Occupational Therapist

About KIPP LA Schools

KIPP LA Schools is a non-profit organization that operates free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory public charter schools. Our schools, which serve elementary and middle school students in East and South Los Angeles, are part of the national KIPP (Knowledge Is Power Program) network of 162 schools in 20 states and DC. KIPP schools are dedicated to preparing students in underserved communities for success in college and in life.

KIPP LA’s mission is to teach the academic skills, foster the intellectual habits, and cultivate the character traits needed for our students to thrive in high school, college, and life. Through the success of our students, the KIPP LA team and family will serve as a model of excellence and collaborate with others to raise the quality of education in Los Angeles.

KIPP LA’s schools feature a strong culture of achievement. Our curricula are designed to provide students a well-rounded education, with sufficient time dedicated to academics, the arts, enrichment, and physical education. KIPP LA’s educators are committed to continually improving their teaching skills, and to giving students the support and motivation they need to excel in school and beyond.

KIPP LA operates eleven schools – five elementary and six middle schools – and serves more than 4,000 students. Our annual consolidated operating budget is approximately $60 million. By 2020, KIPP LA will grow to 20 schools serving more than 10,000 students.

Job Overview

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Appraise the occupational therapy needs of students to design and implement appropriate remediation, instructional plans and strategies.
• Analyze assessment results to drive and inform instruction and Individual Education Program development.
• Attend and serve as a member of the IEP team to determine eligibility of students.
• Prepare thorough and accurate reports in a timely manner.
• Explain nature, purpose and results of assessment in an understandable manner to IEP team members.
• Assist teams in the development of IEPs that address physical and functional needs of students.
• Develop a variety of evidence-based instructional activities to meet the student’s individual occupational therapy goals/objectives.
• Provide services to ensure student achievement and progress towards IEP goals and adjust intervention strategies based on student performance.
• Monitor student progress and complete progress reports in accordance with federal, state, district and KIPP policies
• Work cooperatively with classroom teachers to support students in general education classes, interpreting the abilities and disabilities of these students to the entire staff, and assisting the student’s core curriculum instructional needs.
• Consult with, train and model scaffolding strategies to special education and general education teachers, other KIPP personnel and parents to facilitate student physical development and achievement.
• Develop and implement training opportunities for classroom staff and parents on the role of occupational therapy, normal sensory motor development, and other topics as required.
• Monitor and evaluate equipment and assistive technology needs for students.
• Consult with community agencies, medical personnel, parents, and other professionals, and act as a liaison among these groups for children with physical disabilities.
• Keep attendance records, computerized IEP records and all other records pertinent to the special education program for KIPP, district and state reports and program accountability.
• Participate in KIPP as an active member of KIPP LA’s special education team.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Desired Characteristics

• Certification through the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) and a current license to practice Occupational Therapy through the California Board of Occupational Therapy (CBOT)
• Experience providing occupational therapy services to children in school settings.
• Knowledge of federal and state special education law and best practices for special education.
• Bilingual (English-Spanish) preferred.
• Demonstrated success with students from educationally underserved areas.
• Excellent organizational
• Ability to manage the ambiguity and multiple priorities inherent in an entrepreneurial environment.
• Ability to communicate and interact effectively with multiple constituencies.
• Detail-oriented team player willing to roll up sleeves and get the job done.
• Unquestioned integrity and commitment to KIPP LA Schools and our students.

Salary & Benefits

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, depending on experience and qualifications. Exempt (Salaried)

To Apply

Please visit go.kippla.org/noninstructionalapp to complete an application. You will be required to submit a formal cover letter and resume. 

KIPP LA is strongly committed to hiring a diverse and multicultural team and we encourage applications from traditionally under-represented backgrounds. KIPP LA does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, handicap, age, religion, sexual orientation, national, or ethnic origin.