should be provided with a copy of that schedule.
• Occupational Therapists are expected to comply with BPS rules, policies, and procedures as well as those of their assigned schools and Special Education and Student Services.
• Occupational Therapists are expected to maintain records of prior planning or lessons and to keep therapy notes for each child and therapy session and to maintain accurate records of student attendance.

Core Competencies: Using the Rubric of Specialized Instructional Support Personnel (SISP), the Office of Human Capital has identified priority skills and abilities that all BPS SISP should demonstrate.

• Accountability for Student Achievement

(II-A-1 Quality of Effort and Work, II-D-2 High Expectations, I B-2 Adjustments to Practice)

• Sets ambitious learning goals for all students, uses instructional and clinical practices that reflect high expectations for students and student work; engages all students in learning.
• Consistently defines high expectations for student learning goals and behavior.
• Assesses student learning regularly using a variety of assessments to measure growth, and understanding.
• Effectively analyzes data from assessments, draws conclusions, and shares them appropriately.
• Communicating Professional Knowledge

(I-A-1 Professional Knowledge, I-A-2 Child Adolescent Development, I-A-3 Plan Development)

• Exhibits strong knowledge of child development and how students learn and behave, and designs effective and rigorous plans for support with measurable outcomes.
• Demonstrates knowledge of students’ developmental levels by providing differentiated learning experiences and support that enable all students to progress toward intended outcomes.
• Equitable & Effective Instruction(II-A-3 Meeting Diverse Needs, II-A-2. Student Engagement, II-B-1. Safe Learning Environment, II-B-2 Collaborative Learning Environment, I-D-3 Access to Knowledge)
• Builds a productive learning environment where every student participates and is valued as part of the class community.
• Uses instructional and clinical practices that are likely to challenge, motivate and engage all students and facilitate active participation.
• Consistently adapts instruction, services, plans, and assessments to make curriculum/ supports accessible to all students.
• Cultural Proficiency

(II-C-1. Respects Differences, II-C-2. Maintains a Respectful Environment)

• Actively creates and maintains an environment in which students’ diverse backgrounds, identities, strengths, and challenges are respected.
• Parent/Family Engagement (III-A-1. Parent/Family Engagement, III-B-2. Collaboration)
• Engages with families and builds collaborative, respectful relationships with them in service of student learning.
• Consistently provides parents with clear expectations for student learning behavior and/or wellness and shares strategies to promote learning and development at school and home.
• Professional Reflection & Collaboration

(IV-A-1. Reflective Practice, IV-C-1. Professional Collaboration, IV-C-2. Consultation)

• Regularly reflects on practice, seeks and responds to feedback, and demonstrates self-awareness and commitment to continuous learning and development.
• Consistently collaborates with colleagues through shared planning and/or informal conversation to analyze student performance and development, and to plan appropriate interventions at the classroom or school level.
• Regularly provides advice and expertise to general education teachers and the school community to support the creation of appropriate and effective academic, behavioral, and social/emotional learning experiences for students.

Qualifications - Required

• Education: Master’s Degree
• Massachusetts License in Occupational Therapy
• Current authorization to work in the United States - Candidates must have such authorization by their first day of employment

Terms : BTU, Group I

Please refer to (under "Employee Benefits and Policies") for more information on salary and compensation. Salaries are listed by Unions and Grade/Step.

The start and end times of BPS schools vary, as do the lengths of the school day. Some BPS schools have a longer school day through the "Schedule A" Expanded Learning Time (ELT) agreement.

The Boston Public Schools, in accordance with its nondiscrimination policies, does not discriminate in its programs, facilities, or employment or educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, age, criminal record (inquiries only), disability, homelessness, sex/gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetics or military status, and does not tolerate any form of retaliation, or bias-based intimidation, threat or harassment that demeans individuals’ dignity or interferes with their ability to learn or work.