Occupational Therapist

POSITION TITLEOccupational TherapistSCHOOL/DEPARTMENTAssigned school(s)SALARYSalary Grade 78FLSA STATUSExemptREPORTS TOExecutive Director of EC or designee (such as EC Program Specialist for Related Services, or EC Director, or Lead Occupational Therapist)SUPERVISESNoneWORK WEEK SCHEDULEMonday - FridayWORK HOURS40NUMBER OF MONTHS PER YEAR10POSITION PURPOSE:The Occupational Therapist provides student evaluation, student screening, staff consultation, staff training and other appropriate intervention services to facilitate student participation in academic activities and to promote functional independence within the context of their school day. These interventions and activities may include fine motor, visual perceptual, sensory processing, self-help, and feeding skills. Occupational Therapist service may also include providing adaptive equipment or assistive technology to increase the student's independent functioning in the school environment. Professional judgment and clinical knowledge are used to develop individualized programming based on occupational performance deficits in the areas of personal care, student role, interaction skills,process skills, play, role/interaction skills, learning academics and process skills, play and recreation, written communication, and community integration/work and graphic communication.Student centered continuum of services assist students to engage in meaningful and/or necessary occupations that allow a student to participate in and benefit from special education. These occupations may include student Occupational therapy services may include: Screening, evaluation, intervention, and documentation; Assistance with occupational performance when impaired or lost; Modification of environments (both human and physical) and tasks, and selection, design, and fabrication of assistive devices and other assistive technology to facilitate development, promote the acquisition of functional skills, and engagement in meaningful occupations; Integration of occupational therapy interventions into a student's educational program to assist the student in participation and acquisition of goals; Collaboration with appropriate individuals to meet student's needs including transition planning; and Provide education and information to families and school personnel to assist with planning and problem solving.KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIESThorough knowledge of principles, practices and procedures of specialty areaThorough knowledge of the principles and methodology of providing effective therapy for special needs studentsThorough knowledge of and adherence to legal procedures contained in federal and state statutes and regulations regarding the provision of services to students with disabilities, including IDEA, HIPPA, and FERPA laws and guidelinesThorough knowledge of human development throughout life span, integrated with students 'unique developmental statusKnowledge of occupational therapy principles and methodologies related to the provision of school-based intervention for children with special needsThorough knowledge of anatomy, neuroanatomy, kinesiology, psychology and various medical diagnosesThorough knowledge of normal and abnormal child developmentThorough knowledge of departmental rules, regulations and procedures for delivering servicesThorough knowledge of skill levels of the K-12 populationThorough knowledge of Individuals with Disabilities Educational Act (IDEA) and Individual Educational Plan (IEP) guidelines and proceduresThorough knowledge of the federal, state, local legislation, regulations, policies and procedures that mandate and guide occupational therapy practice in schoolsThorough knowledge of school system and departmental rules, regulations, and proceduresConsiderable knowledge of appropriate evaluation toolsAbility to interpret evaluation data and write a comprehensive report that reflects strengths and barriers (if any) to student participation and occupational performanceAbility to establish and maintain standards of behaviorAbility to articulate oral presentations and written reportsAbility to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other staff, students and parentsAbility to maintain a consistent schedule and travel between locations where students require servicesAbility to research and determine evidence-based practice supporting therapy interventions EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE Bachelor's (Four Year) Degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited occupational therapy professional program recognized by NCBOTCompleted all fieldwork requirementsTwo (2) years of experience as an Occupational Therapist in a school system or pediatric practice settingAny equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required combination of knowledge, skills and abilities CERTIFICATION AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTSInitial Certification by national Board for Certification of Occupational TherapyCurrent license by the North Carolina Board of Occupational TherapyMust possess a valid driver's license issued by the NC Department of Motor Vehicles PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:Three (3) to five (5) years serving students in a public-school system ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESCollaborate with other disciplines to ensure team understanding of student occupational performance strengths and needs, through evaluation, educational program planning, and service deliveryAssess student's ability using appropriate evaluation tools including standardized tests, observations, functional and behavioral assessments and review of medical and educational reportsConduct interviews with parents and staff to determine the need for a therapy intervention planSynthesize evaluation results into comprehensive written report, reflecting strengths and barriers to student participation in the educational environment directly related to referral concernDevelop occupationally based intervention plans based on student needs and evaluation resultsParticipate in interdisciplinary meetings to review evaluation results, integrate findings with other disciplines, offer recommendations, and develop individualized education plans and intervention plans to achieve IEP goalsConsult with school-based team to achieve student outcomesProvide classroom programs, instruction in management techniques, adapted equipment, and environmental modifications including the identification of architectural barrierEducate students, educational personnel, and families to facilitate skills in areas of occupation as well as health maintenance and safetyMonitor and reassess the effects of occupational therapy intervention and the need to continue, modify, or discontinue interventionDocument occupational therapy services to ensure accountability of service provision and to meet standards for reimbursement of services as appropriatePrioritize and schedule work tasks independentlyManage inventory of therapeutic equipment and assessments checked out to the therapist and/or assigned school(s)Maintain clinical and administrative records in accordance with professional standards, state guidelines, and school system policyWhen assigned, provide legal and ethical supervision of occupational therapy assistant assuming responsibility for the students served by the assistantSubmit accurate and timely caseload information to supervisor based on monthly, quarterly or semester reporting periodsLog therapy services in electronic data management system for each session providedTeach, monitor, and collaborate with educational personnel, community agencies, parents and students to increase understanding of the student's occupational performance.Provide fieldwork education and supervision for occupational therapy internsParticipate in continuing education for professional development to ensure practice consistent with established best practice and NC licensure requirementsUse the professional Code of Ethics and standards of practice to guide ethical decision-making in practiceAdvise administration and staff regarding bus safety; lifting and transfer techniques, architectural barriers and adapted equipment; oral motor techniques and precautions; medical precautions and feeding issuesPerform additional duties as assigned by the Director or Assistant Director for Exceptional Children