Description
Position Overview
North Branford Public Schools is seeking a highly qualified, collaborative, and student-centered Occupational Therapist to provide school-based occupational therapy services for students ages Pre-K through age 22 across district programs for the 2026–2027 school year.
This position supports students across multiple educational settings, including:
- Jerome Harrison Elementary School
- Totoket Valley Elementary School
- North Branford Intermediate School
- North Branford High School
- North Branford Transition Center
The Occupational Therapist serves as an integral member of the educational team, supporting students with disabilities in accessing their educational programming in the least restrictive environment through evaluation, consultation, intervention, and collaboration.
Work Schedule
- 25–30 hours per week depending on need
- School year position aligned with the district calendar
- Availability to support Extended School Year (ESY) programming for four (4) weeks during summer is required
Essential Responsibilities (Not intended to be all-inclusive)
- Provide occupational therapy screenings, evaluations, and re-evaluations for students referred for special education services
- Assess student performance in areas including, but not limited to:
- Fine motor development
- Visual motor integration
- Sensory processing and self-regulation
- Postural stability and motor coordination
- Activities of daily living
- Functional classroom participation
- Assistive technology and adaptive access
- Interpret assessment findings and prepare comprehensive written evaluation reports
- Participate in Planning and Placement Team (PPT) meetings and contribute to development of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
- Develop measurable occupational therapy goals and objectives aligned with students' educational needs
- Provide direct, consultative, and integrated occupational therapy services as identified in student IEPs
- Monitor student progress, collect data, and prepare progress reports in accordance with district, state, and federal timelines
- Collaborate with teachers, related service providers, administrators, paraprofessionals, and families to support student access, independence, and participation
- Recommend, trial, and support implementation of adaptive equipment, environmental modifications, sensory supports, and assistive technology as appropriate
- Provide staff training and consultation related to sensory regulation, motor development, positioning, classroom adaptations, and student access
- Maintain accurate student records, service logs, Medicaid documentation (if applicable), and required compliance documentation
- Adhere to all professional, ethical, and legal standards of occupational therapy practice
- Maintain confidentiality of student records and protected information
- Attend required district meetings, professional development activities, and related service team meetings
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Special Services
Qualifications
Required:
Master's degree or higher from an accredited occupational therapy program
- Current licensure as an Occupational Therapist in Connecticut
- National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) certification
- Experience working with children and adolescents with diverse learning, developmental, behavioral, and functional needs
- Knowledge of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Section 504, and school-based occupational therapy practices
Preferred:
- Previous school-based occupational therapy experience
- Experience working with students with autism, developmental disabilities, sensory regulation needs, complex communication needs, and transition-aged students
- Experience with assistive technology, adaptive equipment, and environmental access planning
- Experience supporting students in transition programming (ages 18–22)
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team
- Knowledge of educationally relevant occupational therapy practices
- Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills
- Ability to prioritize responsibilities across multiple schools and programs
- Commitment to fostering student independence, participation, and inclusion
Compensation
Competitive hourly rate commensurate with qualifications & experience. This position is not part of a bargaining unit and does not include benefits.