OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

The Occupational Therapist identifies, through formal and informal evaluation and observation, students whose ability to function within the classroom and school setting is impeded by physical and/or sensory deficits. The OT is responsible for developing, planning, and implementing appropriate occupational therapy programs and individual therapy plans to provide direct or indirect services to identified students, enabling each child to achieve greater success in their educational experience.

Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in Occupational Therapy
• Arizona Occupational Therapist Certificate
• Experience as an Occupational Therapist working with children in an educational setting is preferred
• Valid Arizona Driver's License
• Valid (IVP) Fingerprint Clearance Card
• Certification in CPR & First Aid from an accepted agency
• Experience with diverse student populations
• Knowledge of occupational therapy evaluation and treatment of children
• Knowledge of child development
• Knowledge of State and Federal guidelines regarding occupational therapy and students with disabilities
• Knowledge of District policies, procedures, organizational structure, and school requirements
• Strong knowledge of the English language, including reading, writing, and oral communication, with extensive skills in spelling, punctuation, and grammar
• Knowledge of Spanish, including reading, writing, and oral communication, is preferred
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills when working with students, parents, staff, and administration
• Ability to comprehend and perform functions from written and verbal instructions
• The role requires the ability to stoop, crouch, reach, stand, and walk, and to occasionally exert up to 20 pounds of force.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist teachers in referring students with suspected deficits and conduct formal/informal assessments to interpret findings for parents and school teams.
• Participate in the Child Study Team and Child Find processes to develop and monitor Individualized Educational Plans (IEPs) with specific, measurable goals.
• Write and submit comprehensive evaluation and diagnostic reports, including intervention plans and service recommendations.
• Provide individualized therapy services as prescribed in the IEP to improve students' functional performance in the educational setting.
• Attend multidisciplinary conferences and maintain open communication with administrators, school nurses, and district psychologists
• Identify, procure, and modify assistive devices or prosthetic equipment to meet student-specific needs
• Instruct staff, students, and families in OT strategies, routines, and the use of special equipment for both school and home environments.
• Serve as a consultant to school staff on topics such as muscle strength, coordination, motor planning, and sensory processing.
• Use collected data to evaluate individual student progress and adjust treatment and services as necessary.
• Provide regular information and progress reports to parents and families as required by the district.
• Complete mid-year, end-of-year, and other specialized reports requested by the Director of Special Education.
• Create and maintain service logs and documentation files required for the Medicaid in the Public School (MIPS) program.
• Maintain strict compliance with federal and state statutes, the Arizona Occupational Therapy Practice Act, and district policies.
• Participate in district-sponsored professional development, workshops, and meetings to stay current on industry trends and best practices.
• Maintain professionalism and confidentiality in all situations, including student and family records.
• Physical ability to lift, position, and maneuver students and heavy therapeutic equipment.
• Perform all other duties as assigned

Length of Employment:

• Nine (9) months
• Days worked will be determined by the school calendar

Reports to Director of Exceptional Student Services

Performance to be evaluated in accordance with Board Policy GDO

Fowler Elementary School District No. 45