Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapist Job Description

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Reports To: Director of Student Services

Position Summary:

Under the direction of the Director of Student Services, the Occupational Therapist provides services to students with disabilities, across grade levels, in order for them to benefit from their program of special education instruction. Occupational therapists provide quality school-based occupational therapy services, which includes but is not limited to facilitating assessment/evaluation, implementing intervention/treatment, supporting IEP planning and implementation, contributing to transition planning, maintaining related documentation, and coordinating communication among case managers, administrators, teachers, paraprofessionals, other related service providers, students, and families.

Informed by the organization's mission, employees will ensure that all students acquire the knowledge and skills required for academic progress and achievement, as defined by curricular and instructional objectives and overarching school goals. Employees are responsible to reflect the mission and guiding principles of the organization, uphold the rules and standards of the Student Code of Conduct, build positive and collaborative relationships with students, staff, parents, and other Civitas stakeholders with transparency and accountability that best ensures student academic and personal achievement.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are generally representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This is a 10-month, network-wide related service position supporting three schools.

Key Competencies/Duties:

Assess, evaluate, and intervene using current, research based strategies to support students' therapeutic needs, ensure access to the academic program, and support academic, personal-social growth and development.

• Provide occupational therapy services, as identified through the IEP/504 plan, to students enrolled in the educational programs of Civitas schools.
• Administer occupational therapy assessments to determine a student's level of functioning relative to their age and educational placement in such areas as fine/gross motor skill development, sensory motor integration, self-care, and the activities of daily living.
• Write assessment reports identifying the student's needs and proposed treatment strategies; write individual student goals and objectives as part of the IEP; maintain progress records; participate in the IEP meeting.
• Develop occupational treatment plans and goals for rehabilitative care to improve student functional abilities and enhance their ability to learn.
• Provide students with individual treatment and group therapy sessions to correct specific areas of sensory-motor integrative dysfunction.
• Develop occupational therapy treatment plans based on the educational goals for eligible students to improve the student's functional abilities within the school and naturalistic settings, in collaboration with the IEP team.
• Demonstrate educational and developmental strategies to students and families for successful home intervention of perceptual, motor, and sensory programs.
• Provide interpretation and summaries of assessment reports to families; recommend appropriate activities and materials designed to support motor goals in the home.
• Consult and collaborate with medical and community agencies.
• Adapt equipment to ensure proper positioning and to enhance functional performance of the student, addressing the student's neuromuscular deficits and needs.
• Consult with other members of the educational team regarding the mandated and best practice roles of occupational therapists
• Administer occupational therapy programs as needed in terms of budget recommendations, space, and equipment recommendations.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Build and maintain positive, productive, professional relationships with students, staff, parents, and other stakeholders.

• Demonstrate preparation and skill in working with students from diverse cultural, economic and ability backgrounds.
• Instruct and monitor students in the use of learning materials and equipment.
• Manage student behavior in the classroom by establishing and enforcing expectations and procedures.
• Maintain discipline in accordance with the expectations, disciplinary models, and systems of the school.
• Demonstrate respect and regard for students, colleagues, and parents.
• Cultivate positive relationships and address the social and emotional needs of scholars using research-based methods as identified by school leaders.
• Encourage parent and community involvement; obtain information for parents when requested.
• Initiate appropriate conferences with parents, guardians, administrators, etc. in accordance with school procedures.
• Effectively, respectfully, and professionally communicate with parents or guardians and students on matters related to student's academic progress, attendance, and conduct.

Demonstrate a dedication to collaboration, innovation, and flexible approaches to professional practice.

• Participate positively and productively in department, school, network, and parent meetings.
• Work collaboratively with teachers to implement UDL or differentiated instruction and assessment to promote student access to the curriculum, growth, and achievement.
• Actively participate in the development and implementation of new teaching techniques and approaches to assessment.
• Actively participate in discussions and programs to improve student performance, experience, attendance, conduct.
• Integrate students into curricular planning and assessment development.
• Collaborate with the school faculty and administration in the development and implementation of program instruction.
• Engage actively, positively, and productively in the instructional coaching process.
• Accept and apply coaching feedback.

Attend to and fulfill professional obligations as defined by the school and network.

• Write assessment reports identifying the student's needs and proposed treatment strategies; write individual student goals and objectives as part of the IEP; maintain progress records; participate in the IEP meeting.
• Monitor therapy programs and consult with educational staff regarding inclusion of appropriate occupational therapy treatment strategies into the educational program; evaluate the efficacy of the established program and make modifications within the framework of the IEP process as necessary.
• Participate in meetings with families on the appropriate implementation of programs; collaborate and coordinate occupational therapy goals with the educational program.
• Attend school and network professional learning and collaboration days to improve skills, give and receive feedback, and be open to coaching, mentoring, partnerships.
• Prepare required reports on students and activities.
• Communicate necessary information regularly to students, colleagues and parents regarding student progress, intervention outcomes, and student needs.
• Maintain accurate and daily attendance and therapy records.
• Promptly return phone calls and answer emails within 24-48 weekday hours.
• Attend school events to better understand student interest and personalities outside of the regular classroom.
• Follow school and network policies and protocols.
• Build positive and respectful relationships with staff, students, families, and community partners.
• Other duties as assigned.

Reflect, support, and promote the mission and vision of the school as well as the principles of D.E.I.

• Demonstrate preparation and skill in working with students from diverse cultural, economic and ability backgrounds and a willingness to advocate for them.
• Support the creation of inclusive, identity-affirming spaces for students.
• Implement professional practice and responsibilities, demonstrating cultural competence.
• Implement D.E.I principles in interactions with members of the school community.

Qualifying Education/Licensure:

• Bachelor's Degree (Required)
• Master's Degree (Preferred)
• National Board Certification for Occupational Therapy (Required)
• Current and active license to practice Occupational Therapy (Required)
• Bilingual Spanish/English; Arabic/English; Urdu/English (Strongly Preferred)

Other Qualifications:

• Experience writing and managing IEPs (Required)
• Experience working with Impact or similar program for IEP management (Strongly Preferred)
• Knowledge of Special Education law and protocols (Required)
• Experience working with students (Required)
• Experience in urban school settings (Strongly Preferred)
• A positive attitude about students with special needs and high expectations for what they can accomplish with the necessary supports (Required)

Knowledge:

• Special Education Law
• ILOTA regulations and school district, State and Federal policies pertaining to occupational therapy
• Professional, ethical and legal standards of practice as defined by the American Occupational Therapy Association.

Salary and Benefits

Civitas Education Partners provides a highly competitive salary and benefits package. We are also committed to supporting professional growth and membership in local, state and national educational organizations.

Apply Today! https://civitasedpartners.applicantpool.com/jobs/

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