Occupational Therapist

Job Summary: The job of Occupational Therapist was established for the purpose(s) of assessing students' functional physical development level and self-regulation; planning and implementing appropriate treatment to meet individual student goals and objectives, Individual Education Plan development identifying environmental barriers; providing recommendations for accessibility; and providing direction to Licensed Occupational Therapy Assistants. These services are designed to help children meet their educational goals.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Other duties may be assigned.

• Assesses students' fine and gross motor skills and functional abilities (e.g., perceptual-motor, hand functions, motor coordination, sensory development, muscle strength, etc.) for the purpose of determining program eligibility and developing recommendations for treatment, appropriate assistive devices and/or school placement to help children meet their educational goals.
• Interprets assessment findings, medical reports, and evaluations from other professionals, for the purpose of providing information and/or ensuring that Individual Education Plans (IEP) are appropriate.
• Develops IEPs, interventions and/or educational materials for the purpose of remediating students’ functional motor skill deficits as they relate to accessing their IEP, making accommodations, modifying materials and equipment, teaching compensatory strategies, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and to help children meet their educational goals.
• Provides direct occupational therapy service, and consultation for the purpose of developing students’ functional motor, self-regulation, and daily living skills in compliance with established goals and objectives and to help children meet their educational goals.
• Identifies environmental barriers and appropriate solutions for the purpose of removing barriers for students with physical limitations and/or identifying appropriate assistive technology.
• Administers occupational therapy procedures and modalities for the purpose of achieving IEP objectives.
• Consults with students, teachers, parents, team members, other personnel and/or outside professionals for the purpose of providing information, developing plans for services, making recommendations and/or coordinating occupational therapy services with those of other disciplines and to help children meet their educational goals.
• Directs the work of assigned licensed occupational therapy assistants (to meet state of Vermont Occupational Therapy Practice Act standards), and other support staff (e.g., teachers, paraeducators, and tutors) for the purpose of providing guidance, supervising the implementation of programs, and ensuring that IEP goals and objectives are achieved.
• Instructs students, staff and parents for the purpose of providing information on medical/behavioral attributes, use of assistive devices, and/or implementing plans for remediation of functional limitations and to help children meet their educational goals.
• Collaborates with a variety of groups and/or individuals (e.g., parents, teachers, physicians, administration, team members, maintenance personnel, other professionals, etc.) for the purpose of student assessment, program development and maintenance, sharing information, addressing concerns, resolving issues and providing services in compliance with established special education regulations.
• Responds to inquiries (e.g., parents, teachers, staff, students, etc.) for the purpose of providing information and/or referral as appropriate.
• Prepares necessary written materials (e.g., activity logs, evaluations, progress notes, correspondence, memos, Medicaid billings, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities, providing written reference, and/or conveying information and to help children meet their educational goals.
• Maintains files and/or records (e.g., progress reports, activity logs, billing information, treatment plans, IEPs, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring the availability of information as required for reference and/or compliance.
• Participates in meetings, workshops, and seminars (e.g., training, IEP, team meetings, etc.) for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information.
• Researches resources and methods (e.g., evidence based intervention and treatment techniques, assessment tools and methods, community resources, etc.) for the purpose of determining the appropriate approach to assess and address students' functional and educational goals and needs.
• Performs site visits at multiple schools and work sites, including home visits for the purpose of assessing student needs, implementing educational programs, and providing direct therapy interventions and assistance as required and to help children meet their educational goals.
• Transports supplies and equipment to a variety of sites for the purpose of ensuring the availability of items as needed.
• Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.