Occupational Therapist for BPS

Berkley Public Schools

Position Description: Occupational Therapist (OT)

Length of Work Year: School Year

Position Goal:

The School-Based Occupational Therapist is responsible for providing evaluation consultation and occupational therapy services to students whose educational performance and access to the school environment are impacted by fine motor visual motor sensory processing self-regulation functional or other occupational performance needs.

Qualifications:

1. Bachelors Degree
2. Current Massachusetts License to practice as an occupational therapist
3. Current certification through the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy as applicable
4. Understanding of the Individual Education Program (IEP) process
5. Ability to work as part of an educational team

Reports to: School Principal and Administrator for Student Services

Performance Responsibilities:

1. Provide direct and consultative occupational therapy services to students in accordance with their IEPs.
2. Develop and implement interventions that support students access to and participation in the educational environment.
3. Support students in developing functional skills related to fine motor development visual motor integration sensory processing and regulation self-care classroom participation and other areas that affect educational performance.
4. Collaborate with classroom teachers special education teachers paraprofessionals and other related service providers to integrate occupational therapy strategies into students educational programs and daily routines.
5. Recommend appropriate accommodations modifications adaptive equipment assistive technology and environmental supports based on individual student needs.
6. Provide consultation and strategies to staff to promote student independence and reduce unnecessary dependence on adult support.
7. Support the development and implementation of inclusive practices that allow students to participate successfully in the least restrictive environment.
8. Conduct occupational therapy evaluations and screenings using appropriate standardized and non-standardized assessment tools observations record reviews and interviews.
9. Prepare comprehensive written evaluation reports that clearly communicate assessment results educational impact and recommendations to the students educational team.
10. Participate in IEP Team meetings eligibility determinations reevaluations and other student support meetings as appropriate.
11. Develop measurable annual goals objectives or benchmarks service delivery recommendations and accommodations based on identified student needs.
12. Maintain accurate documentation of occupational therapy services student progress consultation evaluations and other required records.
13. Monitor student progress toward IEP goals and adjust interventions and service delivery based on student data and educational needs.
14. Complete progress reports and other required documentation within established timelines.
15. Maintain organize and appropriately use occupational therapy materials equipment and assessment instruments.
16. Identify and communicate needs for adaptive equipment assistive technology or specialized materials and support their appropriate implementation within the school environment.
17. Follow all district procedures and professional standards related to student safety infection control equipment use and service delivery.
18. Communicate effectively and professionally with parents/guardians regarding students occupational therapy needs services and progress.
19. Participate collaboratively in IEP Team meetings and explain occupational therapy evaluations recommendations and services in clear and family-friendly language.
20. Provide families with appropriate strategies and resources to support students functional skills and independence when appropriate.
21. Collaborate with outside providers and agencies with appropriate authorization to support continuity of services and student success.
22. Support students and families during transitions between programs grade levels schools or outside services as appropriate.
23. Work collaboratively with general education teachers special education teachers administrators paraprofessionals school psychologists speech-language pathologists physical therapists nurses counselors and other members of the educational team.
24. Serve as a resource to school staff regarding occupational performance sensory and regulation needs fine motor development adaptive equipment assistive technology and strategies that support student access and independence.
25. Provide consultation modeling and training to staff regarding occupational therapy strategies and student-specific supports.
26. Participate in multidisciplinary problem-solving and pre-referral processes when appropriate.
27. Maintain professional competence through ongoing professional development and knowledge of current evidence-based practices in school-based occupational therapy.
28. Demonstrate professional ethical and confidential practices in all interactions with students families colleagues and community partners.
29. Contribute positively to a collaborative school culture focused on student learning belonging independence and success.
30. Maintain effective communication with administrators regarding student needs caseload responsibilities scheduling equipment and program needs.
31. Other essential functions of the position:
1. Maintains a record of regular attendance and reports to the appropriate supervisor when absent
2. Possesses a working knowledge of technology and Google applications
3. Maintains physical agility and strength to perform job-related tasks as appropriate
4. Be able to work in a noisy stressful high-pressure environment and maintain safety for students and staff.
5. Be able to work independently and collaboratively
6. Work with purpose to complete tasks with accuracy and efficiency
7. Completes and adheres to all district-wide mandatory training
8. Adheres to school and district emergency procedures
9. Pursues professional training to maintain and improve skill set
10. Communicates effectively verbally and in writing
11. Ensures confidentiality regarding all personal information of students and staff
12. Executes other duties and/or responsibilities as delegated by the Superintendent School Principal or Administrator for Student Services that are consistent with the scope and responsibilities of the position.

Terms of Employment:
School year position. Salary and benefits in accordance with the applicable collective bargaining agreement and/or individual employment agreement.

Evaluation:
Evaluated in accordance with Berkley Public Schools procedures and applicable Massachusetts requirements.

Required Experience:

IC