Director of Occupational Therapy Services

Job Title: Director of Occupational Therapy Services
Location: Remote in Lancaster, PA 17601
Employment Type: Full-Time (Monday to Friday)
Salary: Based on education and experience

Join New Story Schools (NSS), a leading special education provider dedicated to making a lasting impact on students’ lives. We serve children and young adults ages 5-22 in grades K-12 across multiple locations in Pennsylvania and Ohio, partnering with families and school districts to create a safe and empowering space for growth and development. Our schools offer small class sizes, individualized learning plans, and a supportive environment where students are empowered to succeed academically and socially.  

At the heart of our work are our core values — integrity, accountability, collaboration, inclusion, and support — which guide how we show up for students, families, and each other every day.

Why Join Us?  

• Salary -Based on education and experience.
• Weekday Schedule – Work Monday through Friday with a consistent school-based schedule, no nights or weekends required.  
• Paid School Breaks & Time Off – Enjoy paid school breaks, holidays, and personal time off, ensuring time to recharge and reset.  
• Comprehensive Benefits – Access health, dental, and vision insurance, plus employer-paid short-term disability, life insurance, and flexible spending accounts (FSA/HSA).  
• Financial Perks – Benefit from a 401(k)-retirement plan with up to 4% company match, plus employer-paid HSA contributions and life & disability insurance.  
• Professional Development – Advance your career with tuition reimbursement, mentorship programs, leadership training, and pathways to grow into teaching or behavioral health roles.  
• Supportive Team – Collaborate with educators, specialists, and therapists in a positive, inclusive environment with annual awards, Teammate Appreciation Week, and team-building events.  
• Make an Impact – Help students with special needs build life skills, confidence, and independence in a supportive school environment. 

Your Role as Director of Occupational Therapy Services

• Vision & Strategic Planning: Lead the strategic direction and vision for occupational therapy services, ensuring alignment with special education objectives and evolving student needs across multiple school locations.
• Program Oversight & Compliance: Oversee the development, implementation, and continuous evaluation of occupational therapy programs, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards, IEP requirements, and best practices in therapy delivery.
• Policy Development & Quality Assurance: Establish and maintain standardized protocols, performance metrics, and audit processes to promote equitable, high-quality services and ensure consistency across sites.
• Staff Supervision & Development: Supervise and mentor OTs and COTAs, providing regular evaluations, guidance, and professional development opportunities to maintain a highly qualified and engaged therapy team.
• Innovation & Evidence-Based Practice: Research, implement, and promote innovative, evidence-based therapeutic interventions that support functional, sensory, and fine motor skill development.
• Collaboration & Integration: Partner with school leaders, educators, and related service providers to integrate occupational therapy into educational programming and enhance support for students with diverse needs.
• Operational Management & Travel: Manage therapy resources, staffing, and budgeting across multiple locations; travel statewide as needed to ensure consistency, support service delivery, and provide on-site leadership.

Required Qualifications 

• Educational & Licensure Requirements: Holds a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy and maintains current professional licensure in the state of Pennsylvania.
• Clinical & Supervisory Experience: Brings over ten years of pediatric or school-based occupational therapy experience, including a minimum of five years in a leadership or supervisory capacity.
• Crisis Intervention & Safety Readiness: Demonstrates proficiency in non-violent crisis intervention techniques and the ability to safely manage and redirect students exhibiting physically aggressive behaviors.
• Mobility & Physical Responsiveness: Capable of responding quickly and maneuvering effectively to ensure student safety in urgent situations, including preventing elopement or managing severe behavioral episodes.
• Emergency Preparedness: Physically able to assist in the evacuation of students during emergency scenarios, ensuring safe and efficient responses.
• Location & Travel: This is a remote role with 75% travel. The ideal candidate will be local to the Central Pennsylvania area, preferably residing in Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17601.

Ready to Make an Impact? Apply Today! 

At New Story Schools, we are committed to diversity, inclusion, and creating a supportive, drug-free workplace. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds to apply. Join our team and help shape a brighter future for students with special needs!