Occupational Therapist Assistant EC Division

Occupational Therapist AssistantThe Occupational Therapist Assistant performs professional work providing interventions to eligible students in order to minimize the impact of their limitations on their educational and life pursuits. Their work involves providing interventions set forth by the supervising occupational therapist related to the students' individualized educational program. The employee is expected to initiate minor changes in the plan and make adaptations of equipment and therapeutic environment. Professional judgment and clinical knowledge are used to implement individualized programming based on occupational performance deficits in the areas of personal care, student role, interaction skills, process skills, play, community integration/work, and graphic communication. The Occupational Therapy assistant is also responsible for documenting treatment activities, documenting student progress, documentation for Medicaid/ Fee for Service billing for all eligible students, consulting with supervising occupational therapist(s), parents, classroom teachers and agency representatives.Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:Thorough knowledge of principles, practices and procedures of specialty areaThorough knowledge of the principles and methodology of providing effective therapy for identified studentsAdministers a variety of therapeutic activities to accomplish the planned improvement in functioning.Consults with therapist and school staff to schedule students for treatmentsThorough knowledge of and adherence to legal procedures contained in federal and state statutes and regulations regarding the provision of services to students with disabilities, including IDEA, HIPPA, and FERPA laws and guidelinesThorough knowledge of human development throughout life span, integrated with students 'unique developmental statusKnowledge of occupational therapy principles and methodologies related to the provision of school-based intervention for children with special needsThorough knowledge of anatomy, neuroanatomy, kinesiology, psychology and various medical diagnosesThorough knowledge of normal and abnormal child developmentThorough knowledge of departmental rules, regulations and procedures for delivering servicesThorough knowledge of skill levels of the K-12 populationThorough knowledge of Individuals with Disabilities Educational Act (IDEA) and Individual Educational Plan (IEP) guidelines and proceduresThorough knowledge of the federal, state, local legislation, regulations, policies and procedures that mandate and guide occupational therapy practice in schoolsThorough knowledge of school system and departmental rules, regulations, and proceduresAbility to establish and maintain standards of behaviorAbility to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other staff, students and parentsAbility to maintain a consistent schedule and travel between locations where students require servicesAbility to research and determine evidence-based practice supporting therapy interventionsEducation, Training, and Experience:Completion of an accredited educational curriculum for occupational therapist assistants and two years of experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Must be licensed as an occupational therapist assistant in North Carolina.Completed all fieldwork requirementsAny equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required combination of knowledge, skills and abilitiesCertification and License Requirements:Initial Certification by national Board for Certification of Occupational TherapyCurrent license by the North Carolina Board of Occupational TherapyMust possess a valid driver's license issued by the NC Department of Motor VehiclesPreferred Qualifications: Three (3) to five (5) years serving students in a public-school systemEssential Duties and Responsibilities:Collaborate with supervising occupational therapist in collaboration with other disciplines to ensure team understanding of student occupational performance strengths and needs, educational program planning, and service deliveryImplement occupationally based intervention plans based on student needs and evaluation results provided by the supervising Occupational therapistParticipate in interdisciplinary meetings to review plans to achieve IEP goalsConsult with school–based team to achieve student outcomesCoordinate with supervising Occupational therapist and provide classroom programs, instruction in management techniques, adapted equipment, and environmental modifications including the identification of architectural barrierEducate students, educational personnel, and families to facilitate skills in areas of occupation as well as health maintenance and safetyMonitor the effects of occupational therapy intervention and the need to continue, modify, or discontinue interventionDocument occupational therapy services to ensure accountability of service provision and to meet standards for reimbursement of services as appropriatePrioritize and schedule work tasks independentlyManage inventory of therapeutic equipment and assessments checked out to the therapist and/or assigned school(s)Maintain clinical and administrative records in accordance with professional standards, state guidelines, and school system policySubmit accurate and timely caseload information to supervisor based on monthly, quarterly or semester reporting periodsLog therapy services in electronic data management system for each session providedTeach, monitor, and collaborate with educational personnel, community agencies, parents and students to increase understanding of the student's occupational performance.Participate in continuing education for professional development to ensure practice consistent with established best practice and NC licensure requirementsUse the professional Code of Ethics and standards of practice to guide ethical decision- making in practicePerform additional duties as assigned by the Director or Assistant Director for Exceptional ChildrenDisclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this position. They are not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and skills that may be required of the employees assigned to this position. This description may be revised by the supervisor, with HC review and approval, any time.