PRN Occupational Therapist

Position Type: Licensed Specialists/ Occupational Therapist Date Posted: 8/14/2024 Location: Somerset County (Multiple School and classroom-based locations per assignment) Reports to: Supervisor of Occupational and Physical Therapy Terms: Hourly Labor Status: Exempt Job Classification: Per current Non-Bargaining Unit Compensation Plan Certification: Certification/Licensure as required by the Pennsylvania Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs Company Overview The Appalachia Intermediate Unit 8 (AIU8) is one of the 29 intermediate units that provides a vast array of services for member school districts, including student services, training and technical assistance, online learning, and customized programs and services. IU8 includes four counties comprised of 35 school districts (approximately 98 schools) and five Career Technical Centers. Appalachia Intermediate Unit 8 serves approximately 47,000 students across four counties within 3500 square miles. Our service area includes four counties: Blair, Somerset, Bedford, and Cambria. We have five different office locations within our service area: Altoona, Duncansville, Ebensburg, Richland, and Somerset. AIU8 has opportunities for everyone, and our service area offers a broad range of living environments from rural to more densely populated city areas. Job Summary This position will be responsible for evaluation, planning and implementation of school-based occupational therapy interventions to meet the needs of students with motor, adaptive and sensory impairments with a focus on promoting access to their educational setting. This may also include supervision of Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants and/or students as a clinical instructor. Supervisory Responsibilities No Key Responsibilities Use a variety of appropriate assessments to evaluate individual student needs and progress on a continuous basis, interpret assessment data and use assessment data to generate reports of progress for students ages 3-21. Attend, participate in, and/or review information to discuss results of required occupational therapy evaluations and IEP reports. Participate in educational Multidisciplinary Evaluations (MDE) and Individual Education Plan (IEP) processes for identification of students’ strengths, needs, goals, objectives and determination of service delivery requirements necessary for students to benefit from their educational programs. Design and implement occupational therapy interventions in accordance with the students’ IEP or the Service Agreement (504 plan) for students covered by Chapter 15. Contribute to the ongoing management of the occupational therapy intervention programs including documentation, communication, record keeping, in‑service education, community coordination and maintenance of supplies and equipment within the occupational therapy program. Complete all documentation and billing within required timelines including Medical Access billing for eligible students, and signing off on COTA billing entries when necessary. Consult and collaborate with the educational team regarding occupational therapy needs and services. Supervise and mentor certified occupational therapy assistants in accordance with the state practice act and licensure laws. Demonstrate knowledge of student characteristics of age group(s), student characteristics of exceptionality group(s), and pedagogy. Utilize evidence‑based practices and appropriate interventions when implementing occupational therapy services. Develop appropriate therapeutic activities that address each student’s individual needs including the use of and recommendation of adaptive equipment. Demonstrate knowledge of content/area of specialization, Pennsylvania Academic Standards, and appropriate materials and resources. Create an environment of respect and rapport and establish a culture for learning and skill acquisition. Manage student behavior, organize physical space, and maintain student engagement throughout related service provision. Provide equitable, accurate, and frequent supportive and constructive feedback to students. Demonstrate flexibility in responding to students, maintain professional competence, and expand knowledge base in professional area(s). Communicate effectively in verbal or written form in a professional and timely manner with parents/guardians, students, district/entity, personnel, and community agencies. Maintain accurate, complete, and timely documentation and records with attention to designated timelines required by law, IU policy and administrative regulations. Adhere to IU policies, procedures, and expectations as well as the Professional Code of Conduct. Work independently to manage scheduling of student sessions and travel time, and utilize Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, Outlook, SharePoint, and other LEA specific systems for timely data entry and record keeping. Provide service delivery via virtual format as needed, maintain licensure and continued education requirements, maintain confidentiality, and develop effective relationships with LEA’s, parents, and other organizations. Ensure documentation related to a student’s education is up to date and properly filed in accordance with policies and practices. Must have personal vehicle for reliable transportation to all work locations and perform other duties as assigned in accordance with IU8 Board policy, administrative regulations, state and federal laws. Requirements Valid Occupational Therapy Degree from an accredited program with at least 3.0 GPA overall. Valid Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy License. Obtain and maintain CPR/First Aid Certification. Current and acceptable clearances: Act 34 (PA State Police), Act 151 (PA Child Abuse History); Act 114 (PDE Fingerprinting), PDE6004 (Arrest&Conviction), and Act 168 (PA Sexual Misconduct background). Upon hire, all new employees must obtain a certificate of medical examination as well as a tuberculosis test as required under Chapter 14 of the Public School Code, 24P.S. §§14‑1416, 14‑1418; 22 PA Code §49.12(b) (regarding education); and 28Pa Code §23.44 (regarding health and safety). Desired Qualifications School‑based and/or pediatric experience preferred. Excellent communication (verbal and written) skills. Knowledge of special education regulations and procedures. Knowledge of positive, proactive behavior management techniques and strategies. Ability to exercise good judgment and maintain confidentiality. Proficient technology skills for productivity. Work Environment and Physical Demands The work environment is office settings, school settings, and other educational settings where learners ages 3-21 are served, including indoor and outdoor locations. Other educational settings may include in‑home, non‑traditional/alternative, and community. The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Ability to remain in a stationary position for an extended period of time. Ability to move about various work environments. Ability to position self to manage and retrieve various job materials and supplies. Ability to push, pull, move, and lift up to 25 pounds. Ability to operate a computer for extended periods and other office equipment as needed and work‑related. Ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand and exchange information with others in a variety of ways for understanding. Must be able to interpret, analyze, and problem‑solve. Must be able to read and understand complex documents relating to federal, state, and local mandates as well as materials relating to education and therapy. Ability and willingness to travel as necessary to fulfill job duties and requirements. How to Apply Online at: Equal Opportunity Employer Appalachia Intermediate Unit 8 is an equal opportunity employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr