Job Description

TITLE: Elementary Occupational Therapist - East End Community School

Portland Public Schools seeks a licensed Occupational Therapist to provide occupational therapy services to students at East End Elementary School. 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 EAST END:

East End Community School is located on Munjoy Hill in Portland, ME, overlooking the city and ocean. As one of the most diverse schools in Northern New England, we celebrate the many languages and cultural heritages of our students and families. As a Title 1 school, more than 80% of our students qualify for free/ reduced lunch and over half our students are multilingual learners. We hope you'll hear laughter as you walk about the school, seeing and hearing the joy of our students.

Our vision centers on diversity, equity, relationships, growth, and achievement. We hold high expectations for all learners, grounded in the belief that every student can meet and exceed grade-level standards. We are committed to providing access to high-quality instruction where students are actively engaged in meaningful learning.

We have many partners in our Community, including the Root Cellar, Learning Works, Portland Symphony, Mayo Street Arts, Opera Maine and more. We have a Chess club, Chorus, Band and Strings for older students as well as extra-curricular sports including a soccer program with the Hearts of Pines professional soccer team. We want all students, families and community members to be seen, heard and welcomed. Get to know us and learn why our motto is: Empowering Students of the World, for the World.

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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.