OTR Occupational Therapist

JOB SUMMARY: School Based Occupational Therapist

Provide comprehensive, quality occupational therapy services to children in compliance with Michigan’s Special Education Rules and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act 2004 requirements. Comprehensive services include evaluation, planning, therapeutic activities and interventions, multi-disciplinary teamwork, counseling, referrals and education of families and professionals to assist children to fully participate in their educational experiences.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provides occupational therapy services including but not limited to daily living skills, acquisition of developmental milestones and skills necessary for functional fine motor tasks, sensory processing, prevention and management of orthopedic problems in upper extremities, prevocational/vocational skills, and environmental adaptation and adaptive equipment.
2. Evaluates and re-assesses students referred to occupational therapy, with a written parental consent, in required time frames.  Makes appropriate referrals (speech therapy, physical therapy, psychologist, social worker, etc) as appropriate.  
3. Participates as a contributing member of the Multidisciplinary Evaluation Team (MET) and Individual Education Planning (IEP) meetings. Family conferences, etc.  Develops IEP goals in collaboration with the team
4. Implements individual occupational therapy programs to meet student’s IEP goals.
5. Completes required written documentation including daily notes, monthly reports, and quarterly progress notes in accordance with school/program standards.
6. Works collaboratively as a team member with parents, caregivers, teachers, and other professionals, in order to provide comprehensive therapy services to improve functioning of children in home and school environments.  
7. Schedules occupational therapy services to schools, with flexibility allowed for attending IEP meetings, and other professional commitments.  Keeps school(s) apprised of schedule and schedule changes.  
8. Shares professional recommendations and information and conducts workshops/in-services with educators, para-educators, schools administration, and families to facilitate best educational environment for students.
9. Attends school and DIC staff meetings as required.

1. Orients and supervise COTA and/or Occupational Therapy students, upon request.

1. Seeks opportunities to expand knowledge of occupational therapy and related fields and demonstrates professional growth through participation in the continuing education process, in-services, keeping current with developments in the field of occupational therapy through attendance at professional meetings, seminars and workshops and review of the literature.
2. Keeps Director informed about work related information and service delivery issues.
3. Performs other job related duties as assigned.

EDUCATION REQUIRED:

Bachelor degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited institution or post-baccalaureate certificate in Occupational Therapy from an accredited institution.

LICENSE/CERTIFICATION/REGISTRATION REQUIRED:

Current registration as an Occupational Therapist by the State of Michigan.

Certified by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) as an OTR.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Demonstrated competence in evaluation, goal development, and treatment of disorders associated with neurological, developmental, and cognitive impairments.   
• Previous work experience in providing pediatric Occupational Therapy or pediatric fieldwork Level II is preferred.  
• Knowledge and/or training regarding stages of childhood development (preferred).

SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Strong written, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work as a team member and to work independently. 
• Knowledge of the State of Michigan Special Education Rules and IDEA 2004 requirements.  
• Knowledge of community resources for special needs population.  
• Able to provide services in a school setting.  
• Ability to effectively manage, evaluate and provide treatment for children with disabilities. 
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, analytical and decision-making skills.  
• Ability to accept and respond appropriately to instruction and direction.   

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Physical agility to work on floor or tablemat.
• Ability to stand or sit for extended periods of time.
• Ability to cope with a flexible schedule
• Ability to travel to various locations 

MENTAL DEMANDS:

Maintains confidentiality, even temperament, copes with unavoidable tension and maintains professionalism under stress and pressure.   Attentive, aware, observant, and flexible.  Understand new information and situations and can adapt.  Can mentally change focus to perform a variety of tasks, projects and assignments simultaneously.  Ability to cope with frequent interruptions.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Varied off-site locations, office space and treatment area accommodations are assigned by school personnel.  Travels in own vehicle to various locations.

 ******Several locations available within Metro Detroit include: Detroit, Southfield, Hamtramck, and Dearborn. Positions can be combined for full time or part time hours.