Position Type:
Support Staff

Date Posted:
4/15/2021

Location:
Zuni Public School District

Closing Date:
05/03/2021

Position: Occupational Therapist
Reports to: Director of Special Education
Site: District-Wide
Contract Length: 10 Month/198 days
Salary: $65,928.00 to $83,796.00

Purpose: To provide occupational therapy services to students with disabilities as outlined in the Individual Education Plan (IEP), and/or as referred for assessment.

This job description is to be used as a guide for accomplishing company and department objectives and only covers the primary functions and responsibilities of the position. It is in no way to be construed as an all-encompassing list of duties.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Occupational Therapy;
• Licensed by the New Mexico Public Education Department;
• Possess certification from the NM Occupational Therapy Licensing Board;

OR

• Possess certification from the American Occupational Therapy Certification Board;
• Knowledge of Medicaid reporting requirements;
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing in English, Zuni preferred;
• Ability to perform duties in accordance with district requirements and Board of Education policies;
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedures manuals;
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence;
• Ability to speak effectively before parents and staff;
• Possession of or ability to obtain current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR); and knowledge of universal precautions;
• Posses a valid driver's license;
• Experience in working with children;
• Experience and/or training working with people with disabilities;
• Experience working with a school district preferred;
• Ability to work effectively with special needs students;
• Ability to deal with behavior and crisis situations;
• Signing abilities for hearing impaired preferred;
• Ability to maintain logs, documentation and records;
• Knowledge and experience with computers, preferably Microsoft Office and database system(s);
• Skills in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with others;
• Ability to maintain confidentiality;
• Ability to recognize and report hazards and apply safe work methods;
• Ability to conduct in-services;
• Able to perform the physical requirements of the position.

Essential Duties:

• Meet the Occupational Therapist competencies determined by the New Mexico Public Education Department;
• Provide purposeful activity with individuals who are limited by physical injury or illness, psychosocial dysfunction, developmental or learning; disabilities, poverty and cultural differences to maximize independence, prevent further disability and maintain health;
• Evaluate, treat and consult individually or in groups;
• Teach daily living skills;
• Develop perceptual motor skills and sensory integration functions in students;
• Develop play skills and prevocational and leisure capacities in students;
• Aid in selection and application of selected orthotic and prosthetic devices or other adaptive equipment;
• Use specifically designed crafts and exercises to enhance functional performance;
• Administer and interpret Occupational Therapy tests and evaluations;
• Prepare evaluation reports and Individual Education Plans reports in a timely manner;
• Adapt environments for the student with a disability as deemed necessary;
• Maintain required records and comply with dates for state and federal reports;
• Submit billing for Medicaid in a timely manner;
• Conduct assessments of students with disabilities to determine the eligibility for occupational therapy services;
• Review, analyze and interpret occupational therapy assessment reports presented to the EDT team for consideration of services;
• Provide recommendations to the IEP team regarding the frequency and delivery of occupational therapy services;
• Plan, schedule, implement and evaluate appropriate occupational therapy services and referral procedures;
• Monitor student progress and develop an appropriate treatment plan to meet student individual needs;
• Collaborate on the development of present levels of performance, goals and benchmarks in IEP meetings;
• Evaluate the need for and provide training to staff and parents/guardians, as appropriate, for the use of adaptive equipment to meet student occupational therapy needs;
• Develop an environment that promotes positive learning conditions;
• Attend IEP meetings as appropriate;
• Maintain accurate records and provide annual progress reports as needed;
• Work professionally with administrators, staff, parents/guardians and community;
• Record required student performance data;
• Strive to improve and maintain job skills through in-service training programs and other professional development opportunities;
• Maintain high standards of ethical behavior and confidentiality;
• Assist students with physical needs and/or the use of devices;
• Supervise Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant if applicable;
• Perform CPR, when necessary;

· Perform assigned duties on a timely basis.

Physical Functions:

• Sit, stand, walk, climb balance, stoop, kneel, crouching, talk & hear, reach and lift up to 20lbs on a frequent basis, may lift up to up to 40 pounds occasionally;
• Hand and eye coordination in operating student equipment and devices;
• Usually work on even surfaces, may walk on uneven surfaces outdoors;
• Exposed to various degrees of noises (talking, children at play, bells, etc.);
• Work in close proximity of other individuals;
• General vision, corrected to 20/20, reads a multitude of records, correspondence and data;
• Repetitive fine motor activities;
• May be exposed to bodily fluids, (such as diapers, saliva, etc.);

Mental Functions:

• Work with deadlines, interruptions and frustrations;
• Must be able to deal with employees, students and parents in such a way as to maintain their goodwill;
• Must be able to respond appropriately to supervision and accept recommendations;
• Must be able to communicate both orally and in writing;
• Make decisions about reports, communication information and data.

Essential Equipment:

• Classroom equipment to include: smart board, phone, fax, computer, calculator, printer, scanner, etc.;
• Occupational Therapy equipment;
• Student equipment to include: various devices, wheelchairs, etc.