0.6 FTE Occupational Therapist Reading Public Schools Wood End Elementary School - Reading, Massachusetts This job is also posted in Reading Public Schools Job Details

Job ID:

5873230

Application Deadline:

Posted until filled

Posted:

Yesterday

Starting Date:

Immediately Job Description

SUMMARY:

Evaluates students to determine their functional levels and identify special needs. Plan and implement therapeutic activities to assist special education students to benefit from their educational experiences. Works with classroom teachers to provide OT strategies for all students.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The essential functions or duties listed below are illustrations of the type of work that is performed and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for by this position. Other duties may be assigned. Schedules students for evaluation and treatment. Administers, scores and interprets occupational therapy assessments of children referred through the special education process. Evaluates students' occupational therapy needs and develops goals and objectives to be considered as part of the IEP/504 process. Implements therapy to meet IEP/504 goals; program planning and management. Delivers occupational therapy services to children who have been identified through the TEAM or TST process with difficulties with some aspect of sensory, motor, visual-motor and/or perceptual functioning within the educational environment. Develops and delivers services including self-help, functional mobility, environmental adaptations/adaptive equipment, positioning, motor functions, sensory processing, prevocational skills, and sensory diets to students in need. Consults with classroom teacher and parents as deemed necessary. Attends IEP meetings and other meetings as deemed necessary. Provides written evaluations and progress reports on all students on caseload as needed. Attends integrated therapy planning sessions as required. Assists in the formulation of OT policies and procedures. Maintains equipment room.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Exercises no supervision.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

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, skills, and/or abilities required. The Superintendent may waive or modify the qualification requirements.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Knowledge of human development throughout the life span and integrates with student's unique developmental status. Knowledge and appreciation of the influence of disabilities, socio-cultural and socioeconomic factors on student's ability to participate in occupations. Knowledge and use of occupational therapy theories, models of practice, principles, and evidence-based practice to guide intervention decisions. Knowledge of the federal, state, local legislation, regulations, policies and procedures that mandate and guide occupational therapy practice in schools. Ability to gather and assess outcomes program evaluation data and to use to modify services at the programmatic level. Ability to maintain current reporting, documentation, scheduling, and billing in accordance with professional standards, state and local guidelines, and reimbursement requirements. Ability to determine the need for an occupational therapy evaluation and to select and administer appropriate assessment tools to evaluate the student. Ability to interpret the evaluation data and write a comprehensive report that reflects strengths and barriers to student's participation and occupational performance. Ability to participate collaboratively with multi-disciplinary educational teams to develop Individualized Education Programs to meet student needs. Ability to develop occupationally-based intervention plans based on evaluation information. Ability to provide evidence-based occupational therapy intervention to improve student's performance skills and participation. Ability to adapt and modify environments, equipment, and materials including assistive technology. Ability to plan, coordinate, and conduct continuing education for educational personnel, parents, and students. Ability to use professional literature, evidence-based research, and continuing education content to make practice decisions. Ability to provide legal and ethical supervision of occupational therapy assistants. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Knowledge of special education procedures to maintain appropriate confidential records. Ability to develop effective working relationships with students, staff and the school community. Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both in oral and written form. Ability to perform duties with awareness of all district requirements and Board of Education policies.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

Minimum of a baccalaureate degree in occupational therapy from an accredited college or university.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS

Valid MA DOE licensure; valid MA licensure to practice occupational therapy.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The employee must be able to remain stationary for extended periods and occasionally move throughout the school building as needed. Regular use of hands for typing, handling objects, and operating tools is required, along with sufficient grip strength for various tasks. The role involves frequent use of a computer and standard office equipment such as a calculator, copier, and printer. The employee must be able to enter data, read from screens, and review handwritten or printed materials, with or without visual aids. Clear and effective communication with students, parents, and colleagues—both in person and over the phone—is essential. Strong visual and auditory awareness is necessary to ensure student safety and provide meaningful feedback to instructional staff.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate. The employee interacts with students, parents, and other staff members. The employee is directly responsible for the safety, well-being and work out-put of students. The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and the requirements of the job change.

Position Type:

Full-Time

Salary:

$36,626.40 to $68,658.40 Please see our Salary Schedule (readingma.gov) Equal Opportunity Employer Reading Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation. It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Job Requirements Citizenship, residency or work visa required