Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapist

Mesa USD 4

Special Education - Mesa, Arizona

This job is also posted in Mesa USD 4

Job Details

Job ID:5620758

Application Deadline:May 29, 2026 11:59 PM (Mountain Standard Time)

Posted:Yesterday

Starting Date:To Be Determined

Job Description

2026-2027 SY

Forbes names Mesa Public Schools in their list of Best Employers in Arizona for multiple years.

East Valley Tribune names Mesa Public Schools as Best Place to Work in East Valley for multiple years.

Employment Type:

Full-time

Base Salary:

$77,870.00

Calendar:

Certified Exempt, 191 workdays

Benefits:

Sick leave, holidays, matched retirement through the Arizona State Retirement System, health, and life insurance

Performance Pay:

Available annually

New Hire Experience:

$500 for each full-time year of certified teaching or verified like experience

New Hire Education:

$65/hour of graduate level credits: BA +45 hours max, MA +60 hours max $1000 for advanced degrees

Job Summary:

To provide our students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to become life-long learners and responsible citizens by developing, planning, and implementing appropriate therapeutic programs for the students of the district.

Candidates must complete an on-line application which requires appropriate Arizona certification, valid IVP Arizona fingerprint clearance card, evidence of highly qualified status, three letters of recommendation, and transcript of credits.

Key Responsibilities:

Implements therapeutic activities to address deficits in the area/s of fine motor, visual motor, sensory motor, and visual perceptual as indicated on the IEP

Directly supervises COTA's and/or Fieldwork Students as per state licensure statutes

Administers, interprets, and writes up assessments in the areas of fine motor, visual motor, sensory motor and visual perceptual how these areas affect a student's academic performance

Instructs students, teachers, parents and other involved persons for the purpose of supporting the student

Consults with teachers, parents, other personnel and/or outside professionals for the purpose of providing requested information, developing plans (IEP) for services and/or making recommendations

Participates in meetings, processes, etc. for the purpose of ensuring that state standards and/or federal mandates are achieved

Prepares a wide variety of written materials (e.g. progress reports, daily treatment notes, Medicaid billing, student activities, correspondence, IEP's, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities, providing written reference and/or conveying information

Presents information (e.g. student performance data, and clinical feedback, etc.) for the purpose of communicating information, gaining feedback and ensuring adherence to established internal controls

Assesses/recommends need for adaptive equipment and/or environmental modifications as needed for successful implementation of a student's functional goals

Participates/facilitates in meetings, workshops, and seminars for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform school-based functions

Research resources and methods (e.g. intervention and treatment techniques, assessment tools and methods, community resources, etc.) for the purpose of determining the appropriate approach for addressing a student's functional goals

Responds to all internal and external customers, as it relates to job, in a prompt, efficient and patient manner

Conducting evaluations, developing and implementing appropriate therapeutic programs for students

Reassessing and revising programs as necessary as student's status changes

Gathering therapeutic equipment and designs specialized equipment as needed

Planning and conducting in-service activities in occupational therapy

Accepting responsibility for students' well-being and safety while they are in employee's care

Assisting in the maintenance of a quiet and orderly classroom environment

Assists with other assigned duties as appropriate to the area of assignment and Mesa Public Schools

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in pre-occupational therapy, psychology, biology, or related field

Master's degree accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education, in child development, therapeutic techniques

Current license from the Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners; grandfather clause for licensure is honored

Completion of six to nine months of supervised clinical affiliations

Health standards and hazards, safety practices and procedures, knowledge of medical and neurodevelopmental conditions commonly seen in a pediatric population, knowledge of various assessment materials for this population and knowledge of positioning devices

Includes placements in diverse settings, often focusing on pediatrics, physical disabilities, or mental health

Expertise in sensory processing, motor skill development, and assistive technologies for students

Experience with individualized education programs (IEPs) is a key competency

Skills & Competencies:

Models the attributes and skills of the MPS Portrait of a Graduate

Demonstrates commitment to the MPS Promise that every student is known by name, served by strength and need, and graduates ready for college, career and community

Understanding of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and 504 Plans

Collaboration with teachers, special educators, speech therapists, and other staff

Skilled in using standardized tests and observational assessments to determine students' needs

Ability to create and implement individualized treatment plans tailored to student needs

Ability to adapt classroom tools and environments to enhance participation (e.g., assistive devices, sensory-friendly modifications)

Act as a resource for staff training on therapeutic strategies and accommodations

Manage a caseload of students, including scheduling, progress monitoring, and documentation

Creative approaches to addressing challenges in diverse and often resource-constrained environments

Sensitivity to students' emotional and developmental needs

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

Workspaces include general education classrooms, special education rooms, therapy rooms, playgrounds, and sometimes hallways or cafeterias

Work hours align with the school day, but preparation and documentation may extend beyond standard hours

Exposure to sensory-rich environments (e.g., noisy classrooms, visually stimulating spaces)

Frequent movement between classrooms, therapy spaces, and other areas of the school

Occasionally lifting or moving light to moderately heavy equipment, such as therapy tools, assistive devices, or adaptive furniture

Ability to exert 10-30 lbs. of force, to lift, push, pull or otherwise move objects

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

Mesa Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding equal employment opportunity and anti-discrimination. The District strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Applicants and employees may contact Human Resources to request reasonable accommodations needed to perform the essential functions of this position.

Position Type:Full-Time

Salary:$77,870 Per Year