Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapist

Are you looking for a career that makes your heart smile on a daily basis? Come and work with our amazing students and staff at The Vanguard School! Founded in 1959 and located on a beautiful 28-acre campus in Malvern, PA, The Vanguard School and Services are dedicated to the growth and development of children and young adults with a variety of special needs. Through a collaborative and holistic approach to each individual served by the continuum of educational, recreation, and employment services offered, VSS commits to helping all students and participants develop a strong sense of self-worth in their communities in an environment driven by respect, appreciation, learning, and growth.

Position Details

Title: Occupational Therapist

Program/Department: Student Services

Reports To: Assistant Director of Student Services

Position Type: 10 Month, Full-Time

Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 7:45AM to 3:30PM

FLSA Status: Exempt

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelors or Master's degree in Occupational Therapy or a related degree
• Current Occupational Therapy licensure from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and good standing through the National Board for Certification of Occupational Therapists
• Minimum 3 years experience in pediatric occupational therapy preferred including one or more of the following areas: sensory integration, school-based OT, treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism, Aspergers', and PDD-NOS.
• Ability to engage intellectually and physically in all components of the educational process
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with all constituents (administrators, colleagues, students, parents, and others)
• Knowledge of correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary
• Ability to use computers and perform clerical skills at a proficient level

Duties and Responsibilities

Provide occupational therapy (OT) through direct and indirect services. Direct services include individual and group therapy sessions within various settings the OT clinic, the classroom, the work site, the community. Indirect service is through consultation which can include developing, monitoring and managing student programs, recommending teaching strategies, providing or coordinating equipment adaptation, and/or modifications of the classroom or work site environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide informal assessment or screenings to determine a student's eligibility for services.
• Complete OT evaluations on recommended students to determine frequency and type of required OT services.
• Complete standardized and informal testing of students to determine progress in treatment (Re-evaluation Report) and to assist in developing appropriate treatment goals.
• Provide OT treatment based on needs established through the evaluation process, the student's IEP, and/or the student's educational program.
• Recommend and provide strategies and adaptive equipment to facilitate student's successful performance in his/her educational program.
• Serve as a member of student's IEP team by attending and providing input at pre- IEP meetings, IEP/RR meetings, parent-teacher conferences, behavior planning meetings and teacher consultations.
• Maintain up to date documentation pertaining to a student's attendance and progress in occupational therapy, including submitting PA Access information.
• As a contributing member of the multi-disciplinary team, attends and actively participates in IEP meetings, behavior plan development meetings, and parent-teacher conferences.
• Provide data driven recommendations to change the frequency of OT services or to discontinue OT services as students complete their OT treatment plan.
• Maintain knowledge and awareness of current research and clinical practice relevant to occupational therapy services for assigned students.
• Demonstrate competency in each of the VFES core values: Communication and Listening, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Ethics, Professionalism, and Teamwork.
• Comply with all organizational policies and procedures including those stated in the VFES Policies & Procedures manual and additional verbal and written communications provided to staff members.
• Maintain a professional, confidential and ethical relationship with administrators, colleagues, parents, students, and others at all times.
• Attend and actively participate in staff meetings, in-service activities, and other meetings as required.
• Maintain proper credentials for assignment and remain educationally informed in all related areas including PDE regulations and state/national standards through continued professional study and attending workshops and conferences.
• Perform related duties, special assignments and projects as assigned.

VSS offers a competitive salary, full comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, PTO, 100% short and long-term disabilities, a robust Employee Assistance Program, and a generous annual contribution to each employees' 403(b). Top that off with team-building events, staff outings, and working alongside professionals who care deeply about our mission and core values: Communication and Listening, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Ethics, Professionalism, and Teamwork!

The Vanguard School and Services is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. We will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations as part of this commitment. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and receive other benefits and privileges of employment, be sure to let us know.