Job Title: Occupational Therapist
Date Posted: 5/26/2023
Job Function: Social Work
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 Hispanic populations in DC charter schools. We are committed to building a community of teachers and staff who reflect the rich diversity of our student body. Our middle school campus serves nearly 200 students in the Columbia Heights neighborhood in grades 6-8.

Meridian is committed to serving families from our local communities; and one-third of our students live within a half mile of the school. The U Street Corridor was once the heart of black culture in DC and offers a tangible historical archive for our students, and Columbia Heights is one of the most racially and economically diverse neighborhoods in the District. 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 and historic 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.

Join us as we continue to take Meridian from good to great! For additional information about Meridian visit mpcs-dc.org.

ABOUT THE POSITION
We are hiring an Occupational Therapist for the 2023-2024 school year. 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. The Occupational Therapist may be permitted to work a blended/flexible schedule for a specified term.

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 join a collaborative team driving Meridian's continued growth from good to great? Apply today!

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.

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.

Meridian Public Charter School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The School's EEO policy prohibits discrimination in employment based on race, color, religion, national origin, disability, sex, age, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. Meridian PCS prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities and will reasonably accommodate applicants with a disability, upon request, and will also ensure reasonable accommodation for employees with a disability. Under this policy, equal employment opportunity is required in recruitment, hiring, training and development, promotion, termination, compensation, benefits, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment as required by applicable law.