Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapist

Compensation: Salary Certified $77,500. Comprehensive Benefits: Health (Medical, Vision, Dental), Short Term Disability, AAE, & Pension

Summary: As a member of the child study team, the occupational therapist will work with students to address the physical, motor, and functional components of performance. This position requires a high degree of responsibility, discretion, independent judgment, and confidentiality.

Qualifications: Master's degree in occupational therapy from an accredited college or university. Valid N.J. DOE certification. Demonstrate an understanding of current rules and regulations regarding a child study team and special education assessment and program requirements. Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, using proper grammar and vocabulary. Understand the requirement to maintain confidentiality concerning child study team and charter school-related matters. Required to complete a criminal history background check to prove that the individual has not been convicted of a crime or a disorderly person's offense in accordance with N.J.S.A 18A:6-7.1. Provide evidence that health is adequate to fulfill the job functions and responsibilities with reasonable accommodation pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 12101 and in accordance with N.J.A.C. 6A:32-6.2. Pass the state required Mantoux Intradermal Tuberculin Test as required by N.J.A.C. 6A:32-6.3. A valid driver's license is preferred.

Requirements/Environmental Conditions: The physical demands and work environment factors described below 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. Requires prolonged sitting or standing. Occasionally requires physical exertion to manually move, lift, carry, pull, or push objects or materials. Requires the ability to work in noisy and crowded environments. Occasionally requires stooping, bending, or reaching. Requires some traveling.

Performance Responsibilities: The Occupational Therapist shall: Pursue the vision and execute the mission of iLearn Schools Inc. Serve as a contributing member of the child study team. Support and promote board and administrative initiatives and decisions. Possess an understanding of the charter school renewal process and assist with the process as needed. Display the highest ethical and professional behavior in working with students, parents, school personnel and outside agencies associated with the charter school. Maintain professional competence and continuous improvement through professional growth. Adhere to federal statutes and regulations, New Jersey school law, New Jersey Department of Education rules and regulations, iLearn Schools Inc. policies, procedures and contractual obligations. Take immediate action and notify appropriate personnel concerning any evidence of substance abuse, child abuse, child neglect, severe medical or social conditions, potential suicide or individuals appearing to be under the influence of alcohol, controlled substances, or anabolic steroids. Follow school affirmative action procedures. Maintain a thorough knowledge and understanding of the charter school rules and regulations. Protect confidentiality of records and information about staff or students and use discretion when sharing such information within legal confines. Participate in appropriate in-service and workshop programs and attend any required meetings. Provide a thorough assessment and diagnosis of fine motor, gross motor, sensory processing, and functional living skill impairments. Serve as a resource to school staff members in the development of educational needs for occupational therapy services. Assist and guide teachers in observing, describing, and referring suspected and identified students with occupational therapy concerns. Provides screenings and/or evaluates students who have been referred to occupational therapy in the areas of fine motor performance, coordination, postural stability, perceptual motor performance, sensory processing and self regulation and activities of daily/functional skills. (Such as written productions and classroom tool use) with emphasis on present level of performance as related to academic functioning. Provide appropriate individual and small group programs of therapy to meet individual students' needs and correct existing underlying occupational motor skill needs. Collaborate with classroom teachers, special education teachers and other school staff members to ensure effectiveness of student related services. Provide information, support, and counseling to parents and families when appropriate. Establish and maintain clear procedures for occupational therapy referrals and using time effectively. Participate in and administer case conferences, I&RS meetings as requested. Maintain a physical environment with space to perform occupational services conducive to remediation attempts. Complete required paperwork in a timely manner. Cooperate with child study team professionals and complies with regulations. Maintain proper phone etiquette and practice discretion when communicating with parents or the community. Issue electronic/paper communications that are written with appropriate language, phrases and punctuation. Use of slang or text language is not acceptable. Assist in the collection of data for local, county, state or federal reports. Possess and understanding of the school emergency response plan. Attend school sponsored events as requested/contracted. Demonstrate a supportive role in the school fundraising projects. Perform any other duties within the scope of his/her employment and certification that may be assigned.

Reports to: Special Programs Resource Director. Supervise: Currently, not required to supervise. Terms of Employment: Ten-month employee. Evaluation: Performance of this job will be evaluated annually in accordance with New Jersey state law (Title 18A) and the provisions of the iLearn Schools policy on evaluation of certified personnel.