Occupational Therapist

Occupational TherapistWaukegan Community Unit School District No. 60 serves nearly 15,500 students in preschool through grade 12 and is located halfway between Chicago, Illinois and Milwaukee, Wisconsin on the shores of Lake Michigan. The District has one early learning center, 15 elementary schools, five middle schools and a high school program divided between two 9 – 12th grade campuses. The District encompasses portions of Waukegan, Beach Park and Park City.The Waukegan Community Unit School District No. 60 has set an ambitious agenda for change, guided by the belief that all children, regardless of circumstances, can achieve at high levels and academic gaps can and will be eliminated with the support of teachers who deliver engaging, relevant, and academically rigorous instruction that excites students and instills a love of learning in them.The Occupational Therapist will be directly responsible to the OT/PT Department Specialist who is directly responsible to the Director of Special Education Programs and Services.Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesGeneral Duties:Provide occupational therapy, evaluation and treatmentDevelop treatment plans and IEP goalsComplete necessary paperworkCommunication and consultationManage therapy equipmentSpecific Duties/Treatment Duties:Provide occupational therapy treatment to students in accordance with accepted practices and procedures of pediatric therapy and according to stated IEP goalsScreen student identified by other school personnel or outside agency as possibly needing occupational therapy servicesPerform and document full occupational therapy evaluation of students receiving occupational therapy services. Re-evaluate yearly or as neededDevelop treatment plans for and supervise therapy of Certified Occupational Therapy AssistantDevelop, teach and monitor classroom and home programsSet student service priorities as necessaryTravel to the students school to provide treatment, only students needing sensory integration will be serviced in the therapy suitesAdhere to therapy schedule and notify necessary staff of schedule changesOther Programs and Duties:Attend Individual Education Plan and MDC Meetings on all students considered for or receiving occupational therapyParticipate in Waukegan Early Education (WEE) ScreeningParticipate in Parent-Infant Education (PIE) screening and provide occupational therapy services as neededPaperwork Duties:Become familiar with federal and state laws regarding occupational therapy services in the school settingFollow district and departmental policies, procedures and formsObtain, review and interpret medical information necessary for treatment. Yearly doctor's prescription is neededObtain parental permission for screeningWrite Individual Education Plan (IEP) goals for each student. Update yearlyWrite occupational therapy report for yearly IEP or MDC meetingKeep attendance and running treatment notes on each studentDocument supervision of Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant as neededComplete all necessary paperwork such as: Medicaid forms, individual data sheet updates, yearly class list, mileage, etcDevelop workable therapy scheduleEquipment Duties:Keep up to date inventory of all occupational therapy equipment and its locationKeep all equipment in good repairPrioritize equipment needs and prepare new equipment orders when dueRecommend types of equipment that could benefit a student and assist in procuring equipment for trial or permanent useMake sure all equipment is used correctly. Instruct others in correct equipment use as necessaryCommunication and Consultation Duties:Promote awareness of the role and function of occupational therapy in Waukegan SchoolsCoordinate with Physical TherapyCommunicate with school nurse about student medical problems and in conjunction with nursing be a resource person for school staff and parents on medical issuesCommunicate with parents and outside agencies to give or get requested information, coordinate medical services, resolve equipment needs, etcCommunicate effectively with classroom teacher about day, time and place of occupational therapy and about students OT goals, progress and equipmentInstruct classroom staff and gym personnel on activities of a therapeutic nature that should be carried out in classroom, playground or gym. Provide on-going monitoring and reassessment of such activitiesTrain school staff in handling techniques, use of equipment, safety, etcMonitor and assist in adapting school environment for accessibility and finding ways to ensure optimal function in least restrictive environmentParticipate in district in-service and staff development programsProvide formal and informal education on topics and activities related to occupational therapyMiscellaneous:If the district participates in OT or COTA student clinical education affiliations, the occupational therapist will develop a suitable student clinical program and supervise studentsQualifications:Must hold Illinois State Occupational Therapy LicenseSalary: Per OT/PT Salary ScheduleWaukegan Community Unit School District 60 offers employment opportunities without regard to age, gender, race, color, gender identity, national origin, religion, marital or military/veteran status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, parental status, genetics, disability or other protected category.