Occupational Therapist in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at Pennsylvania School For The Deaf

Reports to: Supervisor of Related Services

Employment information: This is a full-time, FLSA-exempt, 10-month union position.

Summary:

The Occupational Therapist provides specialized services to students to support their development of fine motor skills, sensory processing, and daily living activities. The role involves conducting assessments, delivering therapeutic services, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement individualized plans that align with students' educational goals.

Responsibilities:

• Assessment & Evaluation: Perform occupational therapy assessments for new or referred students, and evaluate students as requested by the IEP team. Ensure all assessments and documentation meet state, federal, and school compliance standards.
• Therapeutic Services: Develop and implement individualized OT treatment plans aligned with IEP goals. Provide ongoing therapeutic services, monitor student progress, and adjust interventions as needed. Maintain accurate records of services and student progress for school and family records.
• Collaboration & Consultation: Collaborate with teachers, related service providers, Principals, and families to support student participation and success in the classroom. Provide guidance on adaptive equipment, classroom accommodations, and strategies to facilitate functional skills.
• IEP & Team Participation: Participate in the development and implementation of students’ IEPs, including Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) meetings. Communicate recommendations and progress to team members, school staff, and families.
• Staff Support & Training: Provide in-service training or consultation to staff as requested to support student learning and OT implementation.
• Professional Development: Stay current with best practices, school policies, and regulatory requirements in occupational therapy and special education.
• Adhere to Core Values: Model and exhibit PSD’s core values Students 1st, Language, Respect, Communication, and Community Engagement in all interactions, decisions, and professional responsibilities.
• Other Duties: Perform additional responsibilities as assigned to support student success and school programs

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy; registered and licensed in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
• Certified by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).
• Two or more years of experience as a practicing Occupational Therapist, preferably in a school or pediatric setting.
• Demonstrated American Sign Language (ASL) proficiency at a Level 2+ (ASLPI) or above required; advanced proficiency preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, organizational skills, and time management.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with teachers, related service providers, families, and outside agencies.
• Flexible, adaptable, and able to manage multiple priorities under time-sensitive deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills, customer service orientation, and ability to maintain confidentiality when working with students and families.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, kneel, crouch, and reach with hands and arms.
• Occasionally lift and/or carry materials or assistive devices up to 15 lbs; may be required to physically assist students with disabilities.
• Generally works in standard classroom and school settings; may move between classrooms or buildings as needed.
• Exposure to a highly dynamic and sometimes stressful environment, addressing a wide range of student needs and challenges.
• Frequent interaction with students, families, staff, and outside providers, requiring excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Mental & Cognitive Demands:

• Ability to assess student needs, develop individualized treatment plans, and monitor progress.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in documentation to meet regulatory and school compliance standards.
• Effective problem-solving and decision-making skills in complex or urgent situations.
• Capacity to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced school environment.
• Emotional resilience and professionalism when working with students with disabilities, families, and staff.
• Ability to adapt to changing schedules, student needs, or school procedures.
• Demonstrates a friendly, professional, and customer service–oriented approach when interacting with students, families, staff, and outside agencies.

Pennsylvania School for the Deaf provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees and strictly prohibits any type of harassment or discrimination in regard to race, religion, age, color, sex, disability status, national origin, genetics, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, gender expression, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, and/or local laws.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is the policy of Pennsylvania School for the Deaf to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants or employees with disabilities, as long as such accommodations do not impose an undue hardship or remove the essential functions of the job. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact HR@psd.org.