Occupational Therapist

Who We Are:

At Harlem Children’s Zone, our mission is to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty and unlock new possibilities for our children, families, and communities. Promise Academy, our top-performing K-12 charter schools within HCZ’s cradle-to-career pathway, delivers exceptional education alongside holistic support – empowering young minds, inspiring potential, and creating lasting change. By joining, you become part of a transformative movement dedicated to shaping brighter futures and driving extraordinary outcomes for those we serve.

We’re seeking an Occupational Therapist who shares our goal: to get all our scholars to and through college.

Who You Are:

You’re an enthusiastic and compassionate Occupational Therapist who loves working with kids and helping them grow. You believe every child deserves the tools and support to thrive. You’re excited to be hands-on, helping scholars strengthen their sensory and motor skills so they can build confidence, connect socially, and reach their full potential. You bring creativity into your work, using engaging activities, collaboration, and individualized strategies to make learning meaningful and fun!

What You’ll Do:

• Conduct IEP meetings with families and complete clear, strengths-based reports on scholar progress, services, and goals.
• Complete timely documentation in SESIS, including Present Levels of Performance and Related Service goals, prior to IEP meetings.
• Assess progress toward IEP goals on a monthly basis and complete progress reports that clearly communicate student growth and areas for continued support.
• Create and submit data-driven lesson plans, using data to guide instructional decisions.
• Deliver scholar-centered, goal driven individual and group therapy sessions that meet the individual needs of each scholar
• Observe students and conduct Occupational Therapy screenings for those identified with potential needs.
• Consult with educators and families to design accommodations, modifications, and home programs that promote generalization of skills.

Schedule:

• Monday – Friday, 7:40am – 4:00pm
• This is a fulltime, permanent role, following a 10-month school year with optional summer work available for additional pay

Requirements

• Master’s degree in a related area (e.g., Occupational Therapy) from an accredited college/university
• Valid NYS Occupational Therapist license (must hold an OTR certification)
• Minimum of two years of professional OT experience working with children
• Preferred: experience working in a school setting

Benefits

We’re passionate about hiring outstanding employees who are dedicated to helping our scholars thrive. In return, we offer a highly competitive benefits package because we believe our staff deserves it!

Our exceptional benefits include:

• Performance-based bonuses
• No-cost health insurance
• Up to $30,000 student loan forgiveness
• Paid time off 
• Employee referral bonus 
• Career advancement
• Life Insurance
• Short-and long-term disability
• Wellness discounts
• Commuter benefits
• Financial wellness perks

Additionally, we provide our therapists with the resources they need to be successful. Therapists receive a personal laptop; bi-weekly professional development workshops; access to evidence-based curricula and therapy tools; and the collaborative support of a multidisciplinary team including academic coaches, deans, SPED professionals, and mental health staff. Our OTs are encouraged to participate in continued education and are supported in obtaining specialized certifications relevant to school-based practice.

Harlem Children's Zone does not provide work visas for candidates who require employer sponsorship for work authorization in the United States.

Harlem Children’s Zone is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Want to work at Promise Academy? Here are seven things you need to know!