Occupational Therapist - District

Job Description

TITLE: Occupational Therapist - District Wide

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Portland Public Schools seeks a licensed Occupational Therapist to provide occupational therapy services to students. The Occupational Therapist assesses plans and implements occupational therapy services for PPS students and provides consultation to parents and team members.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Screens and evaluates children to determine needs for occupational therapy
• Identifies occupational therapy goals for the students in school who need the attention
• Provides occupational therapy interventions that enable children with disabilities to benefit from special education and to participate in the natural/general education environment
• Provides consultation to team members on reinforcement of strategies and use of assistive devices for accessing the curriculum and activities of daily living
• Maintains communication with parents to discuss progress on goals and provide activities for home to reinforce skills
• Completes required documentation including evaluations, progress notes, service logs, quarterly progress reports and other reports as needed, in a timely manner
• Participates in staff meetings and professional development activities
• Participates in team meetings, and parent conferences
• Supervises service provided by occupational therapy students and occupational therapy assistants
• Performs other related duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Working knowledge of the field of occupational therapy, child development, educational disabilities, and legal regulations regarding early intervention and special education
• Ability to apply skills to school-based therapy by relating intervention programs to curricular outcomes
• Ability to provide early intervention services in the home
• Effective oral and written communication skills, human relations skills, and time management

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in occupational therapy from an accredited college or university
• Knowledge of educational-based therapy, pediatrics, and sensory integration are desirable

CREDENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Current licensure from the Maine State Board of Occupational Therapy Practice
• Maine State CHRC authorization (cost is $70 - more info here)

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Stooping, bending, and standing for extended periods
• May require lifting and transfers to use assistive devices and equipment

EMPLOYMENT DETAILS:

• Schedule: School Year, Full Time (1.0 FTE)
• Assignment: Permanent
• Reports to: School Principal & Leaders of Special Education / Student Support Department
• Contract: Part of PEA union (see 2025-2028 CBA here)
• Salary: Based on education and experience, as outlined in CBA
• Benefits: Eligible for benefits as outlined here

ABOUT PORTLAND PUBLIC SCHOOLS:

The Portland Public Schools is a dynamic school district, committed to cultivating a welcoming, inclusive and safe space for our students and staff and delivering a quality educational experience for each student. As Maine's largest and most diverse school district, we work hard to create a culturally responsive and representative learning environment. The Portland Public Schools serves more than 6,200 students in pre-K through grade 12, about one-third of whom come from homes where a language other than English is spokenfor a total of approximately 60 languages. We celebrate our diversity and strive for equity. Regardless of who you are, or where you come from, we welcome you! We offer a rich academic journey, help students develop the skills, habits and mindsets needed to engage in and contribute to this ever-changing world and support every student's particular path to achieving success.

The Portland Public Schools is comprised of 17 schools and also Portland Adult Education, the largest adult education program in Maine, which serves about 2,000 students in its academic and workforce programs each year. PPS has a talented, dedicated and increasingly diverse staff of more than 1,300 educators and other staff members, and offers a wide variety of educational opportunities from pre-kindergarten to college preparation. Our students graduate prepared and empowered to pursue their personal goals.

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Portland Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws.

Welcome to ATX Learning

Maine's largest school system has 10 elementary schools, three middle schools, and four high schools serving nearly 7,000 students in kindergarten through grade 12, as well as about 4,700 adult learners.

The district takes full advantage of its location in a vibrant city with a thriving arts life. Schools draw on the resources offered by museums, theaters, local businesses and the city's colleges and universities.

Portland has a highly trained teaching staff. Many teachers hold advanced degrees. All of the district's teachers continue their education by pursuing professional development activities on a regular basis.

The district provides technology to support instruction, including laptops for each student in grades seven through 12 and wireless access at all schools.

Volunteers, parent-teacher organizations and businesses donate generously of their time and money to the district - an estimated 100,000 hours per year.

Graduates of the Portland Public Schools attend the country's top colleges and universities. See www.portlandschools.org for colleges attended by recent graduates.

The Portland Public Schools gives parents an array of program choices. The district as one of the first in the country to offer project-based Expeditionary Learning from kindergarten through 12th grade.

High school students have access to one of the broadest selections of Advanced Placement courses in Maine. Qualified high school students may take up to two college courses with tuition paid by the state. A regional arts and technology high school provides hands-on courses in growth fields such as health care, robotics and "green" construction.

More than 60 languages are spoken by students attending the Portland Public Schools. Multilingual students represent about a quarter of the district's enrollment. The district's diversity prepares all students for their roles as world citizens.

Portland residents can pursue lifelong learning and professional success through the academic, jobs skills and enrichment courses offered by Portland Adult Education.

Most of Portland's middle and high school students participate actively in co-curricular activities such as athletics, drama, music and service clubs. Portland students regularly excel in academic and athletic competitions at the regional, state and even national level.

See a list of recent honors, awards and recognition for the Portland Public Schools at: www.portlandschools.org. Join Portland ME Public Schools on Facebook. A focus on service learning-connecting the schools to the wider community-results in students undertaking many projects that benefit greater Portland.