Occupational Therapist

SUMMARY
Under the direct supervision of the Director – Related Services/Early On, and in accordance with established policies and procedures, the Occupational Therapist performs a variety of tasks necessary to support direct and indirect occupational therapy services for students in the county.
Works with other occupational therapists (OT) and supports staff team members to assist students to function at their optimal level in the academic setting. These functions include areas such as the development of fine/gross motor skills, visual perception skills, perceptual motor skills and sensory awareness. Provides instruction and training for staff of local educational agencies (LEAs), parents, and other parties regarding OT as it relates to students receiving services.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Work collaboratively across systems and departments with instructional staff and administrators to build capacity for data collection, problem solving and data-driven instructional decision making processes that support implementation of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) across core instruction, strategic and intensive intervention and assessment practices to positively impact student growth and achievement.
• Participates in appropriate IEPT meetings and other relevant team meetings concerning students receiving OT services, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder teams and Multi-Tier System of Supports teams (these examples are not all-inclusive).
• Evaluates the educational performance and development of students within the required timelines to determine the need for occupational therapy services.
• Develops treatment plans including measureable IEP goals and objectives for each student.
• Provides consultative occupational therapy services to advise classroom teachers, parents and other service providers regarding the needs of the student.
• Re-evaluates students to determine the need for continued service such school-related items on school adaptations/recommendations, equipment needs, sensory needs, etc.
• Maintains contact with appropriate personnel (e.g., medical, educational, families) to assure open communication and the carryover of treatment objectives through meetings, written communications or by telephone.
• Participates in reviewing and recommending supplies, materials and equipment needs for students.
• Provides guidance and instruction to professional and support staff related to occupational therapy services.
• Collaborates with other occupational therapists, occupational therapist assistants, support staff, teachers and administrators to report and exchange information to assist in developing the best possible outcomes for students.
• Completes and processes all required forms, records and other documents associated with providing OT services
• Organizes and plans caseload, including scheduling and travel requirements.
• Coordinates students schedules, treatment plans, space and equipment needs with administrators, teachers and other local school staff.
• Maintains logs of student therapy, collects data and reports progress on IEPT goals and objectives.
• Arranges the time, place and space requirements to conduct therapy, evaluations, re-evaluations and screenings.
• Other duties as assigned.
The listed tasks are intended to describe the nature and level of work being performed by a person in this position. This is not an exhaustive list of all job duties performed nor is it expected that all positions will be assigned every duty.
QUALIFICATIONS
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS (If Applicable):
Required
• Current license by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Board of Occupational Therapists.
Desired
• Board Certification in any area by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).
EDUCATION, TRAINING & EXPERIENCE:
Required
• Possession of a master’s degree in Occupational Therapy.
Desired
• One (1) year or more experience practicing as an Occupational Therapist.
• One (1) year or more experience working with special education students in a school setting.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
• Knowledge of principles and practices of occupational therapy.
• Knowledge of activities for therapeutic treatment of cognitively or physically disabled persons.
• Knowledge of positive behavior supports, communication supports and other accommodations and modifications as appropriate to the individual student.
• Skill with use of technology to implement work responsibilities, including social media.
• Ability to provide instruction and evaluate progress in selected tasks of self-care, work, and play in order to restore, reinforce and enhance performance, and to diminish or correct pathology.
• Ability to plan and execute treatment programs.
• Ability to discuss cognitive and physical disabilities with treatment professionals and families.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with adults and very young children.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences both orally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain emotional control under stress.
• Ability to exercise discretion and confidentiality in dealing with all stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and within teams to accomplish identified goals and strategies.
• Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with coworkers, children, and parents.

PHYSICAL EFFORT & WORKING CONDITIONS:
• Sitting – possibility of long periods of time
• Standing/Walking/Bending/Stooping – some
• Lifting – involves lifting with lifting protocols
• Ability to sit on the floor and get up and down from the floor
• Ability to exercise considerable physical strength, mobility and dexterity to perform the job tasks
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
• Position may require work evenings, weekends, and summer months.
• Position requires the employee to provide his/her own transportation for job related travel.
• Position requires regular and predictable attendance at the workplace.
Eaton RESA does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and transgender identify), disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, genetic information, or any other legally protected category (collectively “Protected Classes”), in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities. In addition, arrangements can be made to ensure that the lack of English language proficiency is not a barrier to admission or participation. Civil Rights Coordinators are located at 1790 E. Packard Hwy, Charlotte, Michigan to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and grievance procedures. Telephone (517) 543-5500.