Occupational Therapist

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP:  The Occupational Therapist reports directly to the Director of Special Education. 

JOB DEFINITION:  The Occupational Therapist provides therapy and/or support to students and school personnel to help students benefit from their individual educational programs. These services may include but not be limited to the following: fine motor development, sensory/perceptual integration, upper extremity development, self-care development and assistance in development and/or use of daily living skills and adaptive equipment. Therapy is provided in the form of an integrated approach. The therapist will exercise initiative and judgment in providing services to students and will be an integral member of the multidisciplinary team in the overall development of the educational programs for students. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:   

1. Collaborates with the?Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) team to assist in developing an educational program for school age students.
2. Provide comprehensive evaluation of each student assigned to caseload.
3. Collects and maintains appropriate data and information on students for the purpose of progress monitoring and program decision making.
4. Provide recommendations to the educational team concerning appropriate adaptations and/or accommodations for individual student programs.
5. Works with related service staff, parents, and agencies to incorporate various strategies, accommodations, and equipment into the student’s educational program.
6. Facilitate ordering, design and inventory of supplies and equipment for students on caseload.
7. Utilize positive behavior support strategies to effectively manage student behavior.
8. Instruct staff in safety procedures and precautions in the use of equipment and handling of students.
9. Maintain regular communication with parents and schools for the development of consistency and feedback in both the home and school settings.
10. Observe the ethical practices as defined by the American Occupational Therapy Association and the state Board of Licensure.
11. Assist in maintenance of equipment devised for occupational therapy use.
12. Create and maintain an itinerant schedule which maximizes student contacts and student progress.
13. Maintain individual student tracking and billing information in a database that allows monthly submission of?data in a timely and efficient manner.
14. Print and submit in a timely manner the required paperwork associated with ACCESS billing.
15. Adhere to Federal, State, District and other applicable procedures, policies and regulations.

NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:   

1. Performs other related duties as assigned by the supervisor or their designee.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS REQUIRED:   

• A master’s degree in occupational therapy from an accredited occupational therapy program is required.  
• Current, valid Occupational Therapist licensure with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  Occupational Therapists are required to maintain proper certification credentials.  
• Demonstrated organizational, written and oral communication skills are essential.   
• The position requires highly effective interpersonal skills, teamwork and the ability to function independently.  
• The person holding this position will possess the ability to direct, control, plan and use good judgment to influence follow-through activities.  

ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS:   

• Current, approved Act 34 (PA State Police), Act 151 (PA Child Abuse Registry) and Act 114-FBI Fingerprint clearances are required and must be renewed at appropriate, specific intervals pursuant to Act 153 of 2014 (revised Act 15 of 2015). 
• Current, approved Act 126 Mandated Reporter Training certificate showing completion of a minimum of three (3) hours training every five (5) years.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT REQUIREMENTS:  

• Participates in workshops/seminars to increase knowledge and skills related to occupational therapy.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:  

• Sedentary:  Able to sit for extended periods of time, occasional walking, standing (as necessary) and able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• The ability to lift and reposition students of varying weights is critical.  Considerable bending, stooping, kneeling, and squatting must be tolerated.
• Dexterity: Finger movements (computer keyboard, calculator), eye-hand coordination (office equipment, etc.).
• Audio-Visual Requirements:  Within normal range with or without correction.
• Is able to move throughout all buildings, floors and grounds. 
• Worksite Environment: Primarily indoor office setting with occasional exposure to outdoor elements/climate during the day.
• Mental demands:  Steady response to unpredictable situations, ability to remain calm and productive during stressful situations. Demonstrates independent judgment, discretion and is able to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Ability to travel to various work site locations (i.e. school, homes and school buildings) and meetings as needed.

TIME AND SITE REQUIREMENTS:    

1. This is a full-time position and follows the student calendar. Additional workdays may be added. 
2. Attendance at work is a requirement of this position; any and all absences must be approved by the immediate supervisor.
3. Occasional overnight travel to seminars or training may be required.

MASD PROPERTY AND CONFIDENTIALITY REQUIREMENTS:   

1. All property, including intellectual property, materials, equipment or actual products and services developed or accrued as part of the job duties and responsibilities listed above, is the property of MASD.  It may not be used for personal profit or gain and will be relinquished to MASD upon termination of employment from the MASD.
2. The person employed in this position shall maintain confidentiality with regard to the personal and private information about clients and coworkers, programs and services and any other proprietary information accrued as a result of MASD employment or as required by state or federal laws and regulations.

The position holder must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.? It is the responsibility of the employee to inform their supervisor for any accommodations that may be required. 

Employee and supervisor signatures indicate receipt of job description.  This document is not an employee contract, nor does it imply a guarantee of continued employment in this position. 

Position Type: Full-time