Substitute Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapist

The individual will work with various classifications of students in special education programs in individual and/or group sessions. The individual will provide treatment to enable activities of daily living, and develop fine motor skills and sensory integration, for students with various disabilities. The individual will participate with other school personnel in the development and implementation of the Individualized Education Program (IEP). The individual will access and evaluate students for initial placement of services, re-evaluate for triennial review, and quarterly monitor the progress of the students. The individual will write and maintain session notes and any other required documentation for the purpose of Medicaid billing. The individual will participate in team meetings and write monthly progress notes for the students. Pediatric and school experience are desired. Regular attendance and dependability are required. Other responsibilities may be assigned. The assignment is subject to change.

Typical Work Activities

• Performs occupational therapy procedures upon the written prescription or referral from a physician utilizing a creative activity which may be manual, industrial, recreational or educational, designed and/or adapted to correct or remedy any disability, on school premises or during home visits;
• Evaluates the degree of function and disability of students unless contra-indicated by professional judgment or a physician's admission notes, and recommends treatment(s);
• Develops a treatment plan based upon his findings, short and long-term rehabilitation goals and in accordance with the physician's diagnosis, prescription or referral;
• Records on students' charts all evaluations, re-evaluations, progress notes, consultations and discharge summaries;
• Attends BOCES and in-service workshops
• Fabricates and applies hand splints, trains students in the use of adaptive assistive devices and/or self-help techniques to achieve maximum independence;
• Participates with parents, teaching personnel and others in the formulation of students' total care plans and therapy schedules;
• Confers periodically with physicians regarding all facets of student care and related activities;
• Develops or assists in the development of occupational therapy policies and procedures, priorities, caseloads and assessment tools;
• Supervises students, volunteers and assistants in scheduling and carrying out occupational therapy functions;
• Maintains program records including, but not limited to, the service budget, statistical reports of the frequency and types of treatment and number of students treated.

Good knowledge of the principles, techniques and practices of occupational therapy; good knowledge of the operation and minor maintenance of apparatus and equipment used in occupational therapy; working knowledge of community resources available to support or supplement the occupational therapy program; ability to evaluate, plan and execute treatments for students; ability to plan and supervise the work of others; ability to get along well with others; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

Licensed and currently registered by the New York State Education Department as an Occupational Therapist.