Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapist

The occupational therapist provides therapy services to eligible students to facilitate their ability to function in the educational setting. He/she assists the classroom teachers, principals, assistants and community members involved in the students educational program to better understand and meet the needs of students with orthopedic impairments and/or motor delays by providing consultation, training and assistance with program planning and accessing adaptive materials.

Essential functions include arranging schedules to best meet the needs of the students served, demonstrating ability to identify and prescribe intervention strategies in motor functioning for orthopedically impaired students or students with identified motor delays ages birth to 21 years, providing evaluation and intervention services to eligible children and coordinating program services with existing special education programs.

In cooperation with a multi-disciplinary team, the therapist contributes to eligibility determination, helps develop individualized education programs and attends conferences as appropriate. Provides occupational therapy services to students as established by IFSP/IEP. Works closely with parents, teachers and community resources involved in students' education to provide optimum services. Constructs or orders adaptive devices according to individual student needs and provides instruction on its proper care and use. Is responsible for all paperwork related to caseload and function of the orthopedic department. Makes inservice presentations as deemed necessary by the Supervisor, Director of Special Education, and/or Superintendent.

Familiar with the basic teaching formats used in the ESD programs. Makes home visits as necessary. Works harmoniously with other employees and deals tactfully with the public. Maintains confidentiality including of student records and of ESD staff, and complies with state and federal regulations regarding privacy. Maintains regular attendance in order to preserve the continuity of service delivery for the program. Perform duties in a manner reasonably expected and generally recognized by the profession. Meets the standards for competent and ethical performance as outlined in ORS 675.210 to 675.340 and OAR 584-020-0035. Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Program Administrator and Superintendent.

Qualifications include the ability to work harmoniously and communicate with other agencies, parents, and staff members. Ability to organize self and fulfill daily needs of the program. Holds a valid Oregon driver's license and provide own transportation. Demonstrates the ability to assess physical limitations and psycho-social needs of individual students. Works with staff, students, and the public in an effective manner and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees. Demonstrates respect for confidential information. Holds a current first aid card and CPR card. Education/certification: Licensed Occupational Therapist in the state of Oregon, or ability to obtain.

Working conditions may include regular or special education settings and/or in community settings with students in small or large groups or 1-to-1 and may be required to travel on the job. The employee may work beyond an eight-hour day or a five-day work week attending meetings, conferences, and school activities. The employee needs to be competent in conflict resolution. The employee must be able to communicate effectively in confrontational and emotional situations involving staff, students, parents and patrons. Confidentiality is a top priority for the persons in this position. The employee at times works under varied workloads and inflexible deadlines. Problems may arise which require immediate attention setting up conflicting priorities. Sound judgment is required to effectively prioritize these demands. Supervision and instructional responsibilities require the employee to be able to stand up to 30 consecutive minutes and to move rapidly to intervene in situations where a student's safety is being jeopardized. The employee must be able to lift materials, boxes or equipment weighing up to 30 pounds. The employee may need to participate with others in lifting/moving equipment weighing up to 40 pounds. The employee needs to be able to participate with one other employee in lifting students weighing up to 120 pounds, if the student's protocol permits. All lifting and transferring of students should be done in accordance with approved protocols. The employee may come into contact with biohazards such as human waste, saliva, and blood, and should take appropriate protective precautions. The employee may be required to provide intimate hygiene care to students, and may be required to accompany the student into restrooms and locker rooms.

Terms of employment: 191 Day Rate: $64,373 to $105,298. First consideration for this position will be given to properly licensed members of the collective bargaining unit. A fingerprint-based criminal history investigation will be required. South Coast ESD is an equal opportunity employer and complies with federal and state statutes which prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, handicap or marital status. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate an individual with a disability or disabilities. Union: South Coast ESD Education Association Bargaining unit members shall have first consideration for vacancies in bargaining unit positions, if qualified by license and experience. First consideration means bargaining unit members will be interviewed during the posting period and notified whether they will be offered the job prior to the interviews of, and/or the job being offered to, someone outside the bargaining unit.