School Occupational Therapist

Job Description

Job Description

We are seeking an innovative, creative, collaborative occupational therapist to join our Sun Prairie team for the upcoming school year. Specifically we are interested in applicants with school based OT experience.  Ideal candidates will have expertise with assistive technology, autism, inclusive practices and universal design for learning and will find joy in working with all ages of students from 3-21.  

Our Occupational Therapists work closely together as a job alike group and with our District's multidisciplinary Motor Development team.  The Sun Prairie Motor Development Team is made up of the district's physical therapists, occupational therapists, and adapted physical education teachers and is committed to advancing the independence of individuals with motor challenges in creative and collaborative ways.

SUMMARY: Provides evaluation, intervention, and consultation services for and on behalf of children with disabilities.  Exchange information with educational personnel, parents, and community agencies in order to promote the education of children with disabilities.

 
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

1. Instructs students individually and in-group settings in both special education classroom and the regular education environment
2. Participates in the IEP team process to develop, review, evaluate, and implement Individual Education Programs (IEP) for students with disabilities.
3. Responsible for informing regular education teachers of IEP if applicable.
4. Monitors and evaluates students work and progress based on tests, reports, work samples, and observations and keeps appropriate records and prepares progress reports.
5. Assists with diagnosis (testing/evaluation) and writes related reports.
6. Develops a treatment plan to outline the specific occupational therapy intervention that will assist the child in meeting the goals and objectives.
7. Identifies pupil needs and makes appropriate referrals to and participate in CARE Team and develops and implements strategies for IEPs and 504 plans.
8. Orders and maintain an inventory of equipment.
9. Provides qualitative and quantitative feedback to students and parents, participates in parent/teacher conferences, and open houses.
10. Provides training to the appropriate person to carry over therapy goals in the school setting.
11. Establishes and maintains standards of pupil behavior to achieve an effective and safe learning environment.
12. Responsible for set-up, maintenance, and cleaning of treatment areas and OT equipment.
13. Participates in building, content area, and grade level meetings as required.
14. Attends meetings and conferences and participates in other activities to promote professional growth.
15. Acts as an advocate for the student with special education staff, regular education staff, supervisors, administrators, community resources, and parents. 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: This position supervises the following positions:
Supervises students and paraprofessionals.

 
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to eligible individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions .

 
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor's Degree in occupational therapy.

 
COMMUNICATION AND LANGUAGE SKILLS:
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.  Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from students, staff, administrators, and parents.

 
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:
Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference.  Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions to practical solutions.

 
ANALYTICAL AND REASONING ABILITY:
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.  Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

 
OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Ability to apply knowledge of current research and theory to instructional program; ability to apply lessons based on building and district objectives and the needs and abilities of the students.  Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, staff, parents, and community.  Ability to communicate effectively.  Ability to use computers and other technology to accomplish job responsibilities.

 
TEMPERAMENTS:
Ability to deal with people, direct others, and influence people in their attitudes, opinions, and judgments.  Directly responsible for the safety and well being of others.

 
PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES:   The physical demands described here 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.
While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to talk or hear, and use hands to finger, handle, or feel; frequently required to walk and stand, and the employee may frequently bend or twist at the neck and back.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and peripheral vision.  The employee may occasional lift up to 100 pounds.

 
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.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.  The employee is frequently required to interact with public and staff.  The employee is directly responsible for the safety, well being, and work output of students.

 
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES:
Must possess and maintain or be eligible to obtain a Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction School Occupational Therapist, code 812.  Must possess valid driver's license.

The Sun Prairie Area School District has proudly earned a place in the nation as one of the most innovative and progressive school districts, and the single factor that has led to this reputation is the quality of the staff who serve and love our children every day. Our staff lead some of the most relevant, engaging, and innovative programming anywhere. While there are too many to name completely, a sampling of our programming includes our Mandarin Chinese and other foreign language programming, our Advanced Placement Computer Science programming, our personalization and co-teaching instructional strategies, AVID programming, not to mention the strength of our literacy and math curricular offerings. Taken as collection of opportunities and innovative programming, we call this The Sun Prairie Experience.

Company Description

The Sun Prairie Area School District has proudly earned a place in the nation as one of the most innovative and progressive school districts, and the single factor that has led to this reputation is the quality of the staff who serve and love our children every day. Our staff lead some of the most relevant, engaging, and innovative programming anywhere. While there are too many to name completely, a sampling of our programming includes our Mandarin Chinese and other foreign language programming, our Advanced Placement Computer Science programming, our personalization and co-teaching instructional strategies, AVID programming, not to mention the strength of our literacy and math curricular offerings. Taken as collection of opportunities and innovative programming, we call this The Sun Prairie Experience.