Occupational Therapist (School Based)

School-Based Occupational Therapist (OT)

Location: Pell City, AL (St. Clair County Schools)

Compensation: $35.00 – $40.00 / Hour

Job Type: Full-Time or Part-Time (Contract)

Job Summary

We are looking for a licensed Occupational Therapist to join our student services team in Pell City. Your mission will be to help students (Pre-K to 12) develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for the "job" of being a student. From fine motor tasks like handwriting to sensory regulation for classroom focus, you will provide the clinical expertise necessary to ensure every child has equal access to their education.

Key Responsibilities

• Evaluations & Assessments: Conduct comprehensive evaluations to determine student eligibility for OT services, focusing on fine motor skills, visual-motor integration, sensory processing, and self-care.
• IEP & 504 Participation: Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to develop Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 plans, establishing measurable goals that align with Alabama state educational standards.
• Direct Therapeutic Intervention: Implement evidence-based therapy sessions (individual or small group) to address handwriting, organizational skills, upper body strength, and sensory-motor coordination.
• Environmental Adaptation: Recommend and assist in the implementation of adaptive equipment, such as specialized seating, pencil grips, or sensory "cool-down" tools within the classroom.
• Teacher & Staff Consultation: Provide professional guidance to educators on how to modify the classroom environment and tasks to better support students with diverse physical or neurological needs.
• Documentation & Compliance: Maintain detailed progress notes, evaluation reports, and Medicaid billing logs in accordance with ALSDE (Alabama State Department of Education) regulations.
• Requirements & Qualifications
  
• • Education: Masters or Doctoral degree in Occupational Therapy from an ACOTE-accredited program.
  • Licensure: * Current Alabama State License from the Alabama Board of Occupational Therapy (ASBOT).
  • Certification: National certification by the NBCOT (National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy).
  • Skills: * Proficiency in pediatric assessment tools (e.g., BOT-2, Beery VMI, Sensory Profile).
    
    • Strong communication skills for interacting with parents, teachers, and school administrators.
    • Ability to travel between school sites within the Pell City/St. Clair County area.
      
  • Compliance: Must pass a mandatory ASBI/FBI criminal background check and fingerprinting as required by Alabama law.
    
  Why Join the Pell City Team?
  Pell City offers a unique "Gateway to Logan Martin Lake" lifestyle, combining a scenic environment with a rapidly growing school system. This role provides:
  
  • Stable School Calendar: Enjoy holidays and summers off (depending on contract terms).
  • Collaborative Environment: Work alongside dedicated PTs, SLPs, and Special Education teachers who value the OT's unique perspective.
  • Local Impact: Serve a community where your expertise directly changes the trajectory of a child's educational experience.