Porter County Education Services (PCES) is looking for an Hourly Occupational Therapist for the 2024-2025 school year. Hourly rate $40-65 depending on experience. One day per week. Flexible schedule and hours.
School occupational therapists (OT) are key contributors within the education team. They support students’ abilities to participate in desired daily school activities or “occupations.” They help children fulfill their roles as students by supporting their academic achievement and promoting positive behaviors necessary for learning. School OTs support academic and non-academic outcomes, including social skills, math, reading, and writing (i.e., literacy), behavior management, recess, self-help skills, prevocational/vocational participation, and more. They are skilled in facilitating student access to curricular and extracurricular (e.g., PE, recess) activities and promoting independence both in and outside of the classroom. By focusing on the students’ strengths, they can design and implement programming to improve inclusion and accessibility.
Conduct sensory profiles as needed
Demonstrate knowledge of supporting students with special education needs/disabilities
Demonstrate knowledge of current federal, state and local laws/regulations regarding school-based occupational therapy
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with educational personnel, administrators, parents and community members
Ability to interpret and communicate the role of therapeutic intervention within the school setting to educational personnel, administrators, parents and community members
Ability to document assessment and intervention results as related to the educational goals and needs of the student
Ability to develop, implement, evaluate, and modify activities for therapeutic intervention within the school setting as appropriate
Provide support, instruction, and technical assistance to educators and administration for ongoing monitoring of progress. Set up data collection tools for staff to use and evaluate effectiveness of OT goals/services.
Knowledge of utilizing the state IEP system is helpful, but not required as training is available
Participate as a member of the Case Conference Committee and Multidisciplinary Team Member as appropriate through completion of comprehensive evaluations and assessments to determine appropriate therapeutic goals and provisions
Monitor and maintain therapy equipment and recommend purchase of necessary therapy and/or assistive devices as appropriate
Consult, collaborate and act as a resource for educators, parents, students, administrators, and other professionals or agencies to improve student success and outcomes.
Communicate effectively with other pertinent agencies concerning student eligibility, progress, and programming.
Complete necessary reports and paperwork as required by Article 7, PCES and district schools
Ability to consistently lift and/or push 50lbs.
Document services and submit Medicaid billing for school-based occupational therapy services as appropriate