Occupational Therapist Or CODA

Occupational Therapist

Purpose: To provide occupational therapy services to students with disabilities as outlined in the Individual Education Plan (IEP), and/or as referred for assessment.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Occupational Therapy
• Licensed by the New Mexico Public Education Department
• Certification from the NM Occupational Therapy Licensing Board or the American Occupational Therapy Certification Board
• Knowledge of Medicaid reporting requirements
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing in English, Zuni preferred
• Ability to perform duties in accordance with district requirements and Board of Education policies
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedures manuals
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence
• Ability to speak effectively before parents and staff
• Possession of or ability to obtain current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
• Knowledge of universal precautions
• Possess a valid driver's license
• Experience in working with children
• Experience and/or training working with people with disabilities
• Experience working with a school district preferred
• Ability to work effectively with special needs students
• Ability to deal with behavior and crisis situations
• Signing abilities for hearing impaired preferred
• Ability to maintain logs, documentation and records
• Knowledge and experience with computers, preferably Microsoft Office and database system(s)
• Skills in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with others
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to recognize and report hazards and apply safe work methods
• Ability to conduct in-services
• Able to perform the physical requirements of the position

Essential Duties:

• Meet the Occupational Therapist competencies determined by the New Mexico Public Education Department
• Provide purposeful activity with individuals who are limited by physical injury or illness, psychosocial dysfunction, developmental or learning; disabilities, poverty and cultural differences to maximize independence, prevent further disability and maintain health
• Evaluate, treat and consult individually or in groups
• Teach daily living skills
• Develop perceptual motor skills and sensory integration functions in students
• Develop play skills and prevocational and leisure capacities in students
• Aid in selection and application of selected orthotic and prosthetic devices or other adaptive equipment
• Use specifically designed crafts and exercises to enhance functional performance
• Administer and interpret Occupational Therapy tests and evaluations
• Prepare evaluation reports and Individual Education Plans reports in a timely manner
• Adapt environments for the student with a disability as deemed necessary
• Maintain required records and comply with dates for state and federal reports
• Submit billing for Medicaid in a timely manner
• Conduct assessments of students with disabilities to determine the eligibility for occupational therapy services
• Review, analyze and interpret occupational therapy assessment reports presented to the EDT team for consideration of services
• Provide recommendations to the IEP team regarding the frequency and delivery of occupational therapy services
• Plan, schedule, implement and evaluate appropriate occupational therapy services and referral procedures
• Monitor student progress and develop an appropriate treatment plan to meet student individual needs
• Collaborate on the development of present levels of performance, goals and benchmarks in IEP meetings
• Evaluate the need for and provide training to staff and parents/guardians, as appropriate, for the use of adaptive equipment to meet student occupational therapy needs
• Develop an environment that promotes positive learning conditions
• Attend IEP meetings as appropriate
• Maintain accurate records and provide annual progress reports as needed
• Work professionally with administrators, staff, parents/guardians and community
• Record required student performance data
• Strive to improve and maintain job skills through in-service training programs and other professional development opportunities
• Maintain high standards of ethical behavior and confidentiality
• Assist students with physical needs and/or the use of devices
• Supervise Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant if applicable
• Perform CPR, when necessary
• Perform assigned duties on a timely basis

Physical Functions:

• Sit, stand, walk, climb balance, stoop, kneel, crouching, talk & hear, reach and lift up to 20lbs on a frequent basis, may lift up to up to 40 pounds occasionally
• Hand and eye coordination in operating student equipment and devices
• Usually work on even surfaces, may walk on uneven surfaces outdoors
• Exposed to various degrees of noises (talking, children at play, bells, etc.)
• Work in close proximity of other individuals
• General vision, corrected to 20/20, reads a multitude of records, correspondence and data
• Repetitive fine motor activities
• May be exposed to bodily fluids, (such as diapers, saliva, etc.)

Mental Functions:

• Work with deadlines, interruptions and frustrations
• Must be able to deal with employees, students and parents in such a way as to maintain their goodwill
• Must be able to respond appropriately to supervision and accept recommendations
• Must be able to communicate both orally and in writing
• Make decisions about reports, communication information and data

Essential Equipment:

• Classroom equipment to include: smart board, phone, fax, computer, calculator, printer, scanner, etc.
• Occupational Therapy equipment
• Student equipment to include: various devices, wheelchairs, etc.