Occupational Therapist

Salary based on experience and educational level on Teachers' Salary Schedule

Overview:

Under the direction of the Director of Special Education and working in cooperation with appropriate district supervisors, teachers, parents and students, the occupational therapist (OT) shall be responsible for providing diagnostic and intervention services for students requiring school based occupational therapy services, helping students to adjust and access the general education curriculum.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assess, screen, and evaluate students through the Evaluation Team Report (ETR) process and effectively share results with parents and educational staff, and participate in the eligibility determination process in accordance with state and school division requirements and best practice

• Develop and implement Individual Education Plans (IEPs) goals and objectives related to OT for qualifying students on an annual basis or according to requirements

• Plans, implements, and monitors activities that allow students to access and benefit from their specialized instruction. The focus of these services includes, but is not limited to academic performance, fine and gross motor functioning, positioning, daily living skills, play/leisure skills, work skills, and sensory-motor activities.

• Assesses and makes environmental and other adaptations to allow students to access and benefit from their program of specialized instruction.

• Provides training to special education teachers, paraprofessionals, and others as appropriate, in carrying out day-to-day activities designed to enhance the student's physical, motor, and sensory functioning.

• Maintains an inventory of District OT assistive equipment.

• Consults with school staff, administration, and parents in improving students' motor and sensory-motor functioning.

• Collaborates with school staff and/or parents in developing, implementing, evaluating, and maintaining occupational therapy interventions.

• Consults and collaborates with medical and other community providers, as appropriate.

• Coordinates the delivery of occupational therapy services with classroom teachers, special education staff and other providers to ensure continuity and consistency in providing comprehensive special education services to students.

• Assesses the motor, visual-motor and sensory-motor functioning of students referred for special education evaluation. Helps determine the need for occupational therapy services.

• Maintains an accurate record of therapy sessions, consultations, and other pertinent activities.

• Attends training sessions, conferences, seminars, department, and district meetings.

• Serves on District committees, task forces, work groups, etc., as requested.

• Keeps abreast of changing developments, trends, instructional and educational technologies.

Key Qualifications:

• Valid ODE certification with appropriate licenses

• Successful training/teaching experience in a special education department preferred

• Experience in structured teaching, assistive technology, and positive behavior supports preferred

• Commitment to continuing education as an occupational therapist throughout career

• Excellent communication skills with both children and adults

• Ability to maintain and organize confidential records

• Understanding and commitment to following all related laws and standards

• Organizational, scheduling and planning skills to manage complex schedule, and the schedule of many students

• Good working knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis and treatment according to IDEA

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA):

• Must display competencies in OT testing and assessment, and possess knowledge of interventions to support individual student needs

• Must demonstrate the ability to coordinate special education services and comply with special education rules and due process requirements

• Must be able to work in team decision-making situations

• Must possess consulting skills

• Must demonstrate knowledge of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and various evidence-based interventions

• Knowledge of and demonstrated ability to use relevant technology

• Perform all other related work delegated or required to accomplish the objectives of school and/or district initiatives

• Must have the demonstrated ability to report to work on a regular and punctual basis

• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing

• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others

• Working knowledge of special education laws, rules, and regulations and of district policies and procedures; and the ability to apply these to help ensure District compliance

• Working knowledge of the principals, practices, and ethical standards of Occupational Therapy; relevant state and federal laws, rules, and regulations; and applicable district policies and procedures.

• Ability to deal effectively and appropriately with students, parents and other educational professionals regarding student concerns and problems.

• Ability to consult with school personnel in developing and implementing effective occupational therapy interventions for students.

• The skill and ability to communicate - both orally and in writing.

The Successful Candidate Will:

Meet all the qualifications and attributes and be prepared to share an example of a full OT evaluation and IEP completed in a previous work location. The candidate will attend required training sessions, department, and district meetings, as well as be willing to serve on District committees, task forces, work groups, etc., as requested. The candidate will keep abreast of changing developments, trends, instructional and educational technologies. Additionally, the candidate will demonstrate preparation and skill in working with students from diverse cultural, economic and ability backgrounds, especially in a high performing, high achieving district, and acknowledge that they will complete other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Position is mostly indoors.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk and stand. Occasionally the employee will sit and/or run.

• The employee will frequently bend or twist at the trunk while performing the duties of this job.

• The employee will frequently squat, stoop, kneel, reach above the head, reach forward and repeat the same hand motion many times while performing the duties of the job.

• The employee may routinely lift and move objects 50 pounds.

• The specific vision requirements of the job include good depth perception and occasionally being able to see objects/persons at a distance.

• While performing the duties of the job the employee frequently is required to hear conversation in quiet, as well as a noisy environment and be able to tell where a sound is coming from.

• The employee must be able to communicate to the team to give directions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Occasionally the employee must be able to meet deadlines with severe time constraints and interact with public and other workers. The noise level in the environment is usually low/moderate.

The Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and transgender identity), disability, age, religion, military status ancestry, genetic information (collectively, "Protected Classes"), or any other legally protected category, in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities.