Occupational Therapist (LTS)

The Mendon-Upton Regional School District is dedicated to fostering a nurturing and inclusive learning community that empowers all students to reach their full potential. Grounded in our core values of collaboration, authentic learning, student agency, and equity, we strive to provide a comprehensive and rigorous education that prepares students for success in an ever-changing world.

As a staff member in the Mendon-Upton Regional School District, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the academic and personal growth of our students. The ideal candidate will embrace our district''s values and priorities, fostering a supportive and inclusive classroom environment where all students feel valued, respected, and challenged to achieve their highest potential.

In our district, we believe all learners thrive when:

• we establish a culture of inquiry, exploration, reflection, and growth
• learners engage in active, meaningful, and authentic experiences
• learning experiences honor their identities, interests, strengths, and goals
• students, families, educators, and the larger community collaborate as partners in learning
• a safe, supportive and inclusive environment exists, where each learner feels known, valued, and celebrated

Join our team and help us fulfill our mission of empowering every learner to thrive. If you are passionate about education, equity, and making a difference in the lives of students, we invite you to apply.

Overview: The Mendon-Upton Regional School District is seeking a passionate and dedicated School-Based Occupational Therapist (OT) Long-Term Substitute (LTS) to join our team from August 31, 2026 - November 21, 2026. We are committed to providing a supportive and collaborative environment where our therapists can make a real difference in the lives of our students. This position offers the opportunity to work with a diverse student population and contribute to their academic, social, and emotional growth.

Description: The Occupational Therapist will provide comprehensive occupational therapy services to students within our district, ensuring they can access and benefit from their educational program. This includes assessment, evaluation, intervention, IEP development and implementation, documentation, and collaboration with teachers, staff, families, and related service providers.

Responsibilities: Assessment & Evaluation: Conduct comprehensive assessments of students'' fine motor skills, gross motor skills, sensory processing, visual-motor integration, self-care skills, and other areas as needed to determine their functional abilities and identify areas of need. Interpret assessment results and contribute to the development of IEP goals.

• Intervention & Treatment: Develop and implement individualized treatment plans based on student needs and IEP goals. Provide direct and indirect therapy services, utilizing evidence-based practices and a variety of techniques. Adapt activities and the environment to facilitate student participation.
• IEP Development & Implementation: Collaborate with the IEP team to develop and implement appropriate goals, accommodations, and modifications. Attend IEP meetings and provide valuable input regarding the student''s occupational therapy needs.
• Consultation & Collaboration: Consult with teachers, parents, and other school staff to provide strategies and support to improve students'' functional skills in the classroom and other school settings. Collaborate with related service providers to ensure coordinated and comprehensive services.
• Documentation: Maintain accurate and timely records of assessments, treatment sessions, consultations, and other relevant information, adhering to all district, state, and federal regulations.
• Professional Development: Stay current with best practices in occupational therapy and participate in professional development opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge.
• Supervision (if applicable): May supervise Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs) as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Valid Massachusetts Occupational Therapist (OT) license from the Board of Registration of Allied Health Professionals.
• Degree in Occupational Therapy.
• Experience working in a school-based setting preferred.
• Experience working with pediatric populations preferred.
• Strong understanding of special education law and IEP process.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively with students, families, and school staff from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to adapt to a variety of settings and student needs.

Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or negligible amount of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including bending, kneeling, lifting, and sitting at a child''s level.