Occupational Therapist

Job DetailsJob Location: 29th Street - Milwaukee, WI 53210Position Type: Full TimeEducation Level: 4 Year DegreeTravel Percentage: Up to 25%Job Category: EducationThe Occupational Therapist serves as a related service provider and member of the multidisciplinary Student Support Services team, supporting K4 students in accessing and participating successfully in their educational environment. The OT should focus not only on individual therapeutic skills, but also on how the student's sensory, motor, self-help, and developmental needs impact classroom participation, learning, independence, and school readiness. Job Duties & Responsibilities Provide occupational therapy services to K4 students in accordance with IEPs, evaluation results, and applicable special education requirements. Conduct occupational therapy evaluations and assessments to identify students’ strengths, needs, and barriers to participation in the educational environment. Develop and implement individualized occupational therapy interventions addressing areas such as: Fine-motor development Visual-motor and visual-perceptual skills Handwriting/pre-writing skills Sensory processing and regulation Self-help and activities of daily living Classroom participation and functional independence Motor planning and coordination Provide direct and/or consultative occupational therapy services within the classroom and other educational environments, as appropriate. Collaborate with special education teachers, general education teachers, paraprofessionals/SIAs, speech-language pathologists, school psychologists, and other Student Support Services staff to support student success. Provide teachers and classroom staff with strategies, accommodations, environmental modifications, and activities that support students' occupational performance and participation. Participate in IEP meetings, multidisciplinary evaluations, reevaluations, and other student support meetings. Assist the educational team in determining appropriate accommodation, modifications, supplementary aids, and related services based on student needs. Maintain accurate and timely documentation of evaluations, progress, service delivery, consultation, and student outcomes. Monitor student progress toward IEP goals and provide progress updates in accordance with program and MPS requirements. Communicate regularly with families regarding students’ occupational therapy needs, progress, strategies, and recommendations. Support transitions for students entering K4, moving between classrooms/programs, or transitioning to the next educational setting. Provide consultation and coaching to classroom staff to promote developmentally appropriate, inclusive, and sensory-supportive learning environments. Recommend and support the use of adaptive equipment, positioning supports, classroom tools, and other assistive strategies when appropriate. Ensure occupational therapy services are delivered in accordance with IDEA, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction requirements, MPS policies, IEP requirements, and professional standards. Maintain confidentiality and comply with applicable student privacy requirements. Participate in professional development, team meetings, case reviews, and continuous improvement activities. Maintain professional licensure and complete required continuing education. Support a trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and strengths-based approach when working with students and families. Promote student independence, engagement, and access to the K4 curriculum and school environment. Qualifications Master’s degree in occupational therapy from an accredited program. Current Wisconsin (DPI) Occupational Therapist (OT) license or eligibility for Wisconsin licensure. Current registration with the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT), as applicable. Experience providing occupational therapy services to young children, preferably ages 3–5. Knowledge of child development and the developmental needs of preschool and early elementary-aged children. Knowledge of IDEA, special education processes, IEPs, and related service requirements. Ability to conduct occupational therapy evaluations, interpret assessment results, and develop appropriate intervention strategies. Ability to provide both direct and consultative services in classroom and educational environments. Strong understanding of sensory processing, fine-motor development, visual-motor skills, self-help skills, motor planning, and functional classroom participation. Ability to collaborate effectively with general education teachers, special education teachers, paraprofessionals/SIAs, speech-language pathologists, school psychologists, families, and other service providers. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to maintain accurate, timely, and confidential student records and documentation. Ability to manage multiple students, service schedules, evaluations, meetings, and documentation requirements. Commitment to working within a student-centered, strengths-based, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed framework. Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team. Preferred Qualifications Previous experience working in a K4, preschool, Head Start, early childhood special education, or elementary school setting. Experience working with children with developmental delays, autism, sensory processing needs, communication needs, or other disabilities. Experience participating in IEP evaluations, initial IEP meetings, reevaluations, and progress monitoring. Experience providing staff consultation and classroom-based occupational therapy strategies. Familiarity with Wisconsin DPI special education requirements and Milwaukee Public Schools processes. Experience using developmental and functional assessments appropriate for young children. Experience working in inclusive classroom environments. Perform other related duties as assigned by the appropriate Student Support Services or school administrator. Core Competencies Child-centered practice Early childhood development Collaboration and teamwork Clinical reasoning Communication Documentation and compliance Problem-solving Cultural responsiveness Trauma-informed practice Professional judgment and confidentiality