Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapist

Under limited supervision, provides evaluation, goal development and occupational therapy treatment of students, including special education students, to minimize students' handicaps and increase their abilities to access and achieve educational goals. Reports to the assigned principal and Director of Special Education.

Essential Functions:

• Screens students referred for occupational therapy services to determine need for therapy in the school environment.
• Participates in diagnostic evaluations of students; interprets and documents evaluations; participates in IEP meetings and development of the IEP.
• Plans, schedules and organizes treatment programs; establishes treatment goals; selects and conducts therapeutic intervention activities.
• Provides Occupational Therapy treatment services to students, per their Individualized Education Program to increase independence in the school setting.
• Monitors classroom program and environmental setting to evaluate effect on students.
• Conducts parent/teacher conferences to review evaluation results, objectives, performance progress and home programs.
• Completes required documentation including writing evaluation reports, annual assessment reports, therapy treatment notes, progress reports, and any additional required documentation necessary for reimbursement of services; completes required Medicaid forms.
• Fabricates and adapts selected therapeutic equipment and splints; coordinates some fabrication projects with maintenance staff.
• Collaborates with team members (teachers, administrators, other service providers, and parents) - to provide any services, suggestions, or equipment - in order to help students meet their educational objective; assists in providing in-service education for school staff.
• Keeps abreast of developments and innovations in the profession.
• Coordinates services and programs with community service providers as necessary.
• Maintains inventory of required supplies and equipment; orders supplies as needed.
• Receives, reviews, prepares and/or submits various records and reports including screening forms, permission forms, medical referrals, medical/educational documentation, training materials, evaluation reports, travel records, memos, correspondence, etc.
• Interacts and communicates with various groups and individuals such as the immediate supervisor, District and school administrators, consultants, psychologists, teachers, medical professionals, social workers, other District personnel, students, parents, community service and government agencies, and the general public.
• Complies with all federal laws, state statutes, Board policies, administrative rules, and directives.

Minimum Education and Training Requires Bachelor's degree in occupational therapy or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Must be a licensed occupational therapist in the state as mandated by the S.C. Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulations.

Richland School District One