Certified Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapist

To provide Occupational Therapy (OT) services for a pediatric population of eligible students with disabilities ages 3 through 21 within the FTCSC. A strong knowledge of sensory strategies and adapting classroom materials (both low and high-tech strategies) is desirable. The provisions of OT services may include evaluating the fine motor and sensory needs of a wide variety of students, progress monitoring, functioning of basic life activities, prevention, adapting, and consultation for students already eligible for special education services.

Performance Responsibilities:

• Provide director consultative support intended to improve the educational outcomes for students with disabilities.
• Evaluate the fine motor and sensory needs of potential students 3–21 years of age.
• Assist in developing appropriate strategies and interventions utilizing evidence-based practices for students with disabilities.
• Work collaboratively and cooperatively as part of a student-centered, multi-disciplinary team including parents, teachers, and other professionals.
• Complete all necessary paperwork in a timely and accurate manner.
• Support instruction to assigned students as addressed in the students' Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Individualized Service Plan (ISP).
• Provide input and assistance for classroom management as related to sensory strategies and management for students with disabilities.
• Integrate therapy services to enhance instruction within the classroom curriculum to ensure minimal loss of classroom instructional minutes.
• Consult with parents, teachers, school psychologists, speech pathologists, assistive technology team members and staff members on an ongoing basis.
• Collaborate with building principals and other professionals in providing services to for students with disabilities.
• Observe confidentiality requirements for referred and identified students.
• Maintain scheduled consultation and collaboration with teachers as appropriate for the students' IEP/ISP. Revised 2/04/22
• Communicate the OT requirements of the student's IEP/ISP in a manner that ensures that all professionals and paraprofessionals involved with individual students understand their responsibilities.
• Document daily service notes in respective therapy logs as required for IEP/ISP compliance and Medicaid billing.
• Provide input and collaborate with the Teacher of Record and any Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) assigned to the min a timely manner for progress monitoring in the IEP/ISP of students on their caseload assigned through the Indiana IEP software system.
• Assume responsibility for continued learning and best practices in the field of Occupational Therapy.
• Adhere to the policies and procedures including network and internet use of the FTCSC.
• All other duties as assigned.

The practice of occupational therapy includes a functional assessment of learning and performance skills and the analysis, selection, and adaptation of exercise or equipment for an individual whose abilities to perform the requirements of daily living are threatened or impaired by physical injury or disease, mental illness, a developmental deficit, the aging process, or a learning disability. This definition includes the following functions: (1) planning and directing exercise and programs to improve sensory processing skills at a level of performance neurologically appropriate for a student's stage of development; and (2) analyzing, selecting, and adapting functional exercise to achieve and maintain a student's optimal functioning in daily living tasks and to prevent further disability (See IC 25-23.5-1-5).

In addition, the Occupational Therapist is expected to:

• Observe confidentiality requirements for identified students.
• Therapeutic intervention related to daily living skills and sensorimotor, cognitive, and psychosocial components;
• Therapeutic adaptation including methods of accomplishing daily life tasks, environmental adjustments, orthotics, and assistive devices and equipment: o Health maintenance including energy conservation, joint protection, body mechanics, and positioning; and o Prevention programs to foster age appropriate balance of self-care, education, and play or leisure.
• Supervise and schedule Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants and/or any therapy assistant(s) as assigned.
• Observe, contribute, and participate in the evaluation of Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants and/or any therapy assistants as assigned.
• Conduct assessments with interpretation, observations, interviews, history, standardized and non-standardized tests, and informal assessments related to referrals for an educational evaluation. Revised 2/04/22
• Provide a student's case conference committee with data to support the determination of discharge, summary of outcomes, and appropriate recommendations to maximize educational gains.
• Review emergency procedures with building staff to ensure students will be safe during a disaster (tornado, fire, earthquake, etc.).
• Make positive contributions to the culture and climate of the FTCSC.
• Ensure that all equipment remains in good working order, and report damaged equipment to the individual responsible for maintaining equipment inventory.
• Maintain an inventory of all related services equipment.

Qualifications

• Under state regulations (Article 7) Occupational Therapy is a related service that must be provided by an occupational therapist and may be provided in conjunction with an occupational therapy assistant both of whom are to be certified by the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency. Both the Occupational Therapist licenses and Occupational Therapy Assistant certifications expire on December 31 of even-numbered years.

Physical Requirements

1. Seldom=Less than 25% 2. Occasional=26 to 50% 3. Often=51 to 75% 4. Very Frequent=76% & above

• Ability to stand for extended periods of time. (2)
• Ability to lift 25lbs. (3)
• Ability to carry 25lbs. (3)
• Ability to work at a desk, conference table or in meetings of various configurations. (2)
• Ability to see for the purpose of reading laws and codes, rules and policies and other printed matter. (4)
• Ability to hear and understand speech at normal levels. (4)
• Ability to communicate so others will be able to clearly understand a normal conversation. (4)
• Ability to operate office equipment. (4)
• Ability to reach in all directions. (4)

Reasonable Accommodation

The FTCSC will comply with all legal requirements relating to reasonable accommodation for employees and job applicants.

Terms of Employment

186 Days per School Year

Evaluation

Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board's policy on Evaluations of Professional Personnel.

Approved by: Date Revised 2/04/22

Reviewed and agreed to by: Date Revised 2/04/22