Occupational Therapist Assistant

Occupational Therapy Assistant

Under limited supervision, provides professional services to help students overcome or compensate for deficiencies in physical performance areas and benefit from special education services. Reports to the Director of Special Services and Occupational Therapist Supervisor.

Evaluates referred students by assessing range of motion, muscle strength, tone and sensory systems, fine motor skills, self-help skills, oral-motor skills and visual-perceptual skills as indicated. Administers standardized tests as appropriate. Communicates evaluation results to parents and teachers. Coordinates, with members of a multi-disciplinary team, individual strategies, accommodations and the use of adaptive equipment. Plans, coordinates and provides occupational therapy treatment sessions based on evaluation findings and recommendations; trains students in the appropriate use of adaptive equipment. Prepares and submits accurate and complete documentation of all assigned cases; prepares daily progress notes, quarterly Medicaid summaries of progress, and IEP updates as required by law and District policy. Selects, orders and maintains adaptive equipment for individual student needs. Communicates with school personnel and parents as needed to discuss student progress and concerns. Participates as a member of the Assistive Technology Team as appropriate. Trains staff in appropriate intervention techniques with individual students. Assists in establishing transportation protocols for special needs students as appropriate; supervises the transportation of students to and from occupational therapy. Maintains awareness and expertise in current professional research, trends and methodologies as they apply to school physical therapy services; attends training, conferences, workshops, etc., as appropriate to enhance job knowledge and skills. Receives and responds to inquiries, concerns and complaints from staff, parents, medical personnel and students regarding physical therapy services. Prepares and/or processes evaluation reports, intervention plans, case notes, other records, reports, memos, correspondence, etc. Operates a vehicle, power wheelchair, manual wheelchair, and a variety of office equipment such as a computer, printer, fax machine, copier, calculator, telephone, audio-visual equipment, etc.; uses splints, braces, other adaptive equipment and physical therapy supplies, clerical / copier / computer supplies, small hand tools, etc. Interacts and communicates with various groups and individuals such as the immediate supervisor, co-workers, other District / school administrators and staff, students, parents, medical professionals, community / government agencies, vendors, and the general public. Performs routine administrative/office tasks as required, including but not limited to preparing reports and correspondence, copying and filing documents, answering the telephone, sending and receiving faxes, entering and retrieving computer data, ordering supplies, etc. Performs related duties as required.

Requires an Associate's Degree as an Occupational Therapy Assistant from an school accredited school by the Commission of Accreditation of Therapy Education (CAPTE). Experience providing occupational therapy services, preferably in an educational setting, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Must possess a current, valid certification by the S.C. Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners and a valid state driver's license.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the job and are not meant to be all inclusive. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the job. Unless reasonable accommodations can be made, while performing this job the staff member shall: Use strength to lift items needed to perform the functions of the job. Sit, stand and walk for required periods of time. Speak and hear. Use close vision, color vision, peripheral vision and depth perception along with the ability to focus vision. Communicate effectively in English, using proper grammar and vocabulary. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. Reach with hands and arms and use hands and fingers to handle objects and operate tools, technology equipment, computers, and/or controls. Work effectively with and respond to diverse cultures or backgrounds. Demonstrate professionalism and appropriate judgment in behavior, speech, and dress in a neat, clean and professional manner for the assignment and work setting. Have regular and punctual attendance. Follow all District policies, work procedures, and reasonable requests by the proper authorities.