Occupational Therapist

General Definition of Work

The occupational therapist, under general supervision, performs intermediate level work with limited decision making providing occupational therapy services to students, including assessment, intervention planning and implementation, related documentation of services, and communication. This position is also responsible for supervising Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs). Employee performs school-based work to carry out Board of Education policies under the direction of the Executive Director of Exceptional Children.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Salary/Status

Pay Grade MH 18/Therapist Schedule/ Full-time, 10 months

Reports To

Executive Director of Exceptional Children or assigned department leadership

Place of Work

The normal place of work is on the premises used by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools reserves the right to require you to work at such other place(s) as it may reasonably require from time to time.

Essential Functions

• Adhere to all state, federal, and local laws, policies, and procedures
• Adhere to the Occupational Therapy code of ethics and complies with established service standards
• Screen students to determine the need for further evaluation
• Evaluate the student's ability and formulate the student's occupational profile through a variety of sources which may include functional, behavioral, standardized assessments, skilled observation, checklists, histories and/or interviews
• Compile evaluation results into a comprehensive written report that reflects strengths and barriers to student participation in the educational environment; develop intervention protocols and procedures
• Participate in multidisciplinary meetings to review evaluation results, integrate findings, offer recommendations, and develop individualized education plans (IEPs) to achieve student goals
• Develop a plan of care and occupation-based intervention plans based on the student needs and evaluation results
• Provide targeted, evidence-based therapeutic intervention to facilitate student participation and occupational performance within the school environment. Collaborate with OTAs as needed
• Monitor student response to the intervention and modify strategies as needed to attain goals
• Develop appropriate classroom and home programming to maintain and enhance the performance of the student in the school/home environment
• Recommend termination of services when maximum benefit has been achieved
• Develop, maintain and organize service-related records as required for compliance
• Follow documentation timelines and procedures
• Develop and facilitate professional development for members of the educational team
• Supervise OT and OTA Level I/II fieldwork students
• Participate in professional development workshops and continuing education opportunities
• Create an inclusive environment with positive communication/public relations
• Perform related work as assigned or required

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Comprehensive knowledge as a general practitioner of Occupational Therapy, as defined by the American Occupational Therapy Association
• Comprehensive knowledge of federal, state, and local regulatory requirements related to occupational services in the Pre-K12 setting
• Knowledge of county and school board policies, procedures, and standards
• Skilled in communication, both verbal and written
• Skilled in computers and software including Microsoft Office and Google Workspace
• Ability to delegate and supervise the work of others
• Ability to problem-solve utilizing sound judgment
• Ability to establish and maintain positive relationships; work collaboratively within and across departments, external agencies, and the public
• Ability to respond appropriately to situations while maintaining a professional and personable demeanor
• Ability to use or learn specialized tools, equipment, or software
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to develop related charts, graphs, reports, and records
• Ability to take initiative and work independently
• Ability to conceptualize, initiate, monitor, and evaluate programs
• Ability to perform detailed work, planning, risk assessments, and associated risk mitigation actions
• Ability to work effectively in a deadline-driven, rapidly changing team environment

Education and Experience

• Minimum of master's degree in occupational therapy required. Individuals hired before 2004 with a bachelor's degree are grandfathered in
• Initial Certification by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) and satisfaction of current NC state legal licensure requirements per the North Carolina Board of Occupational Therapy (NCBOT) are required
• Experience in a pediatric work setting or school setting is preferred
• Equivalent combination of education and experience