Job Title: Occupational Therapist (Immediate)
Date Posted: 3/9/2022
Job Function: Special Education
Grade Level: Elementary/Middle School
Job Type: Full-Time
Start Date:

ABOUT MERIDIAN PCS
Meridian is a PreK-8th grade school located in Washington DC's vibrant U Street Corridor. Our mission is to inspire a passion for learning in our students and to help them build their self-confidence and self-respect through academic achievement.

Our 650+ students are a diverse mix of African-American, Latino, Asian, African, and White students. Almost 30% of our students are English language learners, and we have one of the largest Latinx populations in DC charter schools. Meridian is committed to serving our local community, and one-third of our students live within a half mile of the school. We are also proud of the fact that Meridian is a school of choice for parents- all eight wards of the city are represented among our student population.

Meridian's strengths include two beautiful campuses with nearby outdoor and recreational grounds; state of the art technology for students and teachers; updated and aligned curricula; an academic program laser-focused on student growth, achievement, and social-emotional development; extensive professional development and support for teachers and leaders; and a school culture grounded in student achievement, collaboration, and student-centered learning.

For additional information about Meridian visit mpcs-dc.org.

ABOUT THE POSITION
We are hiring an Occupational Therapist to begin immediately. The Occupational Therapist leads the development, implementation, and coordination of the school's occupational therapy program. The Occupational Therapist will regularly collaborate with other staff and service providers, as well independently review outcomes and modify intervention programs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Serves as the school-based occupational therapist for assessment and implementation of individualized education programs for students with special needs in assigned schools
• Develops individualized goals and objectives to facilitate eligible student's active participation/acquisition of functional performance skills in self-maintenance, academic and vocational pursuits, and leisure/play activities that occur in school environments
• Prepares both written and oral reports, and presentations for determining student's eligibility for special education services
• Utilizes direct and indirect services, assistive technology and/or environmental modifications to implement special educational programming to provide for the development of sensory-motor, perceptual or neuromuscular functioning and emotional, motivational, cognitive, or psychosocial performance
• Maintains confidential files which include assessments, reviews, test results, IEPs, and documentation of consultations
• Consults with Meridian general and special education staff, parents, and community resources
• Participates in planning team meetings for students and discusses student's response to OT treatment; makes recommendations to enhance student's function in other areas; and may make or recommend referrals to other disciplines as appropriate
• Reviews and interprets independently generated therapy and medical reports; and serves as a resource in reporting findings to other health care and related service providers
• Attends administrative due process hearings (and other court proceedings), eligibility conferences, and other meetings

QUALIFICATIONS
Ideal candidates will have the following education and experience:

• Bachelors or higher degree from an accredited university in occupational therapy required
• Two or more years of experience working in schools preferred
• Licensed by the DC Department of Health (DOH) - Board of Occupational Therapy, or license eligible

SALARY AND BENEFITS
A recent TNTP Insight Survey of our teachers placed our staff's satisfaction with compensation in the top quartile of all charter schools in DC. We also lead the charter sector in compensation transparency and we publish our salary scales for teachers, apprentice teachers, and dedicated aides here.

Meridian teachers and staff are compensated competitively for their time and have opportunities to earn additional income through leadership opportunities at the school level, offering extracurricular clubs and sports for students, and facilitating tutoring programs.

HOW TO APPLY
Do you embody a love of learning? Do you believe in the importance of educating the whole child? Do you want to help Meridian continue to grow from good to great?

Apply today to the Occupational Therapist position!

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.

In accordance with Mayor's Order 2021-109, Meridian Public Charter School requires all staff to provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 or obtain an approval for exemption due to medical or religious reasons.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin or ancestry, marital status, veteran's status, or any other factor, which would constitute a violation of the D.C. Human Rights Act or other applicable laws or court order.

One School, One Community, One City... the World Intersects at Meridian