Occupational Therapist

JOB SUMMARY:

The Occupational Therapist is a school based service provider for students in the Gardner Public School district who assists in activity and environmental analysis and modifications that promote occupational performance. The Occupational Therapist provides direct services consultation services inclusive services collaborates with other service providers and trains staff in the needs of students identified with occupational therapy services in the school setting and aligned with a Muli-Tiered System of Support (MTSS).

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Bachelors or Masters degree in Occupational Therapy from a school accredited by the American Occupational Therapy Association.
2. Licensed to practice in Massachusetts.
3. Extensive experience in working with children and adolescents.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of current rules and regulations regarding occupational therapy services in a school based setting with an understanding of state and federal regulations in special education.

REPORTS TO: Director of Pupil Personnel Services or designee

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Provide occupational therapy services in the assessment of educational planning for monitoring of and reevaluation of students in need of special services in accordance with all applicable federal state and local codes and regulations.
• Use observation and various assessment techniques as a certified occupational therapist and conduct appropriate assessments of students in all phases of the evaluation process as related to occupational therapy in the school setting. Share findings in writing and orally with appropriate staff and family so that effective interventions and programs are provided.
• Write IEP goals accommodations treatment plans and progress reports as well as maintain appropriate log of services and Medicaid records.
• Partner with teachers parents and administrators to implement classroom accommodations environmental modifications and assistive technology.
• Provides clinical direction to Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTA )if applicable
• Monitor provide consultation and determine whether the present educational program is the one best suited for a students development and make appropriate recommendations for change where indicated.
• Assists to implement prevention groups/consultation at early elementary
• Provides training to special education paraprofessionals and others as appropriate in carrying out day-to-day activities designed to enhance the students physical motor and sensory functioning.
• Maintains an inventory of District OT assistive equipment.
• Travel to and from schools for services consultations and Team meetings.
• Attend required staff meetings professional development training and serve as appropriate on building committees.
• Complete in a timely fashion all records and reports as required by law and regulation or requested by supervisors.
• Continue to grow professionally through collaboration with colleagues and professional growth experiences.
• Protect confidentiality of records and information gained as part of exercising professional duties and use discretion in sharing such information within legal confines.
• Demonstrate the ability to use electronic equipment for word processing data management information retrieval visual and audio presentations assessments and telecommunications.
• Strong written and oral communication skills

OTHER DUTES:

1. Maintains license and professional competence by attending staff development programs and other professional activities.
2. Perform any duties that are within the scope of employment and certifications as assigned by the Principalor Director of Special Education and not otherwise prohibited by law or regulation.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:School Year plus professional development days

SALARY AND BENFITS:As per MTA/GEA contract

EVALUATION:As per MTA/GEA contract

Required Experience:

IC