Occupational Therapist

Job Description - Geary County Schools USD 475

Occupational Therapist

Purpose Statement

The job of Occupational Therapist is done for the purpose/s of providing evaluations and assessments of students` ability to participate in daily school activities; planning specially designed instructions in support of educationally relevant academic and functional outcomes; and implementing occupational therapy service along a continuum of prevention, promotion and intervention to identifies special education students in accordance with the students` Individualized Educational Program (IEP).

This job reports to Assistant Director of Special Education.

Essential Functions

·        Assess the varied components (cognitive, sensory, motor, perceptual, etc.) of a student`s academic behavior and functional performance using multiple methods (e.g. observation, interview, record review, and administration tools, etc.) for determining program eligibility and developing recommendations for treatment, appropriate assistive devices and/or school placement.

·        Attend professional development training for improving occupational skills as required for re-licensure by the Kansas State Board of Healing Arts.

·        Collaborate with a variety of groups and/or individuals (e.g. parents, teachers, physicians, administration, maintenance personnel, team members, other professionals, etc.) for providing special education students appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment.

·        Conduct evaluations and assessments as part of the school-based team for determining program eligibility and assisting in the development of student`s IEP.

·        Consult with teachers, parents, other personnel and/or outside professionals for providing requested information, developing plans for services, making recommendations and/or coordinating occupational therapy services with those of other disciplines.

·        Develop interventions plans, in collaboration with the education teams for increasing the students` educational skills and performance.

·        Identify barriers or access to participation and uses activity analysis, modifications, accommodations, assistive technology, and devices/equipment for enhancing students` participation and engagement in the school setting.

·        Interpret medical reports for providing information and/or ensuring that intervention plans are appropriate.

·        Maintain files and/or records (e.g. progress reports, activity logs, billing information, intervention plans, etc.) for ensuring the availability of information as required for reference and/or compliance.

·        Monitor student progress systematically for adjusting interventions based on data.

·        Participate in meetings, workshops, and seminars (e.g. training, IEPs, team meetings, etc.) for conveying and/or gathering information.

·        Perform site visits at multiple work sites including home visits for providing occupational services as indicated on the individualized education program.

·        Prepare a wide variety of written materials (e.g. activity logs, correspondence, memos, intervention plans, Medicaid billings, reports, etc.) for documenting activities, providing written reference, and/or conveying information.

·        Provide occupational therapy service, along a continuum, to/and or on behalf of students for the purpose of providing access and support for the Individualized Education Program.

·        Research resources and methods (e.g. intervention and treatment techniques, assessment tools and methods, community resources, etc.) for determining the appropriate approach for addressing students` needs.

·        Respond to inquiries (e.g. parents, teachers, staff, students, etc.) for providing information and/or referral as appropriate.

·        Supervise assigned Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs) as per state guidelines for providing guidance and ensuring that program objectives are achieved.

·        Transport supplies and equipment to a variety of sites for ensuring the availability of therapy items as needed.

Other Functions

·        Performs other related duties as assigned for ensuring the efficient and effective

functioning of the work unit.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

SKILLS are required to perform single, technical tasks with a need to occasionally upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include applying assessment instruments; operating equipment used in occupational therapy strategies; operating standard office equipment including pertinent computer software; and preparing and maintaining accurate records.

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform algebra and/or geometry; review and interpret highly technical information, write technical materials, and/or speak persuasively to implement desired actions; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions.  Specific knowledge-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include age appropriate activities; concepts of grammar and punctuation; health standards and hazards; safety practices and procedures; stages of child development; abnormal development and medical diagnoses related to special Education funding categories; current OT treatment interventions; and pertinent codes, policies, regulations and/or laws.

ABILITY is required to schedule activities, meetings, and/or events; gather, collate, and/or classify data; and consider a variety of factors when using equipment. Flexibility is required to independently work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using a variety of processes. Ability is also required to work with a significant diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with data of

varied types and/or purposes; and utilize a variety of job-related equipment. Problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data may require independent interpretation; and problem solving with equipment is significant. Specific ability-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include developing student therapy programs; monitoring student progress or responses to treatments; adapting to changing work priorities; communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; meeting deadlines and schedules; working as part of a team; working with detailed information/data; maintaining effective working relationships; and translating therapy data into meaningful educational activities.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include working under direct supervision using standardized procedures; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; operating within a defined budget. Utilization of some resources from other work units may be required to perform the job`s functions. There is a continual opportunity to impact the organizational services.

Work Environment

The usual and customary methods of performing the job`s functions require the following physical demands: significant lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally, the job requires 30% sitting, 25% walking, and 45% standing.  The job is performed under conditions with exposure to risk of injury and/or illness.

Experience: Job related experience within a specialized field is required.

Education:   Master`s degree in job-related area.

Equivalency:

Required Testing                                           

Certificates and Licenses

Kansas Occupational Therapist License issued by the Kansas State Board of Healing Arts

Continuing Educ. / Training                            Clearances

Maintains Certificates and/or License            Criminal Background Clearance

FLSA Status                                                             

Exempt

Salary Range:   Commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Notice of Nondiscrimination

Geary County USD #475 does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and/or activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. For questions or complaints based on race, color, national origin, sex or age, please contact the USD 475 Executive

Director of Personnel Services, 123 N. Eisenhower, Junction City, KS 66441. Telephone: 785.717.4000. For questions or complaints based on disability, please contact the USD 475 Executive Director of Special Education, 123 N. Eisenhower, Junction City, KS 66441. Telephone: 785.717.4000.

Geary County USD 475

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