JOB DESCRIPTION: OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

Purpose: The Occupational Therapist is a member of a multidisciplinary school team that assists in identifying students who require additional support to successfully participate in their educational environment. Occupational therapists use their expertise to support academic and non-academic outcomes, facilitate fine motor, visual motor development and sensory motor performance; promote independence in activities of daily living and pre-vocational skills; improve functional skills through training, adaptations and use of specialized equipment. This position requires direct interaction with the students, as well as the development and implementation of educational plans with teachers, administrators, and parents.

Report To: Building Principal, District Representative or Program Administrator

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Provides appropriate motor, sensory and functional assessments to assist in determining student’s eligibility for special education and their educational needs. Participates on Student Service Teams to assist in identifying students who may require further assessment.
• Develops measurable school based goals based on student needs and input from educational team. Develops treatment plans, interventions and strategies to meet established goals, monitors progress towards these and ensures compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Collaborates with educational team to develop and implement strategies and techniques to support student’s educational program including but not limited to adaptations, accommodations, positioning and equipment related to environmental and or physical needs.
• Provides instruction and models for staff and students on the use of assistive devices adaptations and accommodations.
• Interprets medical and academic reports for the purpose of providing information and/or ensuring that treatment/intervention plans are appropriate.
• Maintains files and /or records in accordance with Illinois Occupational Therapy Practice Act, NSSEO and Member District policies.
• Demonstrates excellent verbal communication skills. Is able to explain evaluation information and goals in clear understandable way to audience. May lead training sessions for staff and share information from workshops attended. Demonstrates excellent writing skills.
• Provides direct and consultative occupational therapy services to meet established goals.
• Participates in school and district MTSS, PBIS, and Nonviolent Crisis Interventions (NVCI) as needed. Attends required staff and district meetings.
• Researches resources and methods to ensure best practices are utilized.
• Supervises and direct the work of assigned Occupational Therapy Students, volunteers, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs) and/or classroom aides for the purpose of providing guidance and ensuring that program objectives are achieved.
• Maintains confidentiality per FERPA and HIPAA regulations. Obtains necessary releases of information documents prior to exchanges with outside professionals.
• Maintains safe and clean environment. Protects students and staff by adhering to infection control policies and student health plans.

JOB REQUIREMENTS - MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Current license from the State of Illinois, Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR).
• Current certification from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
• Must be physically able to provide therapy to students ages 2 through 21.
• Ability to travel within NSSEO and districts and move about NSSEO and district buildings as necessary.
• Pediatric and special education experience preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Thorough knowledge of the philosophy, principles and practices of Occupational Therapy as it relates to school-based practice.
• Knowledge of specialized equipment related to adaptive equipment, technology and positioning, and skills to use appropriately.
• Knowledge of typical and atypical motor development.
• Knowledge of current federal and state laws related to the education of students with disabilities.
• Ability to present ideas effectively, both orally and in written form, complete evaluations within specified timeframes, and make data driven decisions for activities and interventions.
• Demonstrate the ability to independently problem-solve, create schedules and manage time.
• Demonstrate the ability to communicate and work collaboratively with students, parents and professional staff.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

• To perform the physically demanding job functions, strength and/or endurance for lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling are frequently required.
• To perform the most physically demanding job functions, the physical capability of climbing is occasionally required and balancing is frequently required.
• To perform the most physically demanding job functions, the physical body movement of stooping, kneeling, crouching and/or crawling is frequently required.
• To perform the most physically demanding job functions, the upper extremity physical capabilities reaching, handling, and/or fine motor dexterity are frequently required.
• Exposure to temperature extremes is seldom or not present.
• Exposure to hazardous conditions (e.g. mechanical, cuts, burns, infectious disease, high decibel noise, etc.) is occasionally present.
• Frequency of exposure to injury to self and/or others is occasionally or frequently present.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assume appropriate roles as adult model, behavior manager and therapist.
• Assume other duties and special projects as assigned.
• Support NSSEO policy, NSSEO and Governing Board goals and objectives, and The School Code of Illinois.

FLSA: Exempt
Salary Range: NSSEA Salary Schedule - Lane III Step 0