Job Title: Occupational Therapist Position Specifics: This position is offered at 0.6 FTE which means it works 3 days per week (21 hours)Position Function: The Specialist, Occupational Therapy is directly responsible to the administrators of those buildings served and to the Coordinator of Health Services or Occupational Therapy for providing educationally related occupational therapy to special education pupils whose individual educational plan indicates occupational therapy services. Essential Performance Responsibilities:
- Assesses and/or evaluates pupils' abilities in the areas of self-help, fine motor skills, sensory integration skills, and visual perceptual skills
- Provides educationally related occupational therapy services to special education pupils in need of therapy and keeps appropriate records of pupils' progress
- Writes progress reports for all pupils receiving direct occupational therapy, and provides a summary of the progress to the classroom teacher
- Provides written interpretations of all evaluations completed and is an active team member in staffing when writing program needs for individual pupils
- Maintains, designs, constructs, or obtains adaptive devices to maintain or to improve independent functioning skills and to improve daily living skills in the educational setting
- Participates in comprehensive evaluations, and conferences for pupils referred for Occupational Therapy evaluations
- Provides liaison service between parents, school personnel, and community agencies to facilitate communication concerning the services provided by Occupational Therapists
- Provides assistance to the parents and to the classroom teacher(s) when adapted or modified equipment is used by an identified individual pupil
- Maintains special adaptive equipment purchased by USD 259, and recommends to the Coordinator of Health Services or Occupational Therapy any new special equipment needed to meet the educational needs of pupils
- Maintains an inventory of all occupational therapy equipment
Additional Duties: Assists with additional duties as assigned by supervisor. Equipment: This position may require the ability to use SMART boards and iPads in addition to basic office equipment such as computers, copiers, scanners, and fax machine. Must always comply with WPS guidelines for equipment use. Travel: Travel between schools and central offices may be required. Physical and Mental Demands:
- Ability to work outdoors during outdoor student activities
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Ability to communicate both verbally and written in order to communicate with others inside and outside of the organization for the purpose of giving and obtaining information
- Basic computer proficiency and the ability to effectively use Microsoft Word and Outlook which will be determined and validated by testing
- Use of good judgment to make decisions on recurring assignments
- Ability to communicate effectively with a supervisor when their discretion is needed
- Displays a significant degree of professionalism and confidentiality
- Ability to conform to proper standards of professional dress and appearance
- Knowledge of company's mission, purpose, goals and the role of every employee in achieving each of them
Interrelations:
- Contact with personnel within the district and with customers and vendors
- Will be working under the direct supervision of the department supervisor in order to complete day to day tasks
- Will be working with a diverse population requiring the ability to handle all situations with tact and diplomacy
- Must understand and respond appropriately to customer needs and maintain a positive attitude with all customers and colleagues
- Expected to interact with all internal and external customers in a friendly, professional manner and provide quick, responsive customer service
Employee Punctuality and Appearance:
- In order for schools to operate effectively, employees are expected to perform all assigned duties and work all scheduled hours during each designated workday, unless the employee has received approved leave
- Any deviation from assigned hours must have prior approval from the employee's supervisor or building administrator
- All employees are required to report to work dressed in a manner that reflects a positive image of USD 259 and is appropriate for their position
Qualification Profile:
- Bachelor's Degree in Occupational Therapy required
FLSA Status: Exempt