Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapist

The Occupational Therapist is responsible for assessing, planning, and implementing intervention strategies for students with special needs who demonstrate deficits in sensory regulation, daily living skills, and the acquisition of fine, perceptual, or visual-motor skills necessary to achieve educational goals. The therapist collaborates with academic staff to enhance students' functional performance skills, enabling them to access and participate in the educational program. Additionally, the Occupational Therapist supervises Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs), ensuring effective service delivery by overseeing student evaluations, goal-setting, and interventions. The therapist plays a critical role in improving students' independent functioning within the school environment by providing both direct and consultative services and guiding the work of COTAs in alignment with student needs and educational objectives.

The Occupational Therapist must have completed a professional educational program at the bachelor's, master's, or doctoral level, approved by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) or the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT), or be otherwise approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). Currently, entry-level occupational therapy programs require a minimum of a master's degree.

This job's performance will be evaluated per provisions of the Board's policy on the Evaluation of Staff.

Reports to: Building Principal

Supervises: Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Terms of Employment: This is a 9-month position with salary and benefits determined by the Board of Education. The role is part of the Related Services Team and falls under the Related Services agreement.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Identifies children (birth through age 21) through screenings and evaluations who have significant deficits in sensory regulation, daily living skills, and/or the acquisition of fine, perceptual, or visual-motor skills impairments.
2. Develops and implements each student's Individual Education Plan (IEP) and manages the individual caseload, ensuring goals are aligned with the student's needs.
3. Provides visual and sensory interventions through Special Education and the MTSS process using a continuum of service delivery models, including both direct and consultative approaches.
4. Supports classroom teachers in implementing each student's IEP, ensuring appropriate modifications or accommodations. Collaborates with colleagues to address student needs and make adjustments as necessary.
5. Supervises the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) by:
• Delivering occupational therapy services under the Occupational Therapist's guidance.
• Collaborating with the COTA to develop student goals and objectives.
• Monitoring the COTA's service competency for assessments and interventions, ensuring they are consistent with established student goals.
• Providing oversight on student evaluations, including reviewing written and verbal reports from the COTA.
• Approving the COTA's selection, implementation, and modification of interventions, ensuring consistency with the treatment plan.
6. Provides feedback to students, parents, and administrators regarding progress and necessary adjustments.
7. Ensures all information related to the COTA's interventions and student outcomes is accurately recorded and shared as needed.
8. Facilitates outcome measurement for students and ensures that the necessary documentation and communication are provided for transitions or exits from occupational therapy services.
9. Participates in ongoing professional learning, contributing to the growth of both personal practice and the COTA's development. Engages with a variety of professional communities to improve student outcomes.
10. Creates a positive and safe learning environment. Manages student behavior to foster personal empowerment, academic growth, and social-emotional well-being.
11. Utilize technologies appropriately in the teaching and learning process.
12. Participate in professional learning communities with various stakeholders, including instructional staff, parents, and community resources, to improve student outcomes and support the school improvement plan.
13. Attend a variety of meetings and professional development activities to convey or gather information required to perform job functions.
14. Demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively with parents and the community.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Must demonstrate knowledge of laws, rules, and regulations applicable to providing occupational therapy services
• Knowledge of community agencies and referral resources
• Must have excellent planning and organization skills
• Must have the ability to work collaboratively with others
• Must have strong verbal communication skills
• Must model a desire and willingness to learn continually

The physical demands of this position include frequent sitting and standing for extended periods. Repetitive bending at the waist and kneeling, stooping, and crouching to assist students are also required. Regularly walk, talk, hear, operate a computer, hand-held learning devices, and other office equipment, reach with hands and arms, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

The employer will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. This job description will be reviewed periodically as duties and responsibilities change with business necessity. Essential and marginal job functions are subject to modification.