Occupational Therapist (OT) – School-Based – Nashville, TN

Now offering a $4,000 signing bonus!

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• As a Thrive OT , you will deliver school-based occupational therapy services to students K–12 whose disabilities affect their ability to access education.
• Your work will focus on fine motor development, sensory processing, self-care, and classroom participation.
• You are a full member of the community.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

EVALUATION & ELIGIBILITY

• Conduct comprehensive OT evaluations to determine educational need and IDEA eligibility, including assessment of fine motor skills, sensory processing, visual-motor integration, self-care, and classroom participation
• Administer and interpret standardized assessment tools (Beery VMI, SIPT, BOT-2, SPM, COPM, and others) as appropriate to the referral
• Write evaluation reports that are clinically rigorous, educationally relevant, and accessible to IEP team members and families
• Participate in eligibility determination meetings and translate OT findings for educational planning purposes
• Conduct re-evaluations (triennials) in accordance with IDEA timelines

IEP DEVELOPMENT & SERVICE DELIVERY

• Develop individualized OT IEP goals targeting skills that affect educational access — including handwriting, fine motor coordination, sensory regulation, and functional self-care
• Deliver direct individual and small-group therapy sessions using evidence-based OT frameworks (Ayres Sensory Integration, CO-OP, sensory diet programming, and others)
• Design and implement sensory diets, environmental modifications, and adaptive equipment recommendations to support classroom participation
• Provide consultative services to teachers and paraprofessionals on sensory accommodations and adaptive strategies
• Maintain accurate, timely service logs and progress notes — supported by Thrive’s AI documentation tools

COLLABORATION & ADAPTIVE SUPPORTS

• Partner with SLPs, PTs, BCBAs, school psychologists, and special education teachers on integrated, student-centered IEP teams
• Evaluate for and recommend adaptive equipment, positioning tools, and assistive technology to support educational access
• Train teachers, paraprofessionals, and families on sensory strategies, handwriting supports, and ADL skill generalization
• Contribute to RTI/MTSS frameworks by providing universal sensory screening and Tier 1/Tier 2 motor skill consultation
• Coordinate with physical therapists on overlapping mobility, positioning, and motor goals

QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIRED

• Master’s or bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy from an ACOTE-accredited program
• NBCOT certification (OTR) in good standing
• Active state OT license in good standing, or documented initiation of licensure transfer prior to start date
• Knowledge of IDEA, IEP process, and the educational model of OT

PREFERRED

• 1+ years of school-based OT experience
• Training or certification in Ayres Sensory Integration (ASI) or related sensory processing frameworks
• Experience with AAC and assistive technology evaluation and implementation
• Familiarity with RTI/MTSS and universal design for learning (UDL) frameworks
• Experience serving students with autism, intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, or developmental coordination disorder

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Competitive W-2 salary: $62,000–$75,000 based on credentials, experience, and

location

• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision) effective your first day
• 401(k) with company match
• 10 days PTO + paid sick leave
• Professional development stipend ($1,200 annually) for CEUs, conferences, and

certifications

• $2,000 sign-on bonus (paid at 90 days)
• $1,000 semester retention bonus per semester completed
• NBCOT certification dues and state licensure fees fully reimbursed
• Malpractice and professional liability coverage provided by Thrive
• No non-compete clause — we earn your loyalty by being a place worth staying