Occupational Therapist

Position Description:

• Reporting to the Coordinator of APE, Hospital Homebound, OT, PT, and Vocational Services in the Student Support Unit, the Occupational Therapist provides occupational therapy screenings, evaluations and therapy to students with disabilities.
• The Occupational Therapist also assists the Lead staff member for the Occupational and Physical Therapy department in collecting and compiling data as needed for district, state, and federal reports.

Scope of Responsibility:

• Administers, interprets, scores, and records findings of a variety of assessment/diagnostic instruments/tests according to established procedures and writes legible reports as required.  Participates in interpreting test results and in planning appropriate programs for individual children.
• Communicates findings and recommendations to parents and appropriate school personnel.
• Provides occupational therapy when indicated on a student'sIndividualized Education Program and/or Section 504 Individual Accommodation Plan.
• Provides consult services and in-service to teachers, families, other professional personnel and community agencies.
•  Participates as a member on the multidisciplinary team in conducting Bulletin 1508 and Section 504 evaluations including participation in IEP and/or IAP development asindicated.
• Acts as a resource person to other educational specialists in regard to sensory processing, gross and fine motor programs and adaptations needed by students with disabilities.
• Selects, maintains and/or constructs necessary equipment.
• Supervises other personnel carrying out delegated activities recommended by the occupational therapist for specific child's education program.
• Supervises occupational therapy students on field work placement.
• Maintains and updates policies and procedures involving occupational therapy services.
• Participates in continuing education relevant to occupational therapy in the schools.
• Maintains communication with appropriate medical personnel.
• Performs appropriate management and administrative services.
• Practices within the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics of the American Occupational Therapy Association.
• Interprets medical information to school personnel.
• Establishes working relationships with professionals and community agencies.
• Observes child/student in testing room and/or in classroom, on campus behaviors, consulting with teachers regarding professional recommendations and impressions.
• Consults with teachers, parents and appropriate persons regarding the significance of sensory processing, fine and gross motor data to the learning and/or behavioral process.
• Participates in special education eligibility determinations.
• Maintains accurate case records on all children regarding enrollment in the educational assessment program, initial screening and individual evaluation, and other services provided by the Occupational Therapist in accordance with the requirements of parish, state, and federal laws, regulations, and/or policies.
• Reviews private vendor evaluations, monitors system evaluations and completes appropriatedocumentation.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Lead Therapist member for the Occupational and Physical Therapy department or the Coordinator of APE, Hospital Homebound, OT, PT, and Vocational Services. 

Skills and Qualifications:

• We seek detail-oriented, independent self-starters who demonstrate an unwavering commitment to raising student achievement and who have a record of high performance in challenging situations.

Successful candidates will also demonstrate:

• Master’s degree required from an accredited university/college required.
• Licensure by the Louisiana Board of Medical Examiners in compliance With R.S. 37:3001 -3014 as an Occupational Therapist
• Appropriate certification as an Occupational Therapist as described in Bulletin 746 of the Louisiana Department of Education.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience providing occupational therapy with children/adolescents.
• Strong written and oral communication skills in multiple settings.
• Ability to be an engaging change agent and culture-creator that can inspire and motivate.  Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with an ability to use quantitative and qualitative data to make decisions and recommendations.
• Collaborative management style, with a proven track record of working with diverse individuals at all levelsto drive decision-making and results.
• High degree of professionalism, with the ability to manage multiple competing priorities, while consistently demonstrating sound judgment and disciplined thinking.
• Working knowledge of federal and state laws, policies and regulations relevant to special education.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word and skilled in Google Docs and Sheets.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Bilingual
• Experience in conducting special education evaluations
• Clinical experience

Physical Involvement:

• Sitting is required part of each work day.
• Must be able to operate office equipment.
• Standing, walking, reaching, bending, lifting up to 10 pounds is sometimes required.
• Ability to provide own transportation to schools, work locations and meeting sites.
• Mobility skills necessary to access a variety of work locations.

Compensation:

• JP Schools offers a competitive salary that is commensurate with experience.
• JP Schools also offers a competitive benefits package.