Occupational Therapist, School-Based

---

Job description

The Occupational Therapist, Schools Program serves students with various physical, behavior and developmental challenges ranging in age from 3-21 years old. Age specific experience and/or special training and/or expertise is required to serve this population.

RESPONSIBILITIES/ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Implements a daily program through a consistent daily/weekly schedule that can be shared with the school and/or supervisors. Delivers specialized individual and group instruction. Consults with other staff members that work directly with each of the students in order to better serve the students and their educational/functional needs. Assesses and documents each student's progress through formal and informal tests and measurements. Writes and prepares annual review reports/goals for each student in accordance with their IEP dates in order to remain in compliance with state guidelines. Assists with any school-based occupational therapy input when writing an FBA/BIP. Provides parent support and education. Attends all school related meetings as scheduled, such as, but not limited to, Triennials, Annual Reviews, Domain, Referrals and pre-IEP meetings for each individual student. Plans and prepares the learning environment by setting up and prepare needs materials and supplies. Follows the guidelines and needs of each of the individual students in the classroom. Maintains professional attitudes and respect to the school. Communicates and follows up with school and families in order to request appropriate MD signatures/orders for school-based occupational therapy referrals in order to initiate and continue with services. Treats all students with dignity, compassion, empathy and respect. Maintains confidentiality about students, their families, and other employees outside the school. Supervises the COTA as indicated through state practice act guidelines. Assists the students in activities of daily living such as toileting, feeding, personal hygiene, dressing and diapering as needed. Follows the safety guidelines and directives for the student in regards to functional mobility and orientation (i.e. transfers, wheelchair or walker mobility, etc.) and exercises provided by other related service providers (i.e. physical therapist, vision itinerant, hearing itinerant, speech and language pathologist, orientation and mobility instructor, etc.). Assists with any communication devices and assistive technology as outlined by the speech language pathologist and itinerants. Collects data and completes reports regarding the student goals and progress. Follows any fire drill or safety guidelines outlined for each individual student. Completes clear therapy lesson plans in a timely manner in case of any emergencies or substitutes that may have to follow the treatment schedule. Provides screenings and evaluations to determine requirements for skilled occupational therapy intervention relative to client's level of function. This includes, but is not limited to the following areas: ADL (activities of daily living, including dressing, bathing, grooming, bed mobility, functional transfers, hygiene issues, feeding, school function, home management tasks, etc.), range of motion, strength, positioning, contracture management, conducting home assessments, discharge planning, development of maintenance programs and other related client care issues. Develops and implements treatment plans that focus on functional and measurable outcomes and adheres to professional standards of practice. Provides documentation to maintain quality of therapy records, as it relates to reimbursement guidelines, accuracy of billing information and school requirements. Follows administrative policies and procedures related to emergency procedures, infection control and safety. Coordinates and/or participates in training programs for students, school staff and families.
Initiates new program development with focus on needed functional outcomes. Participates in continuous compliance and quality improvement trainings and activities. Meets current objectives and positions the organization for future growth. Completes daily tasks and assignments and processes large volumes of work associated with the operation of the department. Builds positive relationships based on respect for others. Demonstrates a helpful, positive attitude. Maintains effective communication with peers, medical staff, patients, visitors, and families. Meets and exceeds expectations of internal and external customers. All organizational and departmental standards regarding quality of performance are met. Demonstrates a strong commitment to confidentiality. Participates in quality improvement programs as directed. Demonstrates an awareness of and adherence to safety and legal requirements established at the facility with an emphasis on maintaining a safe environment for all persons working in the facility. Reports any accidents, injuries, and unsafe equipment and conditions to supervisor by the end of the shift and reports any pre-existing conditions as identified by the ADA. Immediately reports and corrects, if possible, unsafe conditions or equipment. Compiles with relevant regulations, standards and policies governing safe workplace environment (OSHA, JCAHO, etc.) Maintains current knowledge of all aspects of the facility's safety program by attending safety-related training as mandated upon hire and thereafter as required by facility. Accepts modified work assignments after receiving the physician's release to return to work following an accident/injury. Follows the prescribed/recommended treatment given by treating physician(s) after an accident/injury. Participates in required compliance training, in-service and educational programs on an ongoing basis. Follows all facility guidelines outlining standards of attendance and punctuality. Responsible for reporting to and completing work at assigned times. Universal precautions will be observed in order to prevent contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials. Performs other related duties as required.

Successful completion of an accredited Occupational Therapy Program. Valid license to practice in appropriate State. Current NBCOT Certification. Current CPR Certification. Effective written and verbal communication skills. Effective leadership and customer relationship skills. Ability to exercise mature judgment with initiative in analyzing and solving problems.

<!– job description page –>