Occupational Therapist

1680 Occupational Therapist

Under the general supervision of the Director of Special Education, the Occupational Therapist provides school-based occupational therapy services, including evaluation, treatment, and consultation, to enable students to benefit from special education programming. Areas of emphasis include, but are not limited to, fine motor skills, perceptual-motor skills, sensory processing skills, and activities of daily living skills as related to a student's ability to access the educational program.

The physical demands and 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. Duties are normally performed in a school/classroom environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Essential Functions/Typical Tasks

Develop applicable portions of Individualized Education Programs (IEP)/504 Plans for eligible students. Plan and implement IEP/504 occupational therapy services (direct and/or consultative) to eligible students in the area of endorsement. Ensure that all services are performed in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Perform and document evaluations and assessments as necessary to determine eligibility for services. Provide consultation to educational staff and parents regarding student progress and strategies to meet students' needs. Attend and contribute to team meetings to assist in determining student placement, strengths, needs, services, programs, etc. Supervise licensed certified occupational therapy assistants, including documentation of completed supervisory requirements. Review student records and IEPs and provide input regarding appropriate services. Evaluate, record, and report students' progress on IEP goals in computerized IEP system. Maintain therapy equipment and materials. Complete and maintain documentation requirements (evaluation reports, progress reports, therapeutic treatment logs, documentation required for Medicaid billing, Plans of Care, supervisory documentation, etc.) in accordance with confidentiality requirements. Participate in regularly scheduled division-wide professional development and staff meetings. Perform any other related duties as assigned by the Director of Special Education or other appropriate administrator.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Current professional license issued by the Virginia Department of Health Professions. Current certification issued by The National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy. Minimum of Bachelor degree from an accredited college or university in discipline applicable to assignment. Thorough knowledge of pediatric/school-based occupational therapy diagnostic and treatment methods. Experience providing school-based therapy preferred. Ability to supervise licensed certified occupational therapy assistants. Experience documenting school-based Medicaid-eligible therapy services preferred. Knowledge of Special Education principles, theories, assessment, and methods of maximizing access to the general education curriculum for students with disabilities. Effective organizational and interpersonal skills. Ability to develop and implement an appropriate treatment plan to address the individualized needs of eligible students within the educational setting. Knowledge of data analysis and the formulation of data-based treatment plans. Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students. Ability to use computer network system and software applications as needed. Ability to organize and coordinate work. Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth. Ability to maintain workflow in a variety of environments and situations with a diverse population. Ability to demonstrate punctuality and reliability, and to complete assigned duties in a timely manner. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships and effectively communicate with others contacted in the course of work. Use of standard office equipment. Ability to stand, sit, bend, lift/carry as related to job requirements.

Education and Experience

Bachelor degree from an accredited college or university in discipline applicable to assignment.

Equipment

Use standard office equipment such as personal computers, printer, copy and fax machines, and telephone.

Special Requirements

Must hold a valid license from the Virginia Department of Health Professions

FLSA Status

Exempt

AA/EOE Statement

This employer does not knowingly discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, or national origin.

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