Centerbased Occupational Therapist

MUSKEGON AREA INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT

JOB DESCRIPTION

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JOB TITLE:                        Occupational Therapist

CLASSIFICATION:            Professional

REPORTS TO:                   Principal/ Director of Special Education Programs and Accountability

SUPERVISES:                   Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant(s)

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS:

All candidates must apply online at www.muskegonisd.org/jobs/.

TERMS:

This position is a 201 total paid days position offering full family medical, dental, and vision benefits. Dental, vision, and life insurance are paid by the district at no cost to the employee. Personal business days and sick time paid. Retirement through the Office of Retirement Services (Pension Plus or Defined Contribution).

SALARY RANGE:

This position is on the Centerbased Professional Scale, $52,015.58 – $80,633.76 per year on the Bachelor’s Degree lane. Lanes are available for BA+20, MA, MA+30, and MA+60/PHD.

GENERAL JOB FUNCTION:

The Occupational Therapist performs a range of student assessments, develops program plans, and provides appropriate student interventions. The Occupational Therapist will provide universal, as well as consult and direct services as documented on student IEPs. The Occupational Therapist supports knowledge and skill development of classroom and building staff to increase students’ access to communication and learning activities and to assist students in acquiring skills needed to maximize independence in the school and community settings.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Performs assessments to evaluate the functional skill levels of students with developmental disabilities and the possible need for OT services.
2.  Develops individualized therapeutic goals and objectives for students.
3. Develops, in conjunction with classroom and other support staff, specific program plans addressing motor skills, perceptual motor skills, sensory processing, self‑care skills, pre‑vocational skills, and independent living skills.
4. Establishes and maintains documentation systems which conform to all State, Federal and local rules and regulations.
5. Communicates results of evaluations to the educational staff, students, parents, and other agency professionals, as appropriate.
6. Provides resources and consultation services to staff, other professionals, parents, guardians and caregivers regarding occupational therapy techniques and programs.
7. Attends and participates in IEPT meetings and the formulation of student educational plans as needed.
8. In conjunction with classroom staff, support staff and ISD consultants, designs and fabricates adaptive equipment to assist students in accessing communication, the curriculum and maximizing independent living skills.
9. Provides in-service training to classroom staff
10. Upholds the School Code of Conduct.
11. Performs such other tasks and assumes such other responsibilities as may be assigned by the Principal/Assistant Principal/ Program Supervisor.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1.Possession of a Bachelor's degree or better in Occupational Therapy.

2.Possession of a valid Michigan license for Occupational Therapy.

3.    Evidence of interpersonal skills which promote positive relationships with students, parents, and staff.

4.    Evidence of ability to work as part of a collaborative team.

5.    No physical or mental restrictions that would, with reasonable accommodation, prevent performance of the essential job functions and responsibilities.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1.At least two years successful experience as an occupational therapist in a school or pediatric setting.

2.Knowledge of and experience using Assistive Technology (AT) and adaptive equipment to support access to communication and curriculum.

3.Knowledge of Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports.

4.Knowledge of Sensory Integration.

PREFERRED COMPETENCIES:

Understanding the Organization:

● Focuses on, commits to, and articulates the purpose and mission of the organization

● Establishes and maintains effective internal and external customer relationships

● Applies knowledge of internal structures, processes, and culture

Making Complex Decisions:

● Considers all relevant factors and uses appropriate decision-making criteria

● Consistently uses data in making recommendations or decisions

● Asks the right questions to accurately analyze situations

Taking Initiative:

● Gets the most out of available resources

● Introduces new ways of looking at problems and focuses on ways of continuous improvement for the organization

● Takes personal responsibility for decisions, actions, and failures

Building Collaborative Relationships:

● Actively listens and partners with others to get work done

● Balances own interests with others and contributes to a work climate that values different perspectives and cultures

● Acts with diplomacy and tact

Being Authentic:

● Readily tackles tough assignments and follows through on commitments

● Maintains high standards of honesty and integrity

● Shows personal commitment and takes action to continuously improve

● Keeps confidences

Being Flexible and Adaptable:

● Adapts to changing conditions

● Displays a positive attitude despite adversity

● Readily learns and adopts new technologies

NOTABLE PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Frequent lifting of light to heavy weight is to be expected when physically assisting students. Occasionally, it is necessary to support the entire weight of a student.  Work is also done frequently on mats.  Consequently, a degree of physical dexterity is required. Movement about the campus is also a common necessity.  Passing a MAISD-paid physical and/or back x-ray prior to an unconditional offer of employment may be required.

TYPICAL WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Most work is done in the classroom and in some community settings.

EVALUATION:

Employees in this classification are evaluated according to Board policy.

CREDENTIALS, SPECIAL SKILLS OR KNOWLEDGE,

EXPERIENCE AND OTHER EXPECTATIONS FOR THIS POSITION:

1.    Technical Knowledge/Skills – Must have a thorough understanding of human anatomical structures and functions, kinesiology, motor development, and sensory integration.  Must also have basic skills in splinting, design and fabrication of adaptive devices, and sewing.

2.    Decision Making Abilities – Frequent decisions regarding therapeutic approaches to student handicaps are required.  Solid professional judgment is expected at all times.

OPPORTUNITY FOR ADVANCEMENT:

There are no opportunities for advancement within this classification.

WORK LOCATION(S):

Most work is performed in classrooms and educational settings across MAISD programs Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Lakeshore Learning Center, Transition at Craig, Wesley School, some is also accomplished at community-based instructional sites.

TRAVEL EXPECTATIONS:

Some travel between programs is required.  Some travel is necessary in the state for conferences, meetings, etc.

It is the policy of the Muskegon Area Intermediate School District that no staff member, candidate for employment, program participant, or recipient of services shall experience discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation or transgender identity) disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category (collectively "Protected Classes”), in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities. Inquiries related to issues of discrimination on the basis of disability should be directed to the Director for Special Education at (231) 767-7249. All other discrimination inquiries or requests for special accommodations to participate in a program, event, or activity should be directed to the Associate Superintendent for Human Services at (231) 767-7213.