Occupational Therapist

Description:
This position is accountable for providing occupational therapy services that include improving, developing, or restoring skills which will enable students to move toward independent functioning regarding physical, mental, emotional and educational goals. Supports students in their least restrictive educational setting. Supports staff in evaluation, program planning and environmental issues.
 
Primary and Essential Functions:

• The following identifies the primary and essential functions of the position and is not intended to be an exhaustive listing of all duties.
• Performs accurate assessments of infant and child development and functions; assess the needs of the family based upon these assessments. Develops written reports based upon these assessments;
• Interprets the results of these assessments to parents and staff;
• Works with the IFSP team, including parents, to identify and prioritize the needs of the infant or child.
• Communicates regularly with IFSP team members so that services are consistent and are not in conflict;
• Attends IFSP, IEP team and other meetings;
• Develops and provides indirect and direct services, as well as intervention strategies, to meet the identified needs;
• Teaches parents specific strategies, as well as provides them with resource information, so that such can be used by parents to benefit the child;
• Identifies the need for adapted toys or equipment that will support the infant or child’s developmental progress and modifies or fabricates them, if needed, to best meet the needs of the child. Monitors the condition of such items;
• Provides assistance at job sites regarding environmental and equipment modifications;
• Provides direct support to students requiring unique strategies or short-term occupational therapy intervention;
• Collaborates with team members regarding all aspects of planning, including transition planning;
• Completes due process documentation according to the guidelines set forth in State and Federal law;
• Serves as an intermediary with private providers, including community and medical services, or assists families so that they can work competently with private providers;
• Occasionally, consults with other district and inter-district programs;
• Maintains a system of documentation and billing.
• Perform all other duties as assigned by supervisor
• Twelve hours of continuing education in occupational therapy is required each year.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of general and abnormal development in infants and young children, especially regarding motor development and sensory processing;
• Knowledge of common medical conditions and how these conditions might impact development;
• Knowledge of adaptive equipment and the use and modification of such equipment;
• Skill in written and oral communication;
• Skill in organization and the ability to meet deadlines;
• Skill in basic computer user applications;
• Ability to work with minimum supervision;
• Ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds
• Ability to communicate complex occupational therapy information regarding a child’s needs to families and staff in a manner in which the information is easily understood.

Education and Certification Requirements:

• Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university. Note: Some current employees in this job class may have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy. Licensed by the Minnesota Department of Health as an occupational therapist. Must possess the National Board of Certified Occupational Therapist (NBCOT) designation. Incumbents in this class may be required to possess a current Minnesota Motor Vehicle Class D Operator License.

Experience Requirements:  Previous experience, fieldwork, or internship in pediatric or developmental occupational therapy is preferred.  Sensory Integration is a must.

Competencies and/or Values Common to All Positions:

• A clear and demonstrated commitment to the District mission, which is to ensure high quality, innovative, challenging education where all learners are valued and respected.
• Performing assigned responsibilities in a manner consistent with the District’s established Core Values.
• Advancing the District’s mission and values through careful attention to the key issues of Learning, Environment and Resources.

FTE:    1.0 FTE
 
Salary:  Follows the HEA Contract.
 
Application Process:  Apply On-line