Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapist

The Occupational Therapist must hold a bachelor's or master's degree in occupational therapy from an approved and accredited occupational therapy program. The occupational therapist can practice one year from the date of graduation or until the certification examination administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) is passed. The occupational therapist must hold a current Illinois license to practice as issued by the Illinois State of Regulations. Ongoing continuing education is expected to maintain updated knowledge and skills for practice as a school-based therapist.

The occupational therapist works on the acquisition of or compensations for deficits in fine motor skills, sensory motor skills, visual motor and visual perceptual skills, and self-care skills. More specifically, occupational therapists work with students on foundation skills needed for school participation through tasks analysis, individually selected motor activities, and consultation with team members to modify the environment, the instructional methodology, or to support student achievement on a particular classroom/vocational project.

Reports to: Director of Special Student Services and the building Principal.

Performance Responsibilities:

• General: Travels to assigned schools. Responds to requests for consultations on student or consults on specific program needs. Responds to evaluation referrals for student with disabilities. The therapist selects appropriate evaluation tools, evaluates students, interprets findings, and reports results. Develops a present level of function and Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) goals and objectives in conjunction with the IEP team.
• Service Delivery: Implements service delivery on assigned students based on the goals, objectives, percentage of time, and placement as determined by the IEP committee. Makes scheduling decisions for service delivery based on individual student and school needs. Utilizes an approach that encourages student participation in the least restrictive environment. Exhibits a knowledge of clinical theory and its application as it relates to the student's educational needs. Participates in the selection, design and/or construction of adaptive equipment. Selects the media, i.e. Assistive Technology, methods, and environment to accomplish treatment goals. Initiates services upon receipt of a medical doctor's prescription in order to acquire and/or update changes in medical status.
• Communication: Maintains oral and written communication with educational personnel, parents, and community agencies regarding assigned schools and students. Works cooperatively with educational staff to identify areas where support is needed and provided training in the therapeutic management of students in the use of OT modalities. Provides suggestions for classroom, activities of daily living, and vocational related Activities.
• Program Management: Maintains a current schedule which is shared with assigned schools and the PT/OT Department. Maintains organized working files on assigned students. Follows documentation guidelines for student attendance and monthly intervention notes, i.e. computer-generated billing. Supervises Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs) as per established guidelines. Participates in the clinical supervision of occupational therapy students and occupational therapy assistant students. Attends conferences/workshops/continuing education classes, as mandated by AOTA/IOTA standards, to maintain OT license to be in good standing.
• Professional Growth and Ethics: Adheres to established federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Refines and develops professional skills through in-service training, professional reading, and continuing education. Maintains confidentiality of student information. Exchanges professional information with peers through formal and informal means, and through mentoring of new therapists. Works within the practice standards identified in the South Berwyn District 100 policies and procedures handbook. Perform other duties and assume responsibilities as may be assigned by the superintendent or designee and in accordance with terms stipulated in the current contract.

Terms of Employment: Ten month year. Salary: In accordance with the Professional Negotiation Agreement with the South Berwyn Education Association. Evaluation: Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board's policy on Evaluation of Professional Personnel.