Critical features of this job are described below. They are subject to change at any time as duties, tasks and functions are assigned or re-assigned by management.

The Hope Academy believes the dignity of each person is paramount. We recognize that our school’s future strength rests firmly on our commitment to recognize, respect and uphold the dignity of all our students, their families and our faculty and staff. To uphold this commitment, we expect all members of our school practice a willingness to recognize, respond to and teach about racism and other forms of injustice.

SUMMARY OF MAIN DUTIES:

Evaluates students to identify needs, and to develop, implement and document appropriate occupational therapy services to achieve quantifiable results. Assist in creating an intentional culturally responsive learning environment inclusive of students from all racial, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds, abilities and family structures. Encourages a sense of belonging and positive school community for students while developing their fine motor skills. Motivates learning by validating students as asset-based individuals. All school staff are expected to be aware of microaggressions and redirect to amplify affirmations. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Provides formal and informal evaluation of functional capabilities of students on assigned caseload, and reviews results with team members inclusive of family members
• Develops and implements individual treatment programs addressing specific goals with measurable outcomes via Individual Education Plan
• Maintains written documentation of all evaluations, OT treatment plans, progress notes, and communication with doctors, families, and outside providers in a professional manner, and in compliance with an established time frame
• Activley participates as a member of the multidisciplinary and Response to Intervention (RtI) teams
• Screens students as needed and develop and implement treatment plan to identify if further evalution is warranted
• Provides instruction and guidance to ensure that the students’ goals are integrated into the classroom/school community of a regular basis
• Provides individual and small group therapy sessions with a socially conscious lens, to meet the needs of students, under the supervision of the teacher
• Uses positive guidance techniques such as redirection, modeling appropriate behavior and praise
• Facilitates interactions among students that provide opportunities for emotional, social, and cognitive growth and an understanding of each other by using positive language to acknowledge differences and similarities of all racial, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds, abilities and family structures
• Demonstrates culturally informed discipline practices and the ability to neutralize the pattern of inequitable discipline of children of color
• Assesses, fabricates and/or prescribes adaptive equipment used to facilitate and enhance students’ function
• Maintains and orders therapeutic equipment, splinting supplies and evaluation protocols and writes justification for needed equipment in home and school setting
• Provides consultation and classroom/home programs for the students and their families/caregivers/school staff to facilitate the goals identified in their Individual Education Plan. 
• Keeps a written record of equipment on loan.
• Attends team meetings as directed.
• Supervises COTA (when applicable) including assigning caseload and treatment schedules, periodic observatations, meets regularly and provides ongoing consultation.
• Maintains and cares for all classroom/school equipment
• Supervises students in out-of-classroom activities during the school day
• Actively seeks and participates in ongoing professional development as offered by the school or independently
• Assists in the evacuation of children during fire drills and other emergencies
• Performs all other duties as directed by direct supervisor or school leadership team

QUALIFICATIONS:

SKILLS

• Acknowledge racism and privilege
• When you see racism or other types of inequities, you addresss it
• Ability to work as a member of a team by actively listening to another’s point of view, sharing and being able to respectfully disagree
• Familiarity with standard equipment used in evaluation/treatment of pediatric population; computers including adaptive peripherals; power wheelchair including multiple access capabilities; splinting equipment
• Effective and cooperative when dealing with people
• Organizational skills and flexibility
• Culturally influenced effective communication skills
• Proficient technological skills with platforms such as but not limited to Zoom, Google Classroom, MS Word, etc.

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING AND EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s Degree from AOTA - approved program in Occupational Therapy.
• Licensure as a registered occupational therapist from the Rhode Island Department of Health
• Certification by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy as a registered Occupational Therapist
• Pediatric experience is preferred
• Valid CPR and First Aid training

PROFESSIONAL AND LEGAL STANDARDS

• Models the school values of respect, compassion, integrity, inclusivity, and excellence in all activities
• Accesses Hope Academy student records only, as required or directed
• Uses and discloses PHI only as authorized, as necessary to carry out job duties
• Completes and maintains privacy and security training
• Reports suspected violations including those of a business associate or contractor
• Maintains professionalism in/outside the agency
• Lives the agency values of respect, compassion, integrity, inclusivity and excellence in all activities
• Occupational Therapy Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics

 NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Attends to student’s personal needs.
• Assists in the evacuation of children and clients during fire drills or other emergencies/safety protocols.
• Hosts agency volunteers and observers.
• Participates in special agency projects/events; acts as a member of committees related to discipline and/or special skill area; represents the agency as requested.
• Supervises clinical students (when applicable). Assign caseload and treatment schedule. Instructs in treatment techniques and acts as a resource. Follows agency guidelines for fieldwork supervision. Completes formal written midterm and final evaluations.
• Maintains level of competence and update professional knowledge and skills (journals, conferences, workshops, inservices etc.).
• Performs other duties as directed or required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Work environment and physical requirements consistent with those of a school.
• Work in individual/group treatment and classroom setting.
• Access to all client records for programs for which they are delivering service treatments or are mentoring.
• Lift/push/pull up to 50 pounds independently and up to 100 pounds with the assistance of another staff member or adaptive equipment.
• Able to lift and transport students who are not self - ambulatory.
• Utilize the computer (10-20%) of the time and other office equipment
• Sit, stand, and walk continuously throughout the workday
• Bend, stoop, squat, push and pull (25-50%)