Occupational Therapist

Position Type: Occupational Therapist

Location: Greenbrier School District

Qualifications:

• Successful completion and graduation from an accredited Occupational Therapy program recognized by NBCOT and completion of all fieldwork requirements. 
• Not required, but preferred to have completed 1-2 years of experience as an occupational therapist preferably in a school setting. 
• Current Arkansas license as a certified occupational therapist. 
• Demonstration of an advanced understanding of strategies for students with autism, developmental delay, specific learning disabilities, and/or behavior disorders.

The Greenbrier School District is seeking applicants to be active members of our professional learning community and who are interested in living the mission and vision of our school district while committing to our core beliefs:

• Children come first

• The classroom is the most important place in the district

• Leadership and accountability are keys to our success.

Job Description

The occupational therapist plans and provides occupational therapy services to students with physical, cognitive, psychosocial, developmental, and sensory needs. The occupational therapist assesses students and provides therapeutic intervention to eliminate or reduce problems or impairments that interfere with students’ ability to derive full benefit from the educational program. The occupational therapist will provide services in a variety of educational settings, including self-contained non-categorical classrooms and general education inclusion classrooms. School-based occupational therapy services focus on academics, play and leisure, social participation, self-care skills (Activities of Daily Living), and transition/work skills through inclusive practice, direct therapy, and consultation with school staff and families.

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Knowledge of occupational therapy theories, models of practice, principles, and evidence-based practice.
• Preferred knowledge of Sensory Integration theory and practices.
• Knowledge of human development throughout the lifespan.
• Ability to articulate the role of occupational therapy in the evaluation, intervention planning, and intervention process.
• Ability to analyze tasks relative to areas of occupation, performance skills, activity demands, contexts, and student factors to implement intervention plans.
• Ability to recognize occupational performance deficits in the areas of personal care, student role/interactive skills, processing skills, play, community integration, and written communication.
• Skill in gathering screening and evaluation data, completing checklists, histories, and interviews.
• Ability to select, adapt, and sequence relevant occupations and purposeful activities that support intervention goals.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to maintain safe environments, equipment, and materials.
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records and progress notes.

Essential Functions:

• Provide quality school-based occupational therapy services, which includes but is not limited to:
• assessment/evaluation
• intervention/treatment
• IEP planning and implementation
• discharge planning
• related documentation
• communication between teachers, teacher assistants, related service providers, and families
• commitment to the least restrictive environment
• Demonstrate strong classroom support and collaboration skills.
• Demonstrate strong skills in partnering with families.
• Demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse group of colleagues, parents, families, and community members.
• Be committed to meeting the needs of a diverse student population.
• Have a track record of being a team player and community minded.
• Be committed to continuous professional learning.
• Have excellent time-management skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently.
• Adhere to a high level of professional and ethical standards.
• Demonstrate an advanced understanding of strategies for students with autism, developmental delay, specific learning disabilities, and/or behavior disorders.
• Consistently use effective and productive soft skills with all school district stakeholders.
• Report to work as scheduled on a regular and reliable basis.

Responsibilities Include:

Therapy

• Complete thorough evaluations, including muscle tone, range of motion/mobility, orthopedic needs, movement analysis, perceptive/fine motor skills, sensory motor processing, and functional activities of daily living.
• Conduct independent evaluations and provide appropriate individual and group therapy services consistent with occupational therapy goals contained in Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).
• Evaluate student progress and make determinations regarding therapy services.
• Develop clinical management strategies, intervention plans, and diagnostic statements.
• Provide services for students in a wide range of educational settings, including self-contained non-categorical classrooms and general education inclusion classrooms.
• Participate in Individualized Education Plan meetings to assist in interpretation of assessment data, appropriate placement, and goal setting for students according to district procedures.
• Develop and implement IEPs to meet the individual needs of students.

Consultation

• Consult with colleagues, students, and parents regarding the accomplishment of therapy goals, the needs of the student, and involvement in the intervention process.
• Educate and demonstrate (verbally and/or written) therapy techniques to parents that can be incorporated into the home.
• Collaborate with classroom teachers and staff to support student participation and success in the educational environment.
• Assess and make recommendations regarding the use of adaptive equipment as needed and provide written justification.
• Provide consultation and support regarding sensory, motor, and functional needs of students.

Student Management

• Create an environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the maturity level and interests of students.
• Establish control and administer discipline according to the Student Code of Conduct and student handbook.

Program Management

• Develop and coordinate a continuing evaluation of occupational therapy services and make changes based on findings.
• Participate in the selection and maintenance of adaptive equipment and instructional materials.
• Maintain timely and accurate documentation of evaluation results, progress reports, discharge reports, daily notes, service tracker notes, and all legally required records.
• Comply with policies established by federal and state laws, State Board of Education rules, and board policy.
• Comply with all district and campus routines and regulations.
• Attend staff meetings, in-service training, professional development, and continuing education courses as appropriate or required by school and/or district administration.
• Maintain professional clinical competency by attending certified CEU in-services and workshops.
• Willingness to be educated and trained for specific program implementation.
• Participate in collaborative teams within the school and district.

Other

• Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard therapy and assessment equipment; standard office equipment including computer and peripherals.
• Posture: Frequent sitting, kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting.
• Motion: Frequent walking, grasping/squeezing, wrist flexion/extension.
• Lifting: Regular light lifting and carrying (under 15 pounds), occasional heavy lifting (45 pounds or more) and positioning of students with physical disabilities; controlling behavior through physical restraint; assisting non-ambulatory students.
• Environment: Exposure to biological hazards, bacteria, and communicable diseases; may require districtwide travel.
• Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under pressure.

Job Contact Information:

Name – Dr. Kelli Martin

Title – Deputy Superintendent

Phone – 501.679.4808

Email – martink@greenbrierschools.org

Salary Range/Schedule: http://greenbrierschools.org/salaries