Occupational Therapist (District Wide) - position 1

About the role

The job of Occupational Therapist was established for the purpose/s of providing support to the educational process with specific responsibilities for assessing students' functional development level; planning and implementing appropriate treatment to meet individual student objectives; identifying architectural barriers; providing recommendations for accessibility, program development, and student placement; and providing direction to Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants.

Responsibilities

• Adapts equipment (e.g. seating, tables, desk, etc.) for the purpose of providing optimal positioning and increase independence for special education students.
• Administers occupational therapy procedures and modalities for the purpose of achieving program objectives.
• Affirms and evaluates student's fine and gross motor skills and functional abilities (e.g. perceptual-motor, hand functions, motor coordination, sensory development, muscle strength, etc.) for the purpose of determining program eligibility and developing recommendations for treatment, appropriate assistive devices and/or school placement.
• Collaborates with a variety of groups and/or individuals (e.g. parents, teachers, physicians, administration, maintenance personnel, team members, other professionals, etc.) for the purpose of communicating information, resolving issues, and providing services in compliance with established guidelines.
• Consults with teachers, parents, other personnel and/or outside professionals for the purpose of providing requested information, developing plans for services, making recommendations and/or coordinating occupational therapy services with those of other disciplines.
• Develops treatment plans, interventions, and/or educational materials for the purpose of enhancing students' participation in the educational context and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Identifies structural issues for the purpose of removing barriers for students with physical limitations and/or identifying appropriate assistive technology.
• Instructs students and staff for the purpose of providing information on medical/behavioral attributes, use of assistive devices and/or implementing plans for remediation of functional limitations.
• Interprets medical reports for the purpose of providing information and/or ensuring that treatment/intervention plans are appropriate.
• Maintains files and/or records (e.g. progress reports, activity logs, billing information, treatment plans, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring the availability of information as required for reference and/or compliance.
• Participates in meetings, workshops, and seminars (e.g. professional learning community, training, IEPs, team meetings, etc.) for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information.
• Performs site visits at multiple worksites including home visits for the purpose of providing direct therapy interventions and assistance as required.
• Prepares a wide variety of written materials (e.g. IEPs, activity logs, correspondence, memos, treatment plans, Medicaid billings, reports, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities, providing written reference and/or conveying information.
• Procures and/or fabricates adaptive assistive technology for the purpose of meeting student needs.
• Provides direct occupational therapy service for the purpose of developing students daily living skills in compliance with established goals and objectives.
• Researches resources and methods (e.g. intervention and treatment techniques, assessment tools and methods, community resources, etc.) for the purpose of determining the appropriate approach for addressing students' functional goals.
• Responds to inquiries (e.g. parents, teachers, staff, students, etc.) for the purpose of providing information and/or referral as appropriate.
• Schedules student's therapy services for the purpose of making necessary arrangements and ensuring IEP goals are met.
• Supervises the work of assigned COTAs for the purpose of providing guidance and ensuring that program objectives are achieved.
• Transports supplies and equipment to a variety of sites for the purpose of ensuring the availability of items as needed.

Requirements

• Minimum Qualifications: Masters degree in job-related area.
• Skills: Applying assessment instruments; operating equipment used in occupational therapy strategies; operating standard office equipment including pertinent computer software and preparing and maintaining accurate records.
• Knowledge: Age-appropriate activities; concepts of grammar and punctuation; health standards and hazards; safety practices and procedures; stages of child development; abnormal development and medical diagnoses related to special Education funding categories; current OT treatment interventions; and pertinent codes, policies, regulations and/or laws.
• Ability: Scheduling activities, meetings, and/or events; gathering, collating, and/or classifying data; and considering a number of factors when using the equipment.