Occupational Therapist (OT)

School Based Occupational Therapist (OT) DEFINITION: Occupational Therapists (OTs) assess, plan, organize, and participate in rehabilitative programs that help build or restore vocational and daily living skills, as well as general independence, to persons with a variety of learning, developmental, emotional and physical disabilities. Occupational Therapists will provide treatment in a school based setting. They may also provide clinical supervision to treating OTs, OTAs, fieldwork students and volunteers. Occupational Therapists in education systems are considered to be related service personnel. Services provided in an educational setting are designed to enhance the students potential for learning, to assist the student in acquiring those functional performance skills needed to participate in and benefit from the educational environment. Functional life skills including self-help/ADLs may be addressed when working with students in functional based/life skills based classrooms. These services are to include evaluation, treatment, and development of appropriate occupational therapy programs. May supervise an occupational therapy assistant SUPERVISION: Reports directly to the Director of Occupational Therapy School Based Services May provide direct and indirect supervision to an Occupational Therapy Assistant Receives supervision from the Occupational Therapist Team Supervisor and/or Team manager JOB REQUIREMENTS: Education: graduation from an approved school of OT with a bachelor’s or master's degree in occupational therapy or determined to be equivalent, in accordance with the commissioner's regulations; Experience: have experience satisfactory to the board in accordance with the commissioner's regulations; Age: be at least twenty-one years of age; Character: be of good moral character as determined by the department and uphold the company values as outlined in the OTAS Employee Manual Registration: all licensed occupational therapists shall register triennially with the department in accordance with the regulations of the commissioner; Licensure: responsible for payment and renewal of New York State licensure every 3 years Background Checks: proof of fingerprint clearance via NYS TEACH system Medical: pre-employment physical with proof of required immunizations, annual medical proof of good health required thereafter KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS: Knowledge and skills of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar in order to produce quality documentation of services provided Skills in providing direct service; evaluation, consultation and monitoring of programs by using logic and reasoning to identify the strength and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems Written and verbal communication skills at a competent level to provide information to supervisors, co-workers, families, school personnel, and subordinates by telephone, e-mail, or in person Skills in time management in order to work effectively independently and maintain documentation as required by regulations and OTAS standards, and maximize productivity Skills in staff training and development Ability to direct others as necessary ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Knowledge of computer systems and the ability to work with word, google docs, and data analysis programs Screen Students to detect deficits a. Observe students to identify previously undetected problems b. Review written or verbal information regarding a student in order to determine the need for an occupational therapy evaluation Evaluate/Re-evaluate students with a variety of health care problems and/or academic deficits to specify the need for and goals of an occupational therapy intervention program a. Interviews with student/family/staff to: – Identify developmental, medical, personal-social, play and academic perspective affecting student’s current level of functioning – Identify environmental barriers interfering with student’s ability to function in learning environments – Consider student’s current level of functional skills, interests, future plans, and expectations b. Observe a student’s functional performance abilities and limitations c. Administer standardized and non-standardized procedures (assessments, tests, batteries, checklists) designed to identify functional performance levels d. Competently complete appropriate testing, scoring and evaluation e. Analyze/synthesize results of evaluations f. Develop appropriate measurable goals and objectives and recommendations for program management to enhance a student’s performance abilities g. Report/record results of evaluation processes Implement treatment based on IEP and goals and objectives a. Comply with state and federal guidelines, Board of Education policies, administrative rules, contract requirements and OTAS policies when implementing treatment b. Follow all precautions and safety regulations when providing treatment c. Utilize a variety of approaches and activities to achieve goals d. Construct, modify and maintain adaptive equipment for positioning, ADLs, vocational and classroom use e. Assist in monitoring work and school environments for accessibility f. Help develop an awareness of individual student needs g. Implement and modify treatment activities to meet students needs and achieve IEP goals Complete documentation to meet NYSED, Medicaid, District & OTAS requirements a. Complete documentation legibly and in a timely manner b. Maintain confidentiality of notes c. Documentation may include but is not limited to: – Daily notes must be contemporaneous – Progress Reports – Evaluations/Re-evaluations – Screenings – Medicaid Documentation – Consults – Annual Reviews Collaborate with team members, school/agency personnel and student’s family regarding student’s program a. Consult with OTs & OTAs regarding implementation and status of therapy goals b. Disseminate established therapeutic programs to the school/OTAS staff c. Consult with student’s family regarding student status and activities to support therapy program d. Instruct school/OTAS staff regarding use of equipment, positioning and integration of therapy goals into classroom/academic activities to enhance function e. Provide educational/in-service activities for school/OTAS staff f. Assure proper follow through of OT activities/recommendations across all environments g. Consult with other members of the educational team to maximize effectiveness of treatment h. Attend meetings, parent conferences, etc. as per district requirement i. Participate in team and OTAS meetings j. Inform and/or refer student/family to appropriate community resources/services k. Perform and document initial evaluation of student’s condition, develop treatment program based on evaluation findings of student’s problems and necessary functional needs to achieve educational goals Supervise OTA Staff a. Complete probationary and annual performance appraisals b. Provide clinical supervision to OTA & treating OTs – Complete initial OT visit – Review and modify treatment if student is not progressing – Oversee OTA implementation of treatment plan – Co-sign documentation for OTAs – Complete required supervision documentation c. Disseminate information from OTAS & District in a timely manner d. Assure compliance with OTAS & District policies and procedures All employees are required to maintain a safe work environment and be cognizant of personal safety. You are requested to inspect your work area(s) and equipment daily and report any unsafe conditions/equipment All employees are required to report all on-the-job injuries to the OTAS office as soon as they occur Placement to include therapy room, classroom, teletherapy, in home, and neutral site as indicated by district OTHER DUTIES: Supervise OT and/or OTA students as assigned by the Fieldwork Coordinator Performs a variety of supervisory and educational activities, such as supervising activities of Occupational Therapy Assistants; supervises and instructs Occupational Therapy students from affiliate’s schools; plans and presents in-service educational programs to Occupational Therapy staff, as requested; and attends designated meeting, in-service program, siminars, etc. Assists and orientates new employees in departmental procedure Facilitate professional growth through literature review and attendance at in-services Keep up to date technically. Share new knowledge with team and apply new knowledge to the job Assist in program development/revision Assist in maintaining neat and orderly work area in all locations Clean your equipment and work areas daily Assist in maintaining adequate inventory of supplies and equipment used in treatment Recommend new equipment for purchase Assist in Quality improvement and peer review activities May be required to carry out other tasks as requested SUPERVISING OT FOR TEAM Team supervisors are assigned by the Team Manager Oversees/facilitates communication with Team Manager and district as needed Monitors staffing needs based on student population and caseload Oversees/coordinates timeliness of billing, notes, reports, etc Ensures HIPAA compliance for the team Serves to answer questions and mentor team (including PTs and PTAs) as needed Schedules and runs team meetings Receives direct and indirect supervision from the Team Manager #J-18808-Ljbffr