Occupational Therapist - Part-Time

SUMMARY :


The Occupational Therapist (OT) provides comprehensive, quality occupational therapy services to children in diverse settings such as children's homes, daycare centers and/or other community settings. The OT also provides school-based consultative and direct occupational therapy services to students. Comprehensive services include evaluation, planning, therapeutic activities and interventions, multidisciplinary teamwork, counseling, and referrals; as well as education of families, school district staff, and childcare providers to assist children to fully participate in their educational experiences.


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Licensed Occupational Therapist in the state of Michigan.
• Proven ability to effectively evaluate, develop goals/objectives and administer therapy.
• Possess skills necessary to provide diagnostic/consultative/direct services in small/large groups to students ages birth - 26.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as on a professional team.
• Knowledge and ability to implement intervention and therapy regarding students' fine and gross motor skills and functional abilities (e.g. perceptual-motor, hand functions, motor coordination, sensory development, muscle strength, etc.).
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in computer/software use including Google Suite, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Zoom.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Demonstrated ability to provide in-service training to staff and parents on a variety of topics.
• Knowledge of computer/assistive technology.
• Previous school experience with students with special needs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Adapt school and classroom environment, tools and materials for the purpose of improving student functioning and facilitating student access to curricular and instructional activities.
• Assess students' fine motor, and development skills (e.g. oral motor, sensory integration, motor planning, developmental function, activities of daily living, fine motor function, postural tone, etc.) to determine deficits and develop recommendations.
• Proactively contribute as an interdisciplinary team member within the context of an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) and/or Individualized Education Program (IEP), including development, planning, implementation, and follow-up.
• Consult with other specialists, teachers, educational assistants, families, etc., for the purpose of providing requested information, reviewing/revising students' occupational therapy goals/objectives, developing plans for services and/or making recommendations to implement goals.
• Implement therapeutic activities and instruct students, teachers, parents and other involved persons (e.g. positioning, adjusting special equipment, etc.) for the purpose of providing appropriate care to students and/or supporting the student's IEP plan for use in the classroom.
• Maintain up-to-date files, records, and documentation in compliance with various state, federal, and administrative regulations.
• Maintain treatment equipment and supplies in clean and proper working condition.
• Prepare written materials (e.g., activity logs, progress notes, reports, memos, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities, providing written reference, and/or conveying information.
• Provide direct occupational therapy services to students according to IEP goals.
• Troubleshoot problems with assistive devices for the purpose of ensuring that equipment is in proper working order and/or providing alternative strategies.
• Educate family members and caregivers on different intervention strategies to facilitate active involvement.
• Serve as a member of diagnostic and intervention teams.
• Collaborate and communicate effectively with community agencies, administrators, educators, physicians, families, and students.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS:

• Must maintain strict confidentiality regarding the affairs of Marquette-Alger RESA, local education agencies (LEAs), families, staff and physicians at all times.
• Able to work flexible hours to meet the service delivery needs.
• Must demonstrate excellent oral/written communication skills.
• Must be organized, self-motivated and enthusiastic.
• Must successfully adapt and function independently within a variety of community and educational settings.
• Position requires regular regional travel across Marquette and Alger counties; occasional travel to other areas of the State may be required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Regularly required to talk, hear, stand, sit and reach with hands and arms.
• Frequently required to stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and sit on the floor to interact with or position children.
• Must occasionally lift, move, or position students and/or adaptive equipment weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Requires the ability to effectively orchestrate multiple activities and projects simultaneously.
• Must exercise sound judgment and maintain high levels of confidentiality under pressure.
• Must adapt quickly to changing community environments and diverse student behaviors.
• Routinely works in varied environments including standard school classrooms, therapy rooms, daycares, and private homes.
• Noise levels in the work environment can change from quiet to moderate or loud depending on the setting.
• Requires a valid driver's license and the ability to travel routinely via motor vehicle in all weather conditions across Marquette and Alger counties.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Part-time position (65 days per calendar year). Must have regular and reliable job attendance, performance, and the physical ability to do the job (with or without reasonable accommodation).

REPORTS TO: Executive Director of Special Education

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS: According to Marquette-Alger RESA Education Association (MEA) Bargaining Unit Scale.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Open Until Filled

Marquette-Alger RESA does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sex (including gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, childbirth, or a related condition), age, height, weight, familial status, marital status, military service, veteran status, genetic information, disability, or any other legally protected basis, and prohibits unlawful discrimination, including harassment and retaliation, in any education program or activity that it operates, including in admission and employment. Marquette-Alger RESA's Non-discrimination, Anti-Harassment, and Non-Retaliation Policy, as well as the grievance procedure for reporting concerns or complaints, are available at maresa.org/about-us/notice-of-nondiscrimination.