Occupational Therapist (Long Term Substitute)

Newton Public Schools

Zervas Elementary School - Newton, Massachusetts This job is also posted in Newton Public Schools (MA)

Job Details

Job ID:

5938102

Application Deadline:

Posted until filled

Posted:

Sep 23, 2026 4:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date:

Oct 26, 2026

Job Description

Department:

Student Services

FLSA Status (Exempt/Non-exempt): Exempt, Unit A

Reports To:

Occupational Therapist Coordinator SUMMARY

The Occupational Therapist provides school-based occupational therapy is designed to enhance the student's ability to fully access and be successful in the learning environment. School based OT helps facilitate independence and students perform important learning and school related to fulfill their role as students in the least restrictive environment.

This is a long term substitute role covering 10/27/26 - 2/2/27.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum of 5-years' experience in OT - school setting preferred

Ability to handle multitude of varying and complex issues

Excellent oral and written communication skills

Solid technical skills

Demonstrated organizational skills

JOB FUNCTIONS

Evaluate and determine the needs for OT services by identifying the perceptual/sensory/motor/developmental delay or underlying impairment that limit/prevent a student from accessing the educational curriculum

Evaluates and determines needs related to visual perception, motor proficiency, social skills, handwriting, activities of daily living, self-feeding, fine motor, sensory processing, psychosocial skills, eating, self-care, organization by promoting independence

Works with a (RTI model) through tiered instruction to provide support through regular education

Provides consultation with the teachers, aides, team members. In consultation, the therapist and teacher form a cooperative partnership and engage in a reciprocal problem solving process. The goal of consultation is to enhance the student's skills to improve academic performance

Uses direct and indirect services, school occupational therapists collaborate with families, teachers and other team members staff to help implement a child's special education program

Provides consultation to/collaboration with teachers regarding specific special education students, best instructional strategies and classroom accommodations

Suggests adaptations to environment an order to maximize student performance

Supports students in a accessing their school and curriculum

Develops plans/ course of action to improve skill area

Determines ways to adapt skill in order to fit with current level of functioning

Evaluates and addresses skills that limit the child's ability to participate and succeed at school including educational, social, and functional skills

Provides direct or consultative services; modify or adapt schools tools and materials in order for a student to access the educational curriculum in a fix manner and as independent as possible

Consistent and on-time attendance is required or supervision and instruction of the students

Responsible for implementing "other job related duties" as needed

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to operate computer, printer, telephone, copier, facsimile machine, and all other standard office equipment
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time
• Sufficient mobility to navigate within a large or small school building
• Regularly required to lift and/or move objects weighing up to 25 pounds
• __

In compliance with state and federal laws, Newton Public Schools is committed to equity, anti-racism and a nondiscrimination policy for students, employees and prospective applicants. All educational and employment determinations are based on an individual's qualifications and achievements without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, pregnancy, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, ancestry, homelessness, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by state and/or federal statute.

Position Type:

Substitute