Occupational Therapist

School-Based Occupational Therapist

Functions as part of a team to evaluate and diagnose the need for related occupational therapy services for students. Provides related services to students and the student's team members according to the student's Individual Educational Plan (IEP) and the District's instructional programs. Assists students through therapy, consultation, and technology, to gain or enhance motor, coordination gestures/movements for communication and performance of daily activities in the attainment of curriculum/learning goals.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Evaluates and diagnoses the occupational capabilities of referred students.
• Determines the student's capabilities and readiness of such skills as: fine motor, attention, social/emotional resilience, self-care skills, spatial orientation for math and handwriting, and assimilation of new learning.
• Identifies and authenticates the eligibility of students for related occupational therapy as appropriate and in compliance with state and federal law.
• Recommends appropriate assistive technology tools to improve student's ability to access the general education curriculum.
• Collaborates with colleagues, parents, and others in the development of an IEP when appropriate.
• Plans, develops, delivers, and monitors treatment programs for assigned students.
• Provides individual and/or small group intervention sessions for students with identified occupational needs.
• Responsible for requesting and maintaining needed assistive technology, equipment and supplies related to occupational therapy services.
• Maintains confidential records on all referred students, and student/parent contact in accordance with District procedures, and state and federal requirements.
• Provides thorough and timely reports, data, and information, as requested by the Principal, Director of Educational Support Systems, or designee.
• Evaluates the services provided and the extent to which students achieve learning objectives as outlined in the student's IEP.
• Maintains a positive and orderly learning environment.
• Maintains professional competence and knowledge of best practices in pediatric occupational therapy for identification, assessment, and diagnostic techniques through readings, attendance at conferences, workshops, memberships in professional organizations, and other relevant activities in accordance with district guidelines.
• Collaborates with others and serves as a resource and/or consultant to parents, students, and school personnel on topics related to occupational performance.
• Interprets the occupational therapy/consultation services to school personnel, parents, and the community. Attends IEP meetings, team meetings, and other meetings as assigned or as appropriate.
• Develops and conducts in-service programs to inform classroom teachers of the goals and objectives of the occupational therapy program and/or assistive technology for the school setting.
• Confers with the classroom teachers as requested concerning any educational needs of the students receiving occupational therapy.
• Makes available to teachers, instructional ideas that are appropriate for students within the classroom situation.
• Informs parents of their child's need for occupational therapy services as required by federal and state statutes and provides advice to these parents when appropriate.
• Assists in appropriate referrals of individuals to agencies and specialists in the community.
• Participates as an active member of the District Clinical Team in addressing the occupational therapy needs of all students in a Multi-Tiered System of Support.
• May perform other work related responsibilities as assigned.

General Responsibilities: Supervises students and may supervise paraprofessionals and other staff member activities. Monitors student discipline through appropriate behavior management techniques. Assists administration in establishing and maintaining school-based discipline and a positive learning environment. The ability to perform duties with awareness of all District requirements and School Board policies and Special Education guidelines, rules, and regulations is essential. Regular attendance in accordance with the established work schedule is required.

Education and/or Experience: Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree preferred from an educational program accredited by the ACOTE. Demonstrated skill in working with students with disabilities is required. Working knowledge of Special Education state and federal guidelines, regulations, and laws is essential. Knowledge and experience with behavioral strategies, accommodations and interventions for students with emotional/behavioral challenges.

A total of 20 hours of continuing competence shall be earned in a two-year renewal period. An occupational therapist who is renewing his or her license for the first time after initial licensure is subject to a 10-hour continuing competence requirement per full year of licensure.

Current Vermont Occupational Therapy license.

Other Skills and Abilities: Ability to apply knowledge of current research and theory specific to assigned instructional academic programs; ability to plan and implement plans based on school objectives and the needs and abilities of assigned students. Fluency in technology with data and communication systems and the ability to keep current on such technology. The ability to learn and train others in the use of adaptive technology as required by individual student needs. Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with students, peers, and parents; skill in oral and written communication is essential. The ability to manage time effectively is required.