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School Occupational Therapist Jobs in Decatur, AL

Occupational Therapist

Arab, AL · On-site

$36.50 - $48/hr

From schools of Occupational Therapy and from classified ads in professional publications. Supervised by: Clinical Director Workers Supervised: Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, Occupational ...

Occupational Therapist

Arab, AL

$36.50 - $48/hr

From schools of Occupational Therapy and from classified ads in professional publications. SUPERVISED BY: Clinical Director WORKERS SUPERVISED: Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, Occupational ...

Occupational Therapist

Arab, AL · On-site

$36.50 - $48/hr

From schools of Occupational Therapy and from classified ads in professional publications. SUPERVISED BY: Clinical Director WORKERS SUPERVISED: Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, Occupational ...

Occupational Therapist

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$39.75 - $52.25/hr

Occupational Therapist Career Opportunity Your Calling, Close to Home and Heart Are you in pursuit of a career that's more than a job, one that aligns with your heart and community? We believe in the ...

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School Occupational Therapist information

See Decatur, AL salary details

$7

$41

$58

How much do school occupational therapist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for school occupational therapist in Decatur, AL is $41.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.35 and $47.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a school occupational therapist?

School occupational therapists are professionals who help students develop or improve the skills needed for academic success and everyday school activities. They work with children who have physical, developmental, sensory, or emotional challenges that affect their ability to participate fully in school. These therapists assess students’ needs, create individualized intervention plans, and collaborate with teachers and parents to support students’ growth and independence. Their goal is to help students thrive both academically and socially in the school environment.

What does a school occupational therapist do?

School occupational therapists work in schools, assisting children who have disabilities so that they can participate in school activities. School occupational therapists help students develop skills and techniques to complete particular tasks or problems. The job of a therapy practitioner in a school requires not only working with the students, but also working with parents and teachers to provide the best care for the student.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a school occupational therapist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a School Occupational Therapist, you need a degree in occupational therapy, state licensure, and expertise in child development and sensory integration. Familiarity with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), standardized assessment tools, and documentation systems is essential. Strong communication, patience, and creativity help build rapport with students, families, and school staff. These skills and qualities are crucial for effectively supporting students' participation and success in educational settings.

What are some common challenges faced by school occupational therapists when supporting students with diverse needs?

School Occupational Therapists often navigate challenges such as balancing large caseloads, addressing a wide spectrum of student needs, and working within the constraints of school schedules. Adapting interventions for various ages and disabilities, collaborating with teachers and families, and ensuring that therapy is seamlessly integrated into the classroom can be demanding. However, strong communication skills and creative problem-solving help OTs develop effective strategies and foster inclusive educational environments.

What is the difference between School Occupational Therapist vs Pediatric Occupational Therapist?

AspectSchool Occupational TherapistPediatric Occupational Therapist
CredentialsState licensure, NBCOT certification, possibly state-specific credentialsSame as school OT, including NBCOT certification and state licensure
Work EnvironmentPublic or private schools, educational settingsClinics, hospitals, outpatient settings, homes
Employer & IndustrySchool districts, educational institutionsHealthcare facilities, pediatric clinics, hospitals
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Both School Occupational Therapists and Pediatric Occupational Therapists hold similar credentials and often work with children. The main difference lies in their work environment: School OTs focus on educational settings, while Pediatric OTs work in healthcare or outpatient clinics. Understanding these distinctions helps parents and professionals choose the right specialist for children's needs.

What are popular job titles related to School Occupational Therapist jobs in Decatur, AL?

For School Occupational Therapist jobs in Decatur, AL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching School Occupational Therapist jobs in Decatur, AL look for?

The top searched job categories for School Occupational Therapist jobs in Decatur, AL are:

What cities near Decatur, AL are hiring for School Occupational Therapist jobs?

Cities near Decatur, AL with the most School Occupational Therapist job openings:

Occupational Therapist

Encore Rehabilitation

Arab, AL • On-site

$36.50 - $48/hr

Other

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

Occupational Therapist

Location: Arab, AL

Department: 14-OTR

Status: Full Time

Occupational Therapist Job Description/Summary

The Registered Occupational Therapist's job will be to provide rehabilitation therapy to patients of all ages with temporary or chronic physical and mental disability. This will be done through purposeful activity that will include manual and creative skills, educational and recreational activities, facilitation techniques, developmental skills and various other techniques as applicable to the specific needs of the acutely and chronically ill. Treatment of patients will be to improve the patient's physical function and promote mental adjustment.

Performance Requirements
  • Direct patient treatments.
  • Safety of the patient while he/she is in the Occupational Therapy Department.
  • Organization and proper order of the Occupational Therapy treatment area.
  • Maintaining departmental and patient records.
  • Monitoring the supplies used for extended care, physical disabilities and stress management patients.
  • Charting daily progress of patients.
Physical Demands/Conditions

Bending, stooping, lifting patients and equipment when necessary. Pushing patients in wheelchairs and on stretchers. Adjusting equipment to meet the specific needs of the patient treatment. Giving resistive exercise. Physical contact with patients is sometimes necessary in treatment. Being alert and attentive to perceive reactions that patients may have to treatment. Ability to work under pressure and/or stress on occasion. Operation of electrical equipment.

Special Demands

Desire to work with and for people with temporary and/or chronic mental, physical, or developmental disabilities. Knowledge of medical terminology is needed to understand patient evaluation and to chart patient progress satisfactorily. Knowledge of and experience in various arts and crafts that can be utilized by patients to build strength and promote function in upper and lower extremities as well as enhance one's self-esteem and independence. Good common sense and ability to reason are needed to organize activities and use available supplies to subordinate treatment programs. An attitude of firm kindness in dealing with patients is necessary. Must be able to hold in confidence all matters of a personal nature regarding the patient and/or his family coming to his or her knowledge and to disclose such information only when it is in the best interest of the patient. Ability to be versatile in dealing with a variety of patients and treatment programs.

Qualifications Education

The Registered Occupational Therapist has satisfactorily completed an Occupational Therapy curriculum approved by the American Occupational Therapy Association. Must be licensed or eligible for licensure by the Alabama Board of Occupational Therapy and certified by the American Board of Certification.

Experience

When educational requirements are met, no previous experience is necessary, but would be desirable.

Work Performed

Authority: The Registered Occupational Therapist gives treatment only on written or verbal procedures as prescribed by a medical doctor or D.O.

Primary Duties
  • Evaluate patients referred to Occupational Therapy to determine their current physical and functional status and assess their potential benefit from Occupational Therapy Services.
  • Plan Therapy Programs for: a. Individual in-patients. b. Individual out-patients. c. Extended Care Center Patients and Group. d. Stress management patients.
  • Evaluates, records, and reports patients progress for review by other members of the rehabilitation team.
  • Prepare and fit splints for functional upper and lower extremities as ordered.
  • Requisitions supplies and equipment.
  • Provides a safe Occupational Therapy Department.
  • Provides for economic use of hospital equipment and supplies.
  • Performs related duties as assigned.

Source of Workers: From schools of Occupational Therapy and from classified ads in professional publications. Supervised by: Clinical Director Workers Supervised: Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, Occupational Therapy Aide, Students of Occupational Therapy, Volunteers and Attendants.