Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapist

Primary Purpose: To provide occupational therapy services to identified eligible special education students for the prevention of increased disability wherever possible, through the development of compensatory motor skill and the identification, adaptation and adjustment of equipment when needed.

Qualifications: Must be licensed by the New Mexico Occupational Therapist Regulation and Licensing Board and the State Department of Education. Bachelor's degree from an accredited university program in physical therapy is required for licensing. Must obtain a minimum of 2.0 CEU/s (20 Hours) per year for licensure requirement. O.T. Licensure must be renewed every by the N.M. Regulation and Licensing Dept. Occupational Therapy Board.

Essential Responsibilities and Duties: Demonstrate knowledge of handicapping conditions and their effects on sensory, motor, psychosocial and cognitive development of students with disabilities. Demonstrate knowledge of local, federal and state regulations and procedures pertaining to the provision of occupational therapy services in the school setting. Demonstrate knowledge of major theories, treatment procedures and research relevant to providing occupational therapy services for children with disabilities. Select, administer and interpret appropriate assessment instruments and procedures taking into consideration the student's age, developmental level, disability and educational needs. Assess the functional performance of students with disabilities within the school environment. Engage in consensus decision making as a member of the IEP team. Plan and implement intervention strategies using direct therapy, monitoring and consultation. Communicate effectively (orally and in writing) with education personnel, administrators, parents and community members. Explain the role of occupational therapy within the educational setting to education personnel, administrators, parents and community members. Document assessment and intervention results in the proper manner for a school setting and to relate this information to the educational goals of the student. Develop, implement, evaluate and modify according to a physical therapy program within a school setting. Provide services to special education students determined eligible through the evaluation/placement/review process. Direct therapeutic services aimed at the prevention of increased disability where possible. Develop compensatory motor skills. Identification, adaptation and adjustment of equipment (if needed). Provide instructional recommendations to be carried out in the classroom. Assess students' progress toward master of goals/objectives established in the IEP. Provide supervision to any COTA (Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant) or OT Aide providing services in the schools. Conduct assessment of students referred through the evaluation process. Participate in the program plan for individual students. Provide intervention for student's identified as needing service by the IEP team. Demonstrate management skills.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities: Provide evaluation services as required for identification of eligibility and maintenance of service. Evaluate students referred for special education services according to regulations. Reevaluate students receiving physical therapy services according to regulations. Interpret the results of the evaluation and summarize the findings in a written report. Serve as a member of the multidisciplinary team in determining need for service. Participate in the Individualized Education Process (IEP). Serve as member of the IEP team for students initially evaluated and considered for services and for annual review and reevaluations for students receiving service. Provide information to the committee to assist in the IEP development process reports and other types of information as appropriate. Complete annual reports for the IEP committee. Involve parents in the decision making process and the delivery of service. Other tasks as may be deemed appropriate and necessary by the immediate supervisor, the principal and/or the superintendent.

Physical Requirements: Must have thorough understanding and usage of proper body mechanics and lifting techniques. This position requires much driving, lifting, carrying, reaching, crawling, squatting, climbing, kneeling, and sitting on the floor during therapy. Safety and Health Requirements: Knowledge of universal hygiene precautions. Knowledge of injury prevention. Training in first aid and CPR Equipment/Material Handled: Wheel chairs, adaptive equipment seating devices, walkers, crutches, assistive devices, therapeutic equipment, therapy balls, bolsters, weights, etc. Work Environment: Must be able to work within various degrees of noise, temperature, and air quality. Interruptions of work are routine. Flexibility and patience are required. Must be self-motivated and able to complete job assignment. May work directly in teacher's classroom, a vacant room, storage room or unheated hallway. Must be mindful of child's safety during class changes if working in hallway. This job requires much travelling in a given day, dependent upon student caseload in school district. May make site or home visits as needed. Must be able to work under stressful conditions. SALARY: Physical Therapist Salary Schedule: 193 days