Occupational Therapist

Position Type:
Classified/Support Positions/ Occupational Therapist

Date Posted:
2/11/2021

Location:
Multiple schools

Date Available:
08/03/2021

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Rate of Pay: $55,000 - $60,000 (DOE)
1.0 FTE, 40 hours per week, 206 paid workdays per year
Eligible for full benefits - medical, dental, and vision
Location: Various CFSD school sites (Sunrise Drive, Canyon View and Ventana Vista Elementary and Valley View Early Learning Center (preschool)
Target Start Date: 8/3/2021

SUMMARY: This position evaluates and develops an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) to meet the specific needs of students who qualify for occupational therapy services. This position also provides the related service of occupational therapy as indicated in student IEPs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: (Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a complete listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this job class.)

• Evaluates and diagnoses specified deficits of students within the school district as a member of the multi-disciplinary assessment team.
• Interprets assessment results appropriately and uses the results to develop therapeutic intervention plans and classroom strategies appropriate to the educational goals for the student. This may include adaptive equipment, assistive technology devices, and outside professional consultation.
• Designs, develops and delivers services prescribed in the IEP for each student that meet the qualifications for the related service of occupational therapy.
• Plans and implements intervention strategies using a continuum of service delivery approach in accordance with student needs in the least restrictive environment.
• Evaluates, modifies, and documents the effectiveness of occupational therapy intervention as it relates to the student's educational program.
• Improves fine and gross motor skills and sensory awareness to improve the individual's ability to function within the environment.
• Assists student development of fine and gross motor skills, good posture and positioning, and sensory integration.
• Travels to and among schools to provide services.
• Communicates effectively (both orally and in writing) with educational personnel, parents, local and state agencies regarding occupational therapy.
• Collaborates with any teaching staff member in the development of a variety of strategies to meet the educational needs of students within the classroom in need of occupational therapy.
• Assists with the development of training staff and parents to carry out existing therapy routines for students in their respective settings.
• Facilitates transition among agencies, programs, and professionals as service provision changes (early intervention to preschool, preschool to school age, and school to work).
• Maintains thorough records for students receiving occupational therapy.
• Obtains and maintains supplies and equipment needed for occupational therapy services.
• Provides technical assistance in the repair and modification of assistive devices that may be utilized to meet the specific needs of students receiving direct occupational therapy as part of their total education program.
• May be required to supervise a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA).
• Performs other related duties as assigned or required.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: This position may supervise, or provide input into the evaluation of, the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTA).

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
Knowledge of:

• federal, state, and CFSD guidelines regarding IEP services
• district procedures and board policies
• the educational system and its critical components, including ethical/legal responsibilities applying to occupational therapists in the educational setting
• major theories, treatment procedures, and research relevant to providing occupational therapy services for children with disabilities
• disabling conditions that occur before and after birth and their effects on students with special needs related to educational performance
• report writing techniques

Skills in:

• communicating effectively, orally, and in writing with correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

Ability to:

• work cooperatively, effectively, and respectfully with staff, parents, and students from diverse backgrounds
• assess student skill areas to determine the need for occupational therapy
• understand and relate to children with special needs
• implement various communication systems and appropriate methodologies
• provide staff training and consultation related to occupational therapy
• analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action
• work independently with little direction
• meet schedules and timelines
• apply common sense understanding to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of situations

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS :
Education & Experience:

• Degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited institution, accredited by the American OT Association;
• Valid National (AOTA) and State of Arizona Occupational Therapist License;
• Minimum of two (2) years' experience in the field of occupational therapy OR an equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Arizona IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card;
• Valid Arizona Driver's License

Computer Proficiency: Microsoft Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint & Word, and specialized IEP software.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work involves the performance of duties where physical exertion is required to supplement normal sedentary work. Assistance is available in the event heavy physical exertion is required. Work may involve standing for extended time periods, sitting, bending, reaching, walking, and grasping. Occasional lifting and carrying weight up to 50 pounds or assisting in moving or lifting children may be required. Visual or hearing weakness must not prohibit the performance of assigned duties. Verbal communicative ability required in public contact positions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT : Works indoors - classroom environment. Outdoors - playground, exposure to all weather conditions and temperatures. Exposure to noise and dust. Extensive contact with students, parents, teachers, external agencies, and the public.

Disclaimer: The duties and responsibilities identified in this position description are illustrative only and are in no way intended to be a complete list of activities that may be required of an incumbent.

The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the American Disabilities Act (ADA) and is not an exhaustive list of duties performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individual currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.