Occupational Therapist
KIPP · New Orleans, Louisiana, United States · onsite
Together | A Future Without Limits
KIPP New Orleans Schools (KNOS) is a non-profit network of 12 college/career-preparatory, public charter schools serving approximately 5,000 elementary, middle, and high school students, and over 2,000 alumni. While each of our schools is as unique as the community to which it belongs, we are united around a shared promise: To build academically excellent schools that create unlimited opportunity for all students. For 20 years, we have a proven track record of preparing students for success in college, career, and beyond.
At KIPP, you have the freedom to innovate and the support to grow. You never stop learning, and you’re part of a national network that’s leading the way in getting students from underserved communities to and through college, and beyond. As the largest charter school management organization in New Orleans, we serve nearly 15% of the city’s students, so we need passionate teammates to join us to make their impact at KIPP. Where will YOU take us? Click here to learn more about teaching and working at KIPP!
KIPP New Orleans Schools seeks an Occupational Therapist who helps students with disabilities participate meaningfully and independently in learning and school life. Working alongside students, families, educators, and other service providers, the Occupational Therapist identifies barriers to participation and delivers evidence-based services that build functional skills and improve access to instruction, school routines, and activities.
This role combines direct therapy, consultation, and staff coaching to help students apply skills throughout the school day. The Occupational Therapist supports inclusive learning environments and contributes to KIPP New Orleans Schools’ commitment to academically excellent schools and opportunity for every student.
Key Responsibilities
Evaluation and Educational Planning
- Conduct initial evaluations and reevaluations using appropriate assessments, observations, work samples, and input from students, families, and school teams to identify needs affecting educational participation.
- Assess relevant areas of function, including fine motor and visual motor skills, sensory processing and regulation, access to classroom tools and technology, and school-related self-care routines.
- Explain findings in clear, accessible language and contribute to team decisions about the need for occupational therapy as a related service.
- Collaborate with Individualized Education Program (IEP) teams to develop measurable, educationally relevant goals and recommend services, accommodations, and supports based on student needs.
Therapy and Student Progress
- Provide individual, small-group, classroom-based, and consultative services consistent with students’ IEPs, using approaches that support participation alongside peers.
- Design and adapt interventions that connect to classroom tasks and daily routines, including written work, use of materials, transitions, organization, and self-care, as appropriate to each student.
- Collect and analyze progress data, adjust interventions, and share timely updates with families and IEP teams. Use evidence of functional progress to inform recommendations for continued, revised, or discontinued services through the IEP process.
- Recommend and support the use of adaptive materials, assistive technology, and environmental modifications; train staff and students in their safe, effective use.
Collaboration and Capacity Building
- Partner with general and special education teachers, school leaders, paraprofessionals, and related service providers to embed effective strategies into instruction and school routines.
- Model strategies, coach staff, and provide practical resources that help students use skills consistently across settings and reduce reliance on adult support.
- Build trusting partnerships with families, invite their expertise, and share understandable recommendations that support student goals.
- Coordinate with outside providers when appropriate and with required consent to support continuity of services and student transitions.
Documentation and Professional Responsibilities
- Maintain accurate, timely evaluations, service logs, progress reports, and IEP documentation in designated systems; protect confidential student information.
- Manage schedules and caseload responsibilities across assigned campuses to deliver required services and meet evaluation and reporting timelines. Promptly communicate barriers to service delivery and collaborate on solutions.
- Follow applicable special education requirements, professional standards, licensure requirements, and KNOS procedures. Complete service and reimbursement documentation when applicable.
- Participate in IEP meetings, professional learning, and team planning; use feedback and current evidence to improve practice. Perform other related duties within the scope of the role.
In support of KIPP New Orleans Schools' commitment to providing a safe and orderly learning environment, all school-based employees are expected to perform the following essential functions, with or without reasonable accommodation:
- Maintain active supervision of students in classrooms, hallways, common areas, and other school settings as assigned to ensure student safety and well-being.
- Be physically present and engaged in assigned work locations during the scheduled workday to fulfill responsibilities requiring in-person interaction with students, families, and colleagues.
- Respond appropriately to school emergencies and actively participate in emergency response procedures, including but not limited to evacuations, lockdowns, shelter-in-place, reunification, and other crisis protocols.
- Support student and staff safety by implementing established behavioral expectations and utilizing de-escalation strategies when appropriate, consistent with district policies and training.
- Maintain situational awareness and communicate promptly with school leadership and emergency personnel during safety incidents.
- Participate in required safety, emergency preparedness, and crisis response training.
Required:
- Degree in occupational therapy or related field from an accredited program that meets Louisiana licensure requirements.
- Current Louisiana Occupational Therapist license in good standing, or eligibility to obtain licensure before providing services; current NBCOT certification.
- Knowledge of pediatric development, school-based occupational therapy, and the IEP process; ability to apply relevant special education requirements and maintain student confidentiality.
- Ability to connect assessment findings to measurable goals, select evidence-based interventions, and use data to evaluate student progress.
- Strong communication, collaboration, organization, and documentation skills, including the ability to manage priorities across school teams.
- Commitment to inclusive, culturally responsive practice, respectful family partnerships, and high expectations for students with disabilities.
- Personal affinity to our mission and vision, as well as demonstrated commitment to our 5 core beliefs - Relentlessness, Elevation, Achievement, Community, and Hope
- Offers are contingent upon successful completion of a professional reference check, proof of identity and work authorization (all KNOS employees must complete an I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification form), a state background check, and verification of teaching experience
Preferred:
- Experience providing occupational therapy in schools or other pediatric settings, including collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.
- Experience coaching educators and supporting assistive technology, adaptive equipment, and classroom accommodations.
Work Environment and Physical Demands
The physical demands and environmental conditions described below are representative, but not exhaustive, of those that must be met by an employee to succe