Occupational Therapist

Job Information

Job Summary and Purpose

• The Occupational Therapist and Physical Therapist function as a member of an interdisciplinary team whose purpose is to is to assist in the provision of an appropriate educational program for students with disabilities. Occupational Therapists facilitate acquisition, remediation, and compensation for deficits in foundation motor skills necessary for classroom performance. Particular areas of emphasis include fine motor skills, sensory/perceptual motor skills, and self-care skills. The Occupational Therapist (OT) is also responsible for the screening, assessment, planning, goal development, and appropriate intervention services. Physical Therapists facilitate remediation and compensation for deficits in foundation skills necessary for classroom performance. Particular areas of emphasis include gross motor skills, functional mobility and gait, musculoskeletal alignment, strength, endurance, and positioning. The Physical Therapist (PT) is responsible for the screening, assessment, planning, goal development, and appropriate intervention services.

Work Objectives/Essential Functions

• Perform formal observation and/or procedures which provide information as to the strengths and weaknesses of the students and determine educational implications of evaluation findings.
• Present written/oral reports to school special education committees when appropriate to parents.
• Screen and evaluate students on referral of the schools’ screening committees to determine if therapy is indicated in the educational setting.
• Work cooperatively with school staff, parents and personnel in community services:
  • To determine IEP objectives, frequency and scheduling of intervention,
  • To implement objectives using appropriate techniques,
  • To evaluate progress regularly and comment on the IEP,
  • To redesign program as student progresses or regresses,
  • To determine the appropriate time to discontinue services,
  • To determine appropriate placement for students with disabilities.
• Suggest modifications to the physical environment of the educational setting when appropriate and suggest modifications or make adaptations to the equipment in the educational setting as well as make appropriate recommendations for purchase of equipment based on student and classroom needs.
• Maintain documentation of physical changes in students receiving services as well as keeping all written records by following guidelines for appropriate paperwork.
• Provide effective consultation to teachers:
  • To provide information concerning the students’ special needs and the intervention plan,
  • To program for generalization of newly learned skills into the classroom,
  • To allow the shaping away of services as the teacher becomes more proficient in meeting the students’ needs in the classroom.
  • To other related service personnel to allow for a coordinated multidisciplinary approach.
• Provide effective consultation to administrators:
  • To make aware of treatment plan and update progress,
  • If necessary, to secure teacher cooperation in meeting students’ objectives and goals through appropriate administrative channels,
  • To help determine which students should be referred for special education services,
  • To advise concerning appropriate strategies for students not found eligible for special education services,
  • To collaborate with administrators when special problems arise
• Requisition supplies and equipment through appropriate channels.
• Maintain an effective system of monitoring student progress and to inform appropriate persons of such progress.
• Assist in program planning when students receiving therapy move from one school or program to another.
• Listen to new ideas, viewpoints and procedures and can accept and adjust to change.

Education and Experience

Required Licensures and Certifications

• For Physical Therapist, must possess licensure to practice physical therapy in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
• For Occupational Therapist, must possess a valid licensure to meet state requirements as set forth by the Virginia Board of Medicine. Annual registration with the American Occupational Therapy Associate is recommended.
• Must possess a valid Virigina driver’s license.

Additional Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of medical, surgical, and/or pediatric information and indications for occupational therapy services.
• Knowledge of neurophysiology to neuro-developmental and sensorimotor dysfunction.
• Ability to use tests and measurements for assessing physical function.
• Implement programs to facilitate fine motor, self-help and for restoration of physical function or sensory/perceptual skills in the school environment.
• Work cooperatively in a team environment to meet goals.
• Organize and perform work independently.
• Meet deadlines for all work even when working on multiple projects.
• Show sustained effort and enthusiasm in quality and quantity of work.

Core Expectations of All Stafford Schools Employees

• Engage in ongoing professional development relevant to position.
• Respond to written and oral requests for information promptly and thoroughly.
• Maintain a clean, neat appearance and dress appropriate to position and duties.
• Maintain a record of appropriate attendance and punctuality.
• Serve as a role model for students, colleagues, and the general public.
• Work in close harmony with supervisor(s) and colleagues.
• Comply with all division policies and regulations, including but not limited to guidelines for confidentiality and professional conduct, as well as all site-based procedures and protocols.

Weight Demands

Physical Demands

Classification Details (Completed by Human Resources)

This description is intended to describe the general nature, essential functions, and requirements of the job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and tasks, the inclusion of which are considered for job classification purposes.

Salary : $63,826 - $119,543