Occupational Therapist

Reports To: Executive Director of Exceptional Children

Terms of Employment:  Permanent, 10 Month Position

Nature of Work:

This employee provides specialized occupational therapy services for eligible students.  Work involves evaluating students to determine need for occupational therapy; developing appropriate therapy programs, including routines for classroom and home adaptation; and providing therapy to students.  Problems that arise in the treatment program are expected to be resolved independently.  Errors in the treatment could cause serious harm to students and potential liability to the school system.

Qualifications and Licensure:

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited program of occupational therapy 2 years experience, OR a Master’s Degree in physical therapy, OR any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities
• Licensed as an occupational therapist by the NC Board of Occupational Therapy

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assesses students using appropriate evaluation tools including standardized tests, clinical observations, and review of medical and educational reports to determine need for therapy intervention plan
• Develops and implements individualized therapy programs for qualifying students
• Documents screenings, evaluations, Individual Education Plans, progress reports, classroom/home programs and other data, as required
• Provides consultation with classroom teacher and other school staff regarding student’s optional function in the school environment.
• Provides classroom programs, instruction in management techniques, adapted equipment, and environmental modifications including the identification of architectural barriers
• Consults with parents and/or guardians regarding student’s therapy program
• Adapts, fabricates and maintains specialized equipment required for therapy services or student needs
• Investigates and recommends types of equipment available to meet student needs, funding sources, and vendor options, including insurance forms and letters of justification
• Provides in-service training to teachers and other school personnel, as needed; assists with education, orientation and preparation of receiving school staff and students regarding issues, concerns and information about “inclusion” of exceptional children in regular school and classroom programs
• Supervises occupational therapist assistants, where applicable
• Provides clinical education for therapy student interns from colleges and universities, where applicable
• Plans, orders and maintains departmental supplies and equipment; maintains records as required
• Travels between locations where students require services
• Maintains clinical and administrative records in accordance with State Guidelines and school board policy
• Performs other related work as required by supervisor

Physcial Requirements:

• Must be able to operate a variety of equipment including computers, power tools, sewing machines, wheelchairs, electronic feeders, standers, hand tools, mechanical toys, craft tools, etc.
• Must be able to exert up to 40 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects

Special Requirements:

Valid NC Driver’s License

DISCLAIMER

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees of this job.