Occupational Therapist

Primary Function: Provides occupational therapy services to students with disabilities in accordance with IEP goals; assists in case management of services to students; maintains records and documentation. Assesses functional development level, providing appropriate treatment to meet objectives and recommendations for program development and student placement.

Essential Function:

• Appraise the occupational therapy needs of students to design and implement appropriate remediation, instructional plans and strategies.
• Analyze assessment results to drive and inform instruction and IEP development.
• Attend and serve as a member of the IEP team to determine eligibility of students.
• Prepare thorough and accurate reports in a timely manner.
• Explain nature, purpose and results of assessment in an understandable manner to IEP team members.
• Assist teams in the development of IEPs that address the physical and functional needs of students.
• Develop a variety of evidence-based instructional activities to meet the student's individual occupational therapy goals/objectives.
• Provide services to ensure student achievement and progress towards IEP goals and adjust intervention strategies based on student performance.
• Monitor student progress and complete progress reports in accordance with federal, state, district, and school policies.
• Work cooperatively with classroom teachers to support students in general education classes, interpreting the abilities and disabilities of these students to the entire staff, and assisting the student's core curriculum instructional needs.
• Consult with, train and model scaffolding strategies to special education and general education teachers, other school personnel and parents to facilitate student physical development and achievement.
• Develop and implement training opportunities for classroom staff and parents on the role of occupational therapy, normal sensory motor development, and other topics as required.
• Monitor and evaluate equipment and assistive technology needs for students.
• Consult with community agencies, medical personnel, parents, and other professionals, and act as a liaison among these groups for children with physical disabilities.
• Keep attendance records, computerized IEP records and all other records pertinent to the special education program for school, district, and state reports and program accountability.
• Supervise contracted COTA or any other providers
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Communications

• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with students, parents, and other professionals on a regular basis.
• Respond to parent and colleague communications (phone messages, emails, notes, etc.) in a respectful and timely manner.
• Complete and submit weekly lesson plans to the Principal and involved colleagues in a timely manner.
• Complete and submit quarterly progress reports and/or narratives in a timely manner, as necessary.
• Participate professionally in scheduled meetings (grade level; faculty; Whole Child Assessments; Professional Development, etc.).

Professionalism and Teamwork

• Model professional behaviors and ethical standards when dealing with students, parents, peers, and the broader community.

Other Essential Functions:

• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Assist in other school programs when necessary.

Knowledge of : Constructivist learning theory and its translation and application in the grade level of assignment (Elementary, Middle, High School); Classroom management strategies and approaches to help create a classroom environment of safety, respect, and learning; Cultural and socio-economic differences in the student population; Conflict resolution strategies to support healthy social development in children; Professional skills for collaboration and teamwork with other education professionals; Written and oral communications skills.

Ability to: Create and maintain a safe, respectful learning environment; Meet the needs of a diverse student population; Support student social and emotional development; Work collaboratively and professionally with the Larchmont Schools team; Communicate effectively with all stakeholders to support student success; Use modern technology for teaching, communicating and reporting.

Physical Requirements: Continual speaking; standing for long periods of time; frequent sitting, reaching, walking, bending, grasping and pinching; occasional lifting and carrying, squatting, twisting or kneeling.


Environment: Uneven surfaces, noise, quick work pace. Requires that the incumbent work effectively under stressful situations and respond to the unpredictable behaviors of students. Frequent use of computer screen. Occasionally involves working outdoors and exposure to inclement weather. Infrequently involves exposure to traffic congestion. May rarely involve exposure to bio-hazardous waste.

Other Requirements: Support the Mission and Vision of the School; exercise good judgment and moral character; fingerprint clearance & TB test clearance. Larchmont Schools has the right to revise this job description at any time. Larchmont Schools is an EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

Minimum Qualifications:


(*) Bachelor's Degree

(*) Possess and maintain a California Board of Occupational Therapy License

(*) Possess/maintain valid infant, child and Adult CPR/First Aid/AED certification

(*) TB Test clearance & DOJ fingerprint clearance

(*) As part of the application process, the applicant must provide HR with a complete list of all certificated assignments they have held at any and all District, Charter School or Local Educational Agency (LEA).