Occupational Therapist Public School Therapies

Occupational Therapist

Develop, implement, evaluate, and coordinate the delivery of direct and indirect school-based occupational therapy services for students with disabilities whose skills and functional performance significantly limit access to their education program.

Minimum Qualifications:

Master's or Doctoral Degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited college or university.

Appropriate license as required by the Commonwealth of Virginia Board of Health Professions.

Experience as an Occupational Therapist, school-based or pediatrics preferred.

Possession of or ability to obtain a National Provider Identification (NPI) number prior to employment.

Possession of a valid Virginia Driver's License and use of a personal vehicle.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of federal and state regulations which impact school-based therapy practice as well as knowledge of childhood disabilities and health conditions which may impact student performance.

Time management and organizational skills to handle multiple responsibilities, caseload demands, and meet required deadlines.

Ability to use computer technology to perform basic job functions including navigating Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and familiarity with virtual meeting platforms (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams).

Knowledge of basic assistive technology applications for students with disabilities including low, mid- and high-tech options for consideration.

Ability to communicate clearly, and professionally both orally and in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other staff, students and parents.

Timely and regular adherence to established work schedules.

Ability to travel to more than one work location during the day. May include off campus sites including private/public day schools, field trips/community-based instruction, or job/work sites.

Ability to work independently in a variety of settings across age and diagnostic categories.

Ability to work together as a member of collaborative school teams to support student achievement.

Performance Responsibilities:

Serve as a member of interdisciplinary teams (Child Study, Eligibility, 504, and/or IEP) to support participation and achievement for students with disabilities in accordance with their Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) or program initiatives.

Assess students using appropriate evaluation tools including standardized tests, clinical observations, and review of medical and educational reports and interpret those findings for the educational team.

Implement and deliver mandated occupational therapy services and/or accommodations aligned with evidence-based practices, student/staff needs, and IEPs/504s.

Identify, acquire and support use of accommodations or equipment necessary to facilitate student access to curriculum and learning environment(s).

Assist with modification of school tasks and activities to accommodate the needs of students.

Document and maintain essential records as required including progress reports, and session documentation notes.

Follow guidelines for Medicaid billing.

Submit records, reports and assignments promptly and efficiently.

Establish and monitor caseload, procedures, and resources to manage school-based occupational therapy services.

Travel between locations where students require services.

Support and implement district policies, regulations, procedures, and administrative directives.

Choose activities to improve student performance in skill areas (i.e., fine motor/visual motor, visual perceptual, self-care, sensory processing, self-regulation, functional daily living skills, executive functioning, social emotional, etc) necessary for accessing curriculum, learning and functioning within the school environment.

Use resources, clinical reasoning, and professional judgement to support students, and collaborate with staff to promote a positive, safe, student-centered environment that is conducive to learning.

Provide training and ongoing coaching to educational teams and support staff to promote collaborative and safe practices related to proper use of equipment including adaptive equipment, sensory equipment, personal care equipment, assistive technology, and positioning equipment related to individual student needs.

Request/order supplies and equipment in conjunction with other therapists and classroom teachers as need and maintain inventory/storage of essential department equipment.

Maintain a commitment to professional ethics and standards as defined by the American Occupational Therapy Association and participate in meaningful and continuous professional growth.

Perform duties as assigned by the Direction of Special Education/ Associate Director of Special Education and/or Lead Therapist.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements:

Must have sensory skills to effectively communicate and interact with other employees and the public using telephone and personal contact as defined by the ability to see, read, talk, hear, handle or feel objects or controls.

Position may require frequent sitting, walking, bending stooping, kneeling, grasping, repetitive motion and reaching.

Position requires the ability to support students with physical disabilities including repositioning individuals in therapeutic equipment and assisting with transfers.

Physical agility to lift up to 15 pounds to shoulder height, and 30 pounds to waist height.

Reports to: Lead Therapist/Associate Director of Special Education

Terms of Employment: Ten months or Twelve months a year based on position. Salary according to School Board Pay Plan.

Evaluation: Performance on this job will be evaluated in accordance with school board policy and administrative regulations on evaluation of certified personnel.

The York County School Division does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, sex, gender, age or disability, or any other protected class in its educational programs, activities or employment and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.

York County School Division