Occupational Therapist (SY 25-26)

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. As one of the oldest public charter schools in the city, our campuses support about 600 racially and ethnically diverse students from all wards of Washington, DC. Approximately 25% of our students are English language learners (multilingual learners). One-third of students live in the surrounding neighborhood and approximately 50% live in Ward 1. Meridian’s elementary PreK-5th grade campus is located in DC’s vibrant U Street Corridor. Meridian’s middle school campus, grades 6-8, is located in the Columbia Heights neighborhood.

Meridian draws on the strengths of our neighborhood and our partnerships with community organizations to support our students and families. The city is our classroom; as an emerging EL Education school, we prepare our students to be active citizens and create a better world. Through language learning, a rich and rigorous curriculum, and the schoolwide values of curiosity, respect, resilience, and leadership, we support students in achieving their highest aspirations.

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 seeking resumes for an Occupational Therapist opening at Meridian PCS for the 2025-26 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 role is a full-time position.

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 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

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. In the 2024-25 school year, the pay scale for teachers ranged from $61,000 -$99,000, based on level of education and years of experience.

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 continued student growth from good to great? Apply today!

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.