The School District of Fort Atkinson is accepting applications for a 1.0 FTE Occupational Therapist to help students district-wide with an elementary focus beginning with the 2026-27 school year.
The Occupational Therapist (OT) provides evaluation, consultation, intervention, and collaborative support services that enable students with disabilities to access, engage, and succeed within the educational environment. Working within an inclusive, student-centered framework, the Occupational Therapist partners with educators, families, and multidisciplinary teams to promote student participation, independence, functional performance, and meaningful educational outcomes.
The Occupational Therapist supports the School District of Fort Atkinson''s commitment to belonging, growth, and equitable access to learning by utilizing evidence-based practices, collaborative problem solving, and inclusive service delivery models that maximize student participation in the least restrictive environment.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Evaluation and Assessment
- Conduct comprehensive occupational therapy evaluations and re-evaluations to determine educational needs.
- Interpret assessment data and develop educationally relevant recommendations.
- Participate in eligibility determination meetings.
- Prepare written evaluation reports in compliance with IDEA and Wisconsin DPI requirements.
- Assist IEP teams in determining the need for occupational therapy services.
Individualized Education Program (IEP) Services
- Develop collaborative, inclusive measurable goals aligned with students'' educational and occupational therapy needs.
- Implement occupational therapy services as outlined within Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
- Monitor student progress and maintain accurate progress reporting.
- Participate as an active member of IEP teams and multidisciplinary planning meetings.
- Maintain familiarity with IEP documentation, timelines, compliance requirements, and procedural safeguards.
Direct and Consultative Services
- Provide direct occupational therapy services to eligible students.
- Deliver consultative services that build staff capacity and support student success within general education environments.
- Collaborate with classroom teachers to adapt instructional materials, classroom environments, and daily routines.
- Recommend and implement environmental modifications and accommodations that increase student participation.
- Support implementation of sensory strategies and regulation supports within natural educational settings.
- Participate in Tier 1 consultation and problem-solving efforts that promote inclusive educational practices and early intervention.
Assistive Technology and Adaptive Supports
- Assess student needs related to assistive technology, adaptive equipment, positioning, accessibility, and functional participation.
- Recommend, implement, and monitor appropriate adaptive equipment and assistive technology.
- Train staff, students, and families in the appropriate use of equipment and adaptive strategies.
Collaboration
- Collaborate effectively with students, families, teachers, administrators, school psychologists, speech-language pathologists, physical therapists, school nurses, special education staff, and community providers as appropriate.
- Participate in multidisciplinary problem-solving and educational planning meetings.
- Communicate effectively with families regarding student progress, programming, and recommendations.
- Support transitions between educational settings when appropriate.
Documentation and Compliance
- Maintain accurate and timely service documentation.
- Complete all required Medicaid (MA) documentation and billing activities in accordance with district, state, and federal requirements.
- Maintain confidential student records in compliance with FERPA, HIPAA, IDEA, and district procedures.
- Meet all required evaluation, reporting, and IEP timelines.
Professional Responsibilities
- Maintain current knowledge of evidence-based occupational therapy practices, educational law, and school-based service delivery.
- Participate in professional learning and district initiatives.
- Demonstrate flexibility, professionalism, and collaborative problem-solving in response to changing student needs.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Building Principal or Director of Special Education/Pupil Services.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
The successful candidate demonstrates the ability to:
- Apply occupational therapy practices within educational settings. Develop positive relationships with students, families, and staff.
- Work effectively with students exhibiting a wide range of developmental, physical, cognitive, behavioral, and social-emotional needs.
- Provide services using inclusive and collaborative service delivery models.
- Understand sensory processing, self-regulation, and environmental supports.
- Utilize strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Prioritize multiple responsibilities while meeting established timelines.
- Analyze data to inform educational programming and intervention.
- Work independently while contributing positively to multidisciplinary teams.
- Maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.
WORKING CONDITIONS
This position requires:
- Frequent travel between assigned district schools.
- Frequent interruptions and changes to daily schedues.
- Management of multiple priorities while meeting required timelines and deadlines.
- Participation in meetings before, during, and after the student instructional day as needed.
- Work within a variety of educational settings, including classrooms, therapy spaces, playgrounds, cafeterias, and community-based instructional environments.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required
Current WI Department of Public Instruction Occupational Therapist License (#1812)
Eligible to practice occupational therapy in Wisconsin
Knowledge of federal and state special educaton laws and regulations
Ability to travel between assigned district buidings
Preferred:
Previous school-based occupational therapy experience
Experience working with students with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Experience supporting students with sensory processing and regulation needs
Knowledge of inclusive therapy practices and educationally relevant occupational therapy interventions
Experience with assistive technology ad adaptive equipment
Familiarity with Wisconsin Medicaid (MA) School-Based Services documentation and billing requirements
Experience collaborating within multidisciplinary educational teams
Interested applicants must apply on WECAN. Please include a letter of application, resume, letters of recommendation, a copy of your transcripts and a copy of your current Wisconsin Educator License. The School District of Fort Atkinson will only accept applications for vacant positions via WECAN.