Occupational Therapist

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST NATURE OF WORKAn employee in this class participates in the development, implementation and coordination of an occupational therapy program to provide screening, evaluation and treatment of exceptional students. The employee must select, from a wide range of activities, the program activity appropriate for each student. Problems that arise in the treatment program are expected to be resolved independently. Errors in the treatment could cause serious harm to students and potential liability to the school system. The employee receives general direction from the Director of Exceptional Children. Direct supervision may be exercised over support personnel.ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORKEvaluates students' abilities through a variety of functional and behavioral assessments and collection of informationProvides direct therapy through various activities to develop and maintain living skillsParticipates in the multi-disciplinary meetings to develop Individual Education PlansDesigns and constructs or modifies special equipment to meet individual needsInstructs and monitors educational personnel, community agencies and parents in the program to increase strength and dexterity of exceptional studentsCoordinates the development and evaluation of a school-wide occupational therapy programDocuments needs for equipment and materialsMaintains records in accordance with State guidelines and school policy KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ACTIVITIES Thorough knowledge of the theory, principles and methods of occupational therapyWorking knowledge of normal child developmentWorking knowledge of general management practiceSkill in adapting or designing equipment for individual needsSkill in administering treatmentAbility to select and administer appropriate assessment and treatment activitiesAbility to plan, implement, administer and coordinate a physical therapy programAbility to plan, coordinate and conduct on the job training and continuing education for a variety of individualsAbility to communicate effectively orally and in writingSUGGESTED TRAINING AND EXPERIENCEGraduation from a four year accredited program of occupational therapy and two years of experience or a master's degree in physical therapySPECIAL REQUIREMENT