Occupational Therapist Assistant - Anticipated Opening 2025-26

The assistant position is accountable for working with students throughout the school system who may have physical, sensory, and/or cognitive delays, which may be impacting their academic achievements.  They will work under the supervision and guidance of a registered therapist providing individual, group and/or cooperative lessons. They will work cooperatively within the school environment with regular, as well as special education, staff to best enable the students to benefit from their academic experiences.

• Provide therapeutic and educational treatments consistent with the recommendations of the registered staff person.  Treatments may include, but are not limited to, lifting, transferring, positioning, using adaptive equipment, changing when necessary, setting up positioning devices, assisting with mobility training, as well as assisting and supporting during activity execution.
• Work cooperatively with regular and special education staff to accommodate the needs of the students within the academic environment.
• Travel from school to school to meet the needs of the caseload demands,
• Schedule assigned students within the appropriate time frame of the school day and work week, that would best meet the needs of the student, as well as maximizing the time of the assistant. Review schedule with supervising therapist.
• Work cooperatively with the supervising therapist. Provide information relevant to the student’s recommended program in writing or verbally as is prearranged between supervisor and assistant.  Meet regularly for supervision and case review.  Assume initiative in seeking out registered staff when encountering difficulties in procedures or assigned services.
• Assist with screening students for the end of the year, or meetings as needed.
• Provide individual therapy, classroom groups, small groups, and/or cooperative therapy according to the recommendations of the supervising therapist and educational plan.
• Attend staff meetings and team conferences as needed.
• Compete quarterlies of the students on the schedule and review as needed with the registered staff person.
• Collaborate with the members of the school based team – OT, PT, ST, Special and Regular Education Teachers, Paraprofessionals, etc – regarding students as needed.
• Participate in continuing education opportunities whenever possible to enhance therapy skills. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE JOB:

(Minimum requirements)

• Maintains and manages a caseload comprised of physically disabled students in the schools.
• Works collaboratively with the Evaluation Team Leader and school team to develop educationally based IEPs for physically disabled students.  

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associates of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited institution recognized by the American Medical Association having a two-year program of academic and clinical preparation. 
• Licensed in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts by the Board of Allied Health.
• Prior experience in a school setting preferred, pediatric experience preferred

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Lifting, carrying, bending, floor activities.
• Frequent travel between schools

"If you BELIEVE, we have a place for YOU on our team!  Come work for us!"

About our District

Springfield Public Schools is a cultural gem in Western Massachusetts that is committed to providing a learning environment that opens the doors of infinite possibilities to our amazing students and staff. We strive to equip each of our approximately 24,000 students with learning experiences that enhance their knowledge and critical thinking skills. We are the 3^rd largest district in Massachusetts. Our district has over 44 languages spoken and over 60 countries represented by both students and staff.  We foster a positive and professional environment in our schools and worksites where people feel valued, respected, supported, seen and heard. Our students and staff share their ideas and perspectives, learning from and appreciating each other. We are a district that is committed to equity and excellence. 

Join a team that Empowers Educators

In addition to offering competitive salaries and benefits, we provide numerous cutting-edge professional development opportunities for all staff.  We let our data shape the professional development of the district, therefore, it is relevant and actionable. We support our teaching staff with mentors such as instructional leadership specialists and effective educator coaches to work with them throughout the year in lesson planning, data analysis and management. Our district offers career advancement opportunities and is invested in “Grow our Own” and educational pipeline programs. These programs help our staff achieve a college degree or lead to certification pathways. 

Reach out to Roberto Ortiz, the Senior Administrator of Talent Acquisition and Development at Ortizr@springfieldpublicschools.com. He will be happy to answer any questions that you have.

The Springfield Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy or pregnancy related conditions, ancestry, age, disability, or military service, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation. The Springfield Public Schools is committed to maintaining a learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability or homelessness.

NONDISCRIMINATION EMPLOYMENT STATEMENT

The Springfield Public Schools does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy or pregnancy related conditions, ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, or marital status.

NOTICE OF SEX NONDISCRIMINATION

Springfield Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, in any education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and its regulations, including in admission and employment.

Inquiries about Title IX may be referred to the Springfield Public Schools’ Title IX Coordinator, titleix@springfieldpublicschools.com, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights at https://ocrcas.ed.gov/contact-ocr, or both.

The Springfield Public Schools Title IX Coordinator is Katie O’Sullivan, Senior Administrator of Human Resources, 1550 Main Street, Springfield, MA 01103, 413-787-7100 ext. 55428, titleix@springfieldpublicschools.com.  

Springfield Public School’s sex nondiscrimination policy and grievance procedures can be located on the Springfield Public Schools website, www.springfieldpublicschools.com/non-discrimination

To report information about conduct that may constitute sex discrimination or make a complaint of sex discrimination under Title IX, please refer to titleix@springfieldpublicschools.com

Salary : $35 - $40