Occupational Therapist

Position Title: Occupational Therapist

Reports to: Coordinator of the Whole Child Support Team

Service Area: Santa Fe, NM

Employment Term: Full-time; Exempt 10 month position

Salary/Wage Range: $56,661 - $105,355 (New hires are offered up to mid-range, dependent upon qualifications and experience.)

Deadline for Application: Open until filled         

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Summary

Occupational Therapists (OT) at NMSD (1) have integral roles in education and are essential members of school faculty, (2) help students meet the performance standards of NMSD and the state by assuming a range of responsibilities, (3) work in partnership with others to meet students' needs, and (4) provide direction in defining their roles and responsibilities and in ensuring appropriate services to students. . It is anticipated and expected that all functions of this position will be performed in a positive and receptive manner, while helping to advance the mission and vision of New Mexico School for the Deaf.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (Other duties may be assigned)

• Works closely with an educational team to perform evaluations.
• Performs ongoing assessments.
• Prepares and submits comprehensive evaluation reports and periodic reports on student’s activities and progress.
• Performs comprehensive evaluations for deaf and hard of hearing students for various NMSD departments including Early Intervention.
• Keeps current on best practices and current research in the field.
• Ability to work with students ranging in age from 18 months-22 years of age
• Maintains up to date therapy logs and Medicaid documentation.
• Creates and implements individual educational plans for students with the educational team.
• Works with the educational team to create and implement plans to support and improve function including: helping children to prepare for and perform important learning and school-related activities and to fulfill their role as students, support academic and non-academic outcomes, including social skills, math, reading and writing (i.e., literacy), behavior management, recess, participation in sports, self-help skills, and prevocational/vocational participation.
• Supports the implementation of the schoolwide handwriting program, including determining appropriate materials to be used.
• Works with others in applying knowledge of sensory integration and self-regulation skills in relation to the academic setting.
• Provides one-on-one or small group occupational therapy, when appropriate.
• Integrates services into the classroom and other school settings, when appropriate.
• Trains teachers, educational assistants, parents, other staff members, and caregivers regarding educating students with diverse learning needs
• Adheres to NMSD’s Vision, Mission and Belief statements.

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Education and/or Experience: Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy with at least two years of experience and a progressive and directly related experience with children who are deaf or hard of hearing. PED State Licensure is required. National Board Certification in Occupational Therapy required.

Qualifications and Expectations Applicable to All NMSD Employees

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

• Commitment to Vision- Must be committed to NMSD’s Vision, Mission, and Beliefs

• Language Skills- Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports and correspondence. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, and the general public.
• American Sign Language: Proficiency in or willingness to learn American Sign Language required.
• Written Communication: Writes clearly and informatively; varies writing style to meet needs. 

• Organization- Must be organized and detail-oriented. 

• Analytical- collects and aggregates data for program maintenance and improvement. 

• Continuous Learning- Seeks feedback to improve performance; pursues training and development opportunities; strives to continuously build knowledge and skills. 

• Job Knowledge- Competent in required job skills and knowledge; exhibits ability to learn and apply new skills; keeps abreast of current developments; requires minimal supervision; displays understanding of how job relates to others; uses resources effectively. 

• Use of Technology- Adapts to new technologies; troubleshoots technological problems; uses technology to increase productivity. Possesses a working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Outlook.

• Mathematical Skills- Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide into all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.  Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percentage and to draw and interpret bar graphs. 

• Reasoning Ability- Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.  Ability to think independently, solve problems and work with the whole team.

• Problem Solving- Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; works in group problem solving situations. 

• Cooperation- Establishes and maintains effective relations; exhibits tact and consideration; offers assistance and support to co-workers; works cooperatively in group situations; works actively to resolve conflicts. 

• Teamwork- Balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectivity and openness to others’ views; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to building a positive team spirit; supports everyone’s efforts to succeed. 

• Diversity- Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; educates others on the value of diversity; builds a diverse workforce. 

• Ethics- Treats people with respect; keeps commitments; inspires the trust of others; works with integrity and principles.

• Organizational Support- Follows policies and procedures; completes tasks correctly and on time; supports organization’s goals and values. 

• Adaptability- Manages competing demands. 

• Personal Appearance- Dresses appropriately for position; keeps self well groomed. 

• Attendance/Punctuality- Is consistently at work and on time; ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent. 

• Dependability- Follows instructions, responds to management direction; takes responsibility for own actions. 

• Initiative- Seeks increased responsibilities; asks for and offers help when needed. 

• Quality- Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; looks for ways to improve and promote quality. 

• Safety and Security- Observes safety and security procedures; determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; reports potentially unsafe conditions.  

• Physical Demands- The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to drive for long periods of time; stand; walk and sit. Unless otherwise stated in this job description, the employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. 

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NMSD is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. We adhere to all applicable laws, statutes, and regulations regarding equal employment opportunities and affirmative action.  As an equal opportunity employer, we ensure that all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability status, genetic information, family and medical leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Salary : $56,661 - $105,355