Occupational Therapist

REPORTS TO:
Director of Special Education

POSITION OBJECTIVE: Provide occupational therapy services to students with significant disabilities and high support needs in order to support academic and non-academic outcomes, to facilitate fine motor, visual motor development and sensory motor performance, to promote independence in activities of daily living and pre-vocational skills, improve functional life skills through training, adaptations and use of specialized equipment. Interact directly with students, as well as the development and implementation of educational plans with teachers, administrators, and parents.

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MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Ability to assess student needs related to fine motor, sensory processing, self-care, and adaptive functioning
• Knowledge of IDEA, special education procedures, and related service requirements
• Demonstrates excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to explain evaluation information and goals in clear understandable way to audience
• Ability to collaborate effectively with teachers, support staff, families, administrators, and related service providers
• Ability to develop, implement, and monitor IEP goals and progress
• Ability to work with students requiring physical assistance, adaptive equipment, and sensory supports
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Ability to respond calmly and effectively to medical, behavioral, or sensory-related situations
• Ability to use technology and data systems for documentation, reporting, and progress monitoring
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, staff, and families

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provides Occupational Therapy Services

• Provides appropriate motor, sensory and functional assessments to assist in determining student's eligibility for special education and their educational needs for occupational therapy services
• Provides direct and consultative occupational therapy services in individual and group settings to meet established goals
• Develops measurable school-based goals based on student needs and input from educational team
• Develops treatment plans, IEP goals, interventions and strategies to meet established goals, monitors progress towards these and ensures compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Interprets medical and academic reports for the purpose of providing information and/or ensuring that treatment/intervention plans are appropriate.
• Researches resources and methods to ensure best practices are utilized
• Evaluates students to determine eligibility and need

Supports Students with High-Needs and Life Skills

• Addresses self-care skills such as feeding, dressing, toileting, and hygiene as appropriate
• Supports sensory integration and regulation strategies for students with complex needs
• Supports student participation in classroom routines, transitions, and daily living activities
• Assists students with motor planning, coordination, and functional movement within the school environment
• Collaborates with staff to ensure consistency of strategies across settings

Collaborates with Staff and Families

• Participates in IEP meetings, case conferences, and multidisciplinary team meetings
• Participates in school and district MTSS and Nonviolent Crisis Interventions (NVCI) as needed.
• Collaborates with educational team to develop and implement strategies and techniques to support student's educational program including but not limited to adaptations, accommodations, positioning and equipment related to environmental and or physical needs.
• Communicates regularly with families regarding student progress and strategies
• Provides instruction and models for staff and students on the use of assistive devices adaptations and accommodations.
• Supervises and direct the work of classroom staff for the purpose of providing guidance and ensuring that program objectives are achieved
• Recommends…