1.0 Probationary Occupational Therapist-District Wide

Job Description

PLEASE NOTE: This is a competitive civil service position. To be eligible you must be currently appointed to a Competitive Occupational Therapist position and/or be reachable on an existing Occupational Therapist Civil Service eligible list.

NYS Licensed Occupational Therapist to provide direct therapy services within a school setting. Experience with conducting formal and informal evaluations in the OT area, experience with writing OT evaluation reports indicating results and implications for results, developing Individualized Education Plans, reporting information at Committee on Special Education.

QUALIFICATIONS/PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Candidates must have experience working with various school-age students in an educational setting. They must have experience in conducting formal evaluations and writing reports indicating the results.
  
• The candidate must understand the difference between clinical services and educational services.
  
• Candidates must have experience with various types of equipment that students may require to access their learning environment and perform therapy activities.
  
• The candidate must have experience in writing and following all Medicaid mandates for Medicaid eligible students.
  
• Candidates must have experience in developing and writing IEP performance statements, goals and progress reports.
  
• Candidates should have experience supervising COTAs.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides direct school-based Occupational therapy to students with disabilities.
  
• Demonstrates proven experience working with students with a variety of disabilities.
  
• Develop, implement, and coordinate the provision of Occupational therapy as mandated on the IEP within the District, commensurate with philosophy, vision, departmental procedures, and goals.
  
• Knowledge of areas of practice specific to school-based services, including child development and specific diagnoses.
  
• Provides appropriate individualized programs of therapy to meet specific IEP goals for school-based services.
  
• Develops Individualized Education Plans and integrated goals and/or Section 504 Plans.
  
• Evaluates and monitors each student in terms of his/her progress toward the attainment of specified IEP goals.
  
• Communicates with parents and other team members, including agency representatives specializing in the support and instruction of students with disabilities.
  
• Compiles case history data on those cases where additional family history, health history, early developmental history, and environmental history are deemed appropriate.
  
• Facilitates the inclusion of students with disabilities in the general education environment.
  
• Collaborates with classroom teachers and other related service providers for effective coordination of service.
  
• Serves as a resource to school staff in the knowledge of Occupational therapy principles, theory, methods, and evidence-based practice
  
• Develop a Occupational management plan for daily classroom routines and train staff in safe implementation.
  
• Provide consultation regarding the emergency evacuation of students with disabilities to the school team and administrators.
  
• Provide consultation to improve school accessibility and the efficacy of plans for environmental modification.
  
• Maintain student service, administrative, and other departmental records in accordance with the Occupational Therapy Practice Act as well as District, State and Federal policies and regulations. Submit documentation for Medicaid reporting purposes as required.
  
• Document the need and prepare appropriate recommendations for student materials and equipment.
  
• Procure, maintain, and inventory equipment, materials, and supplies.
  
• Other responsibilities as assigned by Building Administration, the Director of Special Education, or the Assistant Superintendent for Exceptional Education and Student Services.
  
• Candidates must be able to manage a highly active schedule with possible traveling between building assignments.

CORE CHARACTERISTICS:

• Candidates must be dedicated, reliable and responsible by demonstrating high quality professionalism, excellent communication skills, and ability to work within a team approach.
  
• Candidates must be student-centered and willing to problem-solve when concerns arise.
  
• Candidates must be able to adhere to a strict timeline in having evaluations, reports and other documents completed when needed.
  
• Candidates must be willing to communicate with parents and families on a regular basis and as the need arises as well as provide resources and information according to District guidelines.

Competetive Civil Service job description:

Distinguishing Features of the Class: The work involves planning and administering treatment programs for medically referred patients consisting of therapeutic activities, self-help techniques and assistive devices to prevent, reduce or remedy the disabling effects of illness, injury and birth defects. This is a professional position with responsibility for planning and administering occupational therapy treatment to patients in accordance with the physician's referral and established rehabilitation goals. The position requires the exercise of independent judgment in developing rehabilitation programs for individual patients. Does related work as required.

Qualifications:

Graduation form a regionally accredited or New York State registered four (4) years college with a major in Occupational Therapy; OR
Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered four (4) year college with a Bachelor's degree in any field and completion of an approved post-graduate program in Occupational Therapy; AND
Registration with the American Occupational Therapy Association and licensed by the New York State Department of Education.

Special Requirements: Good knowledge of the principles, objectives and techniques of occupational therapy treatment; good knowledge of materials and equipment and their application or use in a progressive therapy program; ability to apply principles and practices of occupational therapy; ability to plan, direct and lay out activities adapted to a patient's particular disability; concern and understanding for the handicapped; emotional maturity; manual dexterity; industry and dependability; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

Supervises: The incumbent also instructs and supervises technical personnel in assisting with treatments and follow-up procedures.

Typical Work Activities:

Is familiar with and contributes to the successful implementation of the District's Mission and Belief statements;

Evaluates physical, psycho-social and perceptual dysfunction of referred persons as related to need for occupational therapy;

Plans, administers and supervises treatment procedures, involving selective use of creative, manual and industrial arts and crafts, recreational; educational and other activities, fabrication of hand splints, assistive devices, self-help techniques, etc.;

Coordinates occupational therapy with other patient care services concerned with restoration and maintenance of the patients optimal level functions;

Evaluates and makes recommendations for training in another occupation more consistent with the patients' present capabilities;

Works with contractors, designers and architects to provide equipment, furniture or accommodations appropriate for handicapped patients;

Reports to the patient's physician regarding the patient's treatment status and makes recommendations for modifications of treatment and rehabilitation objectives;

Keeps accurate records on treatment and makes written reports on patients' progress for inclusion in the patients' medical record;

Attendance at conferences and clinics relating to patient care.

Perform such other tasks and assume such other responsibilities as directed by the Superintendent of Schools or his/her designee.

PLEASE NOTE: This is a competitive civil service position. To be eligible you must be currently appointed to a Competitive Occupational Therapist position and/or be reachable on an existing Occupational Therapist Civil Service eligible list.