Occupational Therapist

ABOUT THE SCHOOL:

Located in the heart of Oakland, Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children is a one-of-a-kind educational experience committed to empowering our students to realize their full potential. The School also provides vital early intervention and outreach services to visually impaired students, with or without additional challenges, throughout western Pennsylvania. Founded in 1887, our School is best equipped to care for and educate students with visual impairments. As a private institution chartered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the School educates approximately 200 enrolled students from 80-85 school districts within western Pennsylvania.

Position Summary:

The Occupational Therapist will serve as a Related Services Provider to students ages 3-22 and consultation to adult clients ages 22-59 as needed at the Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children.

FLSA Status: Exempt

Working Schedule: 189 days per year; 36-40 hours per week; This role will start in Mid August 2026 for our 2026-2027 school year

Salary: Starting at $40,000 per year, but can increase dependent on experience and education/certifications obtained.

Responsibilities:

1. To evaluate and assess student development of fine motor, sensory processing, self-help and feeding functions and orthopedic implications especially related to participation in school activities.
2. Assess need for adaptive equipment and follow through as needed (parent/classroom) communication, fabrication/adaptation, equipment purchase, maintenance, modification, letters of medical necessity, etc.).
3. To develop and implement individualized OT treatment plans (including aquatic sensory based OT), develop Mealtime Plans, functional splint wearing schedule.
4. To provide necessary documentation for OT evaluations and treatments; educational documentation related to student evaluation and re-evaluation reports, IEPs, progress reports, schedule changes, etc.).
5. To collaborate with educational team (SLP/PT/Teacher, para-educators, specialty teachers) incorporating best practice for student programming and progress. Professional communication throughout the workday.
6. To provide consultation and training to families, classroom and residential staff related to student therapeutic activities, mealtime, positioning, needs and concerns.
7. To supervise occupational therapist assistants, aides, and student therapists following PA state rules and regulations.
8. To participate in appropriate team meetings, staffing, clinic appointments and in-services.
9. To consult with medical staff related to occupational therapy prescriptions and recommendations.
10. To perform other duties as assigned

Personal Attributes:

1. Enthusiastic and positive demeanor

1. Pleasant interactive style with both staff and students

1. Energetic approach to fulfilling job requirements

1. Able to easily assimilate and retain new information and skills

1. Must be responsive to changes in individualized educational programs, behavior support plans, and therapeutic programs for students

1. Heightened awareness to safety across all situations

1. Receptive to receiving direction and constructive criticism

1. Organized
2. Respectful to all students, families, and staff.

1. Reliable, dependable, and prompt

1. Good attendance record

1. Ready to work at start of shift

1. Follows schedule as assigned

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The Occupational Therapist will integrate therapeutic treatment within a school setting, i.e., classrooms, specialty areas, community experiences, etc. The following physical demands are typical for an occupational therapist in this setting:

• Ability to help lift and/or position students when necessary. Must be comfortable with lifting up to 50 pounds from the floor.
• Ability to lift and carry objects such as equipment, books, stacks of reports, etc, generally items weighing 20 pounds or less.
• Frequent reaching, bending, twisting, crouching, stooping, kneeling, crawling, sitting, and walking including up and down stairs.
• Pushing wheelchairs, moving/sliding student equipment.
• Ability to work in a hot humid environment in therapy pool area and outdoors during student activities and morning and afternoon transportation as needed.
• Communicate respectfully with multiple team members.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

Qualifications:

• The Occupational Therapist is required to hold a Bachelor's Degree from an approved/accredited University or College/American Occupational Therapy Association Program.
• Experience in delivering services in a pediatric or school setting.
• Proper certificate/licenses required.
• Occupational Therapists with Masters and Doctorate level training are preferred.
• The individual must hold proper clearances for Police, Child Abuse, Mandated Reporter, Finger printing, Act 34, Act 114, and Act 151.