Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR)

Job Description

Burlington School District

This is an opportunity to work in a unique, growing Vermont community with a diverse student body and staffing.

Summary- Functions as a collaborative team member to provide occupational therapy as a related service. Responsibilities include evaluate and diagnose the need for educationally related occupational therapy services, providing related services to students and student team members according to the student's individual education plan (IEP), and the District's instructional programs. Also provides accommodations included in the American Disabilities Act 504 Plan for students who have limited access to their education. Assists students, through direct therapy, consultation, assistive devices, and technology, to gain or enhance motor, communication, adaptive, social, behavioral, and prevocational/vocational skills in the attainment of curriculum/learning goals.

Qualifications:

• Education: Minimum requirement of a B.S. in Occupational Therapy (as credentialed by the American Occupational Therapy Association) or the equivalent from an occupational therapy association in another country

• Certification: National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) with initial passage of the national examination and require ongoing continuing education credits

• License: the State of Vermont, Office of Professional Regulation (Secretary of State)

• Experience: Two plus years of pediatric experience in schools or related pediatric occupational therapy practice preferred.

• Skills: A wide range of experience and depth of knowledge in occupational therapy theory and practice as it relates to children, adolescents, and young adults with a variety of diagnoses. Integration of clinical theory and practice that results in evaluation, treatment, and consultation that is innovative, inclusive, and educationally relevant. Demonstrates an appreciation of the value of different cultures and the ability to engage with a diverse educational community. Demonstrates a working knowledge of Special Education state and federal guidelines, regulations, and laws.

Reports To:

• Burlington Schools Director of Special Services or Director of Early Education Program

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), paraprofessionals, and other designated educational staff
• Monitors student discipline through appropriate behavior management techniques.
• Assist administration in establishing and maintaining school-based discipline and a positive learning environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Evaluates and diagnose the occupational capabilities of referred students-

• Determines the student's functional capabilities and educational readiness including such skills as fine motor, visual motor, sensory-motor, attention, social/emotional resilience, self-care and adaptive, academically-applied perceptual skills, and assimilation of new learning.
• Identifies and authenticates the eligibility of students for related occupational therapy as appropriate and in compliance with state and federal law.

• Coordinates and provides occupational therapy screenings as requested by the Educational Support, IEP, or 504 Team.
• Provide occupational therapy evaluations of students who have been referred for special education comprehensive or 504 evaluations.
• Writes comprehensive occupational therapy reports and presents at the Evaluation, IEP, or 504 meetings.
• Collaborates with colleagues, parents, and others in the development of an IEP or a 504 Plan.

Therapeutic-

• Develop age and grade-appropriate goals, objectives, and accommodations for students who are eligible for IEPs or 504 Plans.
• Provide appropriate therapy services (direct and/or consultative) to meet the students' individual learning needs or accommodations for access to their education
• Discuss with members of the educational team when the OT program changes or is no longer needed for the student.
• Analyze, adapt, and provide therapeutic activities, techniques, adaptive equipment, assistive technology, and other accessible instructional materials to educate staff to meet the students' needs.
• Responsible for requesting and maintaining the needed assistive technology, adaptive equipment, and therapeutic supplies related to occupational therapy services.
• Record students' progress at appropriate intervals based on IEP goals and objectives.
• Keep thorough and appropriate records and paperwork on eligible students in working files in the occupational therapy office.
• Consult with educational staff and parents regarding students' progress.
• Collaborate with general education and special education teachers, paraeducators, and other school staff regarding the implementation of accommodations and/or carry-over of therapeutic activities and programs.

Other Responsibilities:

• Serve as a resource to school staff members for information on occupational therapy skills and services
• Provide in-service education and serve as a consultant to school staff members
• Provide information and support to parents and families
• Keep a central record of all current occupational therapy students as well as discharged students for up to 5 years.
• Attend regularly scheduled occupational therapy staff meetings with the Director of Student Support Services or designee.
• Attend regularly scheduled occupational therapy staff meetings with the Director of Early Ed program and Alternative Ed program as appropriate.
• Attend regularly scheduled Related Therapy and other Special Education meetings
• Maintain professional competence and knowledge of best practices in pediatric occupational therapy for identification, assessment, and diagnostic techniques through readings, attendance at conferences, workshops, memberships in professional organizations, and other relevant activities per district guidelines.
• Maintain current state license and national accreditation
• Provide caseload/workload reports and other data to Director of Special Services and other administrative staff as requested
• Demonstrate flexibility and versatility in meeting special education department and student needs.
• Execute responsibilities efficiently and in an organized manner e.g. reports, IEPs, progress notes, other documentation, inventory, supply orders, etc.
• Utilizes established supervisory relationships to communicate concerns, needs, and work-related issues and to enhance job performance.
• Demonstrates professional behavior, maintains confidentiality, and professional ethics.
• Arrives at schools, therapy sessions, and meetings on time and with proper preparation.
• Collaborates with other community agencies and specialists to meet the needs of the student and family.
• May perform other work-related responsibilities as assigned.

Primary Location:
Burlington School District
Salary Range:
Substitute
Shift Type:
Full-Time