Occupational Therapist Pool

** DESCRIPTION
* * Under the direction of the Coordinator of Countywide Services and Principal, the Occupational Therapist provides occupational therapy services in Howard County Public Schools that comply with state, federal, Board of Education policies and procedures in order to protect and promote the health and functional independence of students to facilitate their access to educational programming. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of child development, sensory integration techniques, and evidence-based therapeutic interventions to support students with diverse needs in achieving their academic and functional goals.
** MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
**** Applicants must meet all qualifications below to be considered for the vacancy.
***
* Education:

** Bachelor's degree Occupational Therapy from an accredited program. Valid state licensure or eligibility for licensure as an Occupational Therapist (OT-L) from the Maryland State Board of Occupational Therapy Practice.
** PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
** Three (3) years of experience as an Occupational Therapist working with the pediatric population.  Certification from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) (OT-R).  Previous experience working with children and adolescents in educational or pediatric settings.  Strong knowledge of child development, sensory processing theory, and therapeutic techniques. Excellent interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills across all stakeholders.  Thorough knowledge of the IEP/IFSP process.

The below list is a summary of the functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties.
** ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
** Conduct comprehensive assessments to evaluate students' fine and functional motor skills, sensory processing, visual-motor integration, and activities of daily living (ADLs) in relevant educational environments. Three (3) years of experience as an Occupational Therapist working with the pediatric population.  Implement evidence-based therapeutic interventions to address students' areas of need, such as sensory diets, fine motor activities, handwriting skills, and adaptive equipment utilization.

* Collaborate with teachers and other school personnel to integrate therapeutic strategies into the classroom and daily routines.
* Offer consultations and training to teachers, parents, and staff members on strategies and equipment to support students' sensory and motor needs in educational settings.
* Maintain accurate documentation of assessments, progress notes, service logs, and treatment plans in compliance with regulatory standards and school policies.
* Collect and analyze data on student performance, engagement, and behavior to improve student outcomes and direct intervention.
* Provide supervision and/or training of paraprofessionals and OTAs as needed.
** SELECTION CRITERIA
** Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be included in further evaluation. Interviews will be limited to those applicants who, in addition to meeting the basic requirements, have experience and education which most closely match the position qualifications and the needs of the school system.
** EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION
**** Compensation
* * This is either a 10-month or 11-month per year position in the Howard County Educators Association (HCEA) employee bargaining unit. The current salary ranges for this position are on the. Actual placement will be in accordance with the salary procedures of the Howard County Public School System and the HCEA Master Agreement which considers education and relevant prior experience. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, this position is exempt from overtime.

Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings, and other relevant meetings to contribute to students' educational planning and outcomes.  Understanding of evidence-based practice in occupational therapy.  Stay abreast of current research, trends, and best practices in occupational therapy and education to inform practice and enhance service delivery.  Participate in professional development activities designed to advance knowledge in the areas of education, compliance, and best practices in occupational therapy.

Perform other related duties as required. The above list is a summary of the functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and…