A-5 Occupational Therapist [Salary Range $57,110-$75,000]

Workforce Diversity Statement

The Newington Public Schools is dedicated to recruiting, hiring, growing and retaining a culturally diverse workforce that represents the racial, ethnic, and linguistic diversity of our community - to challenge student achievement and realize equity for all in our schools. To achieve this, we value and strive for the highest levels of: Family and Community Engagement; Culturally Relevant Organizational Practices; School Climate; Student-Centered Learning; Diverse Staff of Excellent Educators; Equitable Student Access; and Fiscal Equity. We are interested in candidates who are passionate around these values; candidates who represent the racial, ethnic, and linguistic diversity of our community; and candidates who will engage fully in our continuous improvement efforts to achieve equity for all.

Position Description

The occupational therapist, as a member of the educational team, supports the education of students suspected of and/or diagnosed with a disability in their least restrictive environment. The occupational therapist develops, implements and coordinates a physical therapy program within the district; providing screening, evaluation and intervention services.

This is a 10 month school year position. The district's expectation is for this position to work our Extended School Year (ESY) Program for additional pay.

Essential Job Functions

• Ensures safety of students
• Maintain student service, administrative and other departmental records in accordance with the district, state and federal policies
• Adhere to professional, ethical and legal standards of practice
• Implement and coordinate the occupational therapy program within the district
• Evaluate students using appropriate tests, skilled professional observation and supplementary information from other agencies and records
• Interpret assessment findings and appropriately convey information to parents and school teams
• Participate with the school team to develop Individualized Education Programs and Section 504 Plans
• Develop and implement intervention strategies
• Develop occupational therapy management plan for daily classroom routines and train staff in its safe implementation
• Plan for transition from school to community, preparing student to function independent from occupational service when targeted outcomes are achieved
• Evaluate and report on student progress
• Communicate, collaborate, and consult with school staff, parents, administrators, physicians, community and other professionals
• Collaborate with other healthcare providers for effective coordination of service
• Provide guidance to students to promote their educational development
• Observe ethics of the teaching profession; exhibit professional behavior, emotional stability and sound judgment
• Maintain respect for confidential information, e.g. student educational/medical records and assessments including psychological evaluations
• Attend meetings and in-services as required by the Building Principal or Director of Pupil Services

Additional Job Functions

May perform additional tasks and duties as requested.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Ability to implement proper mechanics when lifting students or equipment
• Effective interpersonal, time management and communication skills with parents, staff and students
• Ability to use computer applications and software
• Ability to organize work and meet service objectives efficiently
• Knowledge of Federal and State laws and regulations regarding the provision of services
• Knowledge and ability to analyze problems, develop and implement programs as well as activities to address these problems
• Ability to work independently with minimum supervision

Required Physical and Mental Effort and Environmental Conditions

• Exposure to video display terminals on a daily basis
• Ability to sit/stand continuously for prolonged periods of time
• Ability to move equipment up to fifty (50) pounds
• Assist in the transferring and lifting of students into equipment, seating or onto an exercise mat
• Ability to access all areas of the school including the classroom, cafeteria, bathrooms, auditorium, buses, stairs, play equipment, etc.
• Ability to hear normal sounds with some background noise and communicate effectively
• Ability to concentrate on detailed and complex matters with constant interruption within a school setting
• Ability to attend to tasks/functions for more than 60 minutes at a time
• Ability to remember multiple tasks/assignments given to self, and others over a long period of time

Required Minimum Qualifications

The skills and knowledge required: Meeting all education standards required for licensure by the Connecticut Department of Health. Experience in providing occupational therapy in a school setting.

License or Certificate

Valid license from the Connecticut Department of Public Health.