Occupational Therapist (K-12)

Occupational Therapist

This is a professional position responsible for evaluating, planning and implementing occupational therapy treatment to students with disabilities identified with an Individualized Education Plan or 504 Plan, within the educational environment in accordance with a written prescription or referral from a physician who provides medical direction.

Responsibilities:

• Performs comprehensive evaluations using standardized tests, clinical observations, and review of educational reports to determine the need for therapeutic intervention, unless contra-indicated by professional judgment or a physician's admission notes;
• Develops and implements individualized therapy programs for students, upon the written order or referral of a licensed physician, on school premises;
• Completes timely documentation of screenings, evaluations, Individual Education Plans, progress reports, and daily session notes as required by the Director and Assistant Director of Special Education;
• Utilizes behavior management techniques, time management, and classroom management strategies to effectively maintain caseload;
• Attends CSE and team meetings as requested, providing information and recommendations regarding physical abilities and needs of the students;
• Provides general information regarding the physical manifestations of various diagnoses;
• Instructs teaching staff (teacher, teaching assistant, aide) regarding the impact of the physical needs of each student within the educational environment and how to carry over specific therapeutic strategies throughout the day;
• Collaborates with other personnel, parents and teachers to further the development of each student;
• Supports the value of education while working to assist students in gaining functional independence to access all areas of the school environment.
• Ability to develop/contribute to an individualized daily plan of care to be utilized by aides and assistants, mobility plans, evacuation plans and/or letters of medical necessity for individuals with physical disabilities;
• Adheres to the confidentiality guidelines as specified by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.
• Complies with NYS Office of Profession Continuing Education requirements, maintaining personal records of attendance for OT Re-Certification.
• Develops or assists in the development of occupational therapy policies, procedures, priorities, caseloads and assessment tools;
• Plans, orders and maintains departmental supplies and equipment; maintains records as required;
• Other duties as assigned by the Director of Special Education and building administrator, which are consistent with the general requirements and qualifications for the position;
• Comply with all district policies, rules and regulations.