Occupational Therapist

GENERAL DEFINITION OF WORK

Under the supervision of the Director of Services for Exceptional Children, the Occupational Therapist (OT) provides school-based services to support students with disabilities whose motor, sensory, or adaptive needs impact their ability to access and benefit from the educational program. As a related service provider under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the OT collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to assess student needs, develop and implement individualized education program (IEP) goals, and monitor progress. Services may include direct therapy, consultation, and training to ensure students receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Conduct comprehensive evaluations of students' fine motor, visual-motor, sensory processing, and self-care skills.
• Develop and implement individualized occupational therapy plans aligned with IEP goals.
• Provide direct and consultative services to students, teachers, and families.
• Collaborate with school staff to integrate occupational therapy strategies into the classroom.
• Supervises and directs work of the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) as applicable.
• Writes evaluation reports and determines educational implications of evaluation findings.
• Determines IEP objectives, frequency, type of service to be implemented, and scheduling.
• Evaluates and assesses OT treatments and makes the necessary treatment and IEP objective changes as necessary.
• Monitor and document student progress, adjusting interventions as needed.
• Participate in IEP meetings, providing expertise on students' functional abilities.
• Recommend and assist in the procurement of adaptive equipment and materials.
• Provide training to school personnel and families on the use of adaptive strategies and equipment.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Services for Exceptional Children.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Thorough understanding of pediatric occupational therapy principles and practices.
• Knowledge of IDEA, VDOE regulations, and school-based service delivery models.
• Ability to develop and implement effective therapy plans within the school setting.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills with multidisciplinary teams.
Proficiency in maintaining accurate records and documentation.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• A master's or doctoral degree in occupational therapy.
• Must hold a valid license as an Occupational Therapist issued by the Virginia Department of Health Professions.
Experience in a school setting is preferred.

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PHYSICAL CONDITIONS AND NATURE OF WORK CONTACTS

Work is performed in school environments, requiring mobility and the ability to assist students physically. Regular coordination with school administrators is necessary. Daily liaison activity throughout the division is necessary. Contact with media personnel may be required. Attendance of school division activities is necessary. Regular contact is made with teachers, parents, students, and other community members. These contacts may be contentious. Occasional contact with state administrators and representatives of federal agencies is necessary. Travel between school sites will be required.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

11 months (220days); at least 8 hours per day

EVALUATION

Performance evaluation will be conducted annually by the Director II - Services for Exceptional Children on the effectiveness by which the employee has carried out the above responsibilities.

This job description is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements. It is neither intended to be, nor should it be construed as, an all-inclusive list of the responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with the position. Administration reserves the right to modify, assign, or remove duties as necessary.