Occupational Therapist
Sioux Falls, SD
We want YOU here!
Our Occupational Therapists play an essential role in helping students gain the skills and confidence they need to succeed both in and out of the classroom. Our OT team works collaboratively with educators, families, and support staff to help students develop fine motor skills, independence in daily activities, sensory regulation, and access to meaningful learning experiences.
In the Sioux Falls School District, Occupational Therapists support students across a wide range of abilities and needs through individualized, student-centered services delivered in classroom, small group, and one-on-one settings. We are committed to creating inclusive and supportive learning environments where every student has the opportunity to grow, participate, and thrive.
We are looking for a compassionate and collaborative professional who is passionate about supporting student growth, building strong relationships, and making a meaningful impact through school-based therapy services.
REQUIREMENTS
EDUCATION LEVEL:
College degree and certification in South Dakota as a Occupational Therapist.
EXPERIENCE DESIRED:
Experience in pediatrics highly desirable
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
This position requires constant repetitive motions with the wrists hand and fingers. Frequent hand-eye/mind-eye coordination, hearing, sitting, speaking, standing, lifting, bending, talking, walking, keyboard and writing are also required.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Demonstrated competency with computers and the use of word processing, spreadsheets, and data entry. Demonstrated ability to build good interpersonal relationships and establish positive rapport with students, colleagues, administrators, and parents. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Skill in human relations, leadership, and conflict management.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & DUTIES
- Teaches motorically impaired students in accordance with approved programs and professional standards.
- Provides itinerant services on a district wide basis as dictated by student needs in sensory and motor disorders.
- Participates in identification, assessment, and IEP development and development and delivery for eligible students.
- Maintains student records regarding the referral, evaluation, and placement process in compliance with district, state, and federal requirements.
- Participates in IEP/placement conferences and communicate with parents on a routine basis keeping them informed about their child's developmental progress.
- Utilizes therapy techniques consistent with research on characteristics of effective occupational therapy.
- Establishes student success as a primary teaching goal and provides opportunities for students to experience success.
- Promote achievement in the areas of fine motor for qualified students.
- Monitors student effort providing continuous feedback to students for progress on IEP goals.
- Establishes a learning climate that promotes the orderly behavior of all students while maintaining the dignity and positive self-concept of each student.
- Develops prerequisites for fine motor coordination and sensory integration.
- Facilitates neuromuscular and neurodevelopmental maturation.
- Develops and promotes mobility including:
- Promotes and refines all appropriate levels of fine motor development.
- Develop independent handwriting skills
- Develop independent adaptive behavior and self-help skills
- Uses assistive technology as appropriate to support student participation in general and special education classrooms
- Consults with and trains staff to support fine motor skill development and sensory needs
- Develop and monitors programs designed to improve fine motor skills and sensory needs.
- Provides for the well-being, health, and safety of all students.
- Adheres to the direction of administration and respond to administrative supervision.
- Participates in professional growth experiences and school and district committees as appropriate.
- Maintain the confidentiality of students and their families.
PAY INFORMATION
Starting at $72,311.84 to $94,352.49 per year*, based on experience
View the complete salary schedule here: 2026-2027 Occupational Therapist Salary Schedule.
*Please note, the salary schedule is based on 1.0 FTE for a full contract year. Salary will be prorated based on FTE and start date.
Pay day on the last day of the month.
HOURS & FTE
We have multiple positions available:
1.0 FTE. 40 hours per week, 9 months
0.5 FTE, 20 hours per week, 9 months
CALENDAR
2026-2027 Occupational Therapist Calendar
BENEFIT INFORMATION
Benefits (only for positions 20 hours per week or more)
CURRENT DISTRICT EMPLOYEES
All current District employees interested in applying must complete an application.
Post-Offer Criminal Background Check Required
Relay Services for Deaf or Hard of Hearing: Dial 711, then the desired number
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Use this link to share this opportunity: https://sf.schoolspring.com?jobid=5550174