Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapist

Must have Occupational Therapist Certificate and Occupational Therapist Endorsement.

Valid New Jersey Occupational Therapist Certificate and Occupational Therapist Endorsement.

Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge in the field of occupational therapy.

Possess the ability to effectively apply the principles of assessment, treatment and prevention of sensory-motor disorders.

Has strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Have excellent integrity; demonstrate good moral character and initiative.

Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing, using proper grammar and vocabulary. Bilingual preferred.

Required Criminal History Check.

Provide Proof of US citizenship or legal Resident Alien status by completing Federal Form I-9.

Pass required State Mantoux/Tuberculin test and physical exam as required.

Reports to: Director of Special Education Services, Supervisor of Special Services, Building Administration.

To support the district's instructional program by helping to improve fine motor skills, coordinated gestures/movements for communication, attain the Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals and objectives and curriculum goals established by the Board of Education and within the resources provided by it. The Occupational Therapist shall serve as a professional member of the Child Study Team when appropriate.

Identification and Assessment:

• Assesses and diagnoses suspected fine motor, attention learning readiness, social/emotional learning readiness, self-care skills, pre-reading/pre-writing readiness and spatial orientation relationships for math and handwriting readiness in referred students in order for students to receive a free and appropriate public education.
• Evaluates students referred to the Child Study Team and participates in the deliberations of the Child Study Team for any student who is eligible for classification as required by federal and state law.
• Evaluates students referred to the 504 Team upon the request of the Supervisor or Director of Special Services and participates in the deliberations of this team for any student who is eligible for direct or consultative services as required by federal and state law. Reassess the need for continued services each year.
• Proposes Occupational Therapy as a related service when appropriate, complying with the requirements of federal and state law.
• Collaborates with special services personnel, school personnel, parents and where appropriate, the student, in the preparation of Individualized Education Programs (IEP) for students who are classified.
• Contributes to the development of and implements an Individualized Education Programs (IEP) in conjunction with parents and teachers for pupils who are eligible for related services.

Instruction and Planning:

• Schedules occupational therapy sessions within assigned schools.
• Plans, prepares and delivers treatment programs for students with occupational deficits.
• Establishes and maintains an orderly and positive classroom environment.
• Maintains close liaison with the Child Study Team in the implementation of intervention services.
• Provides individual and/or small group intervention sessions with students who have been classified and require occupational therapy as a related service.

Provides push in services to the greatest extent possible and works collaboratively with all key stakeholders.

Employs a variety of instructional media/technology, consistent with the physical limitations of the location provided, the resources made available, and the needs and capabilities of the individuals or student groups involved.

Assumes primary responsibility for requisitioning and maintaining needed equipment and supplies related to occupational therapy services.

Assesses on a regular basis the extent to which students achieve the objectives indicated in their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

Maintains confidential records on all referred students and student/parent contacts in accordance with federal and state law, Board of Education policy and the procedures of the Department of Special Services.

Provides thorough and timely reports, data, information, etc. as requested by the Department of Special Services and administration.

Keeps updated on the identification, assessment and diagnostic techniques, therapeutic procedures and statutory requirements of IDEA and N.J. Special Education 6A:14.

Attends staff, professional, departmental, and other appropriate meetings as required and approved by appropriate supervisors.

Maintains professional competence through readings, attendance at conferences, workshops, memberships in professional organizations and other relevant activities in accordance with district guidelines.

Informs parents of their child's need for occupational therapy services as required by federal and state statutes and provides advice to these parents when appropriate.

Provides parent training during the school day on an individual or group basis.

Serves as a resource and/or consultant to school personnel on topics related to occupational therapy performance.

Collaborates with other District and Department personnel in order to provide a team approach to the identification, diagnosis and assessment of students with occupational deficits.

Assists in appropriate referrals of individuals to agencies and specialists in the community.

Performs other related duties as required by school administrators and Director and Supervisor of Special Services.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the job and are not meant to be all inclusive. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the job. Unless reasonable accommodations can be made while performing this job, the staff member shall:

• Use strength to lift items needed to perform the functions of the job.
• Sit, stand, and walk for required periods of time.
• Speak and hear.
• Use close vision, color vision, peripheral vision and depth perception along with the ability to focus vision.
• Communicate effectively in English, using proper grammar and vocabulary. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Reach with hands and arms and use hands and fingers to handle objects and operate tools, computers, and/or controls.

The environmental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the job and are not meant to be all inclusive. 1. Exposure to a variety of childhood and adult diseases and illnesses. 2. Occasional exposure to a variety of weather conditions. 3. Exposure to heated/air conditioned and ventilated facilities. 4. Exposure to a building in which a variety of chemical substances are used for cleaning, instruction, and/or operation of equipment. 5. Function in a workplace that is usually moderately quiet but that can be noisy at times.

10-month salaried position with agreement between the Perth Amboy Association Federation of Teachers and the Perth Amboy Board of Education. The Occupational Therapist will be evaluated by the Director of Special Education Services and/or designee.

Date Adopted: April 15, 2021