FTE: 0.2
JOB SUMMARY:
This position is accountable for assessing students' functional physical development level; planning and implementing appropriate treatment to meet individual student objectives; identifying architectural barriers; and providing recommendations for accessibility, program development and student placement. This class supports students in their least restrictive educational setting, and supports staff in evaluation, program planning and environmental issues.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Master’s degree in occupational therapy from an accredited college or university plus one (1) year experience, fieldwork, or internship in pediatric or developmental occupational therapy or closely related field.
Ideal candidate will have experience working in an early childhood setting and inclusive settings.
Spanish speaking preferred.
LICENSURES, CERTIFICATIONS AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
1. Licensed by the Illinois Department of Health as an Occupational Therapist;
2. Must possess the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) designation.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
1. Knowledge of adaptive equipment and the use and modification of such equipment;
2. Knowledge of common medical conditions and how these conditions might impact development;
3. Knowledge of current occupational therapy treatment interventions;
4. Knowledge of general and abnormal development in infants and young children, especially regarding motor development and sensory processing;
5. Knowledge of stages of child development;
6. Skill at applying assessment instruments;
7. Skill at operating equipment used in occupational therapy strategies;
8. Skill at operating standard office equipment including pertinent computer software;
9. Skill at preparing and maintaining accurate records;
10. Skill in organization and the ability to meet deadlines;
11. Skill in written and oral communication;
12. 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;
13. Ability to translate therapy data into meaningful educational activities;
14. Ability to work effectively as a member of the team;
15. Ability to work with minimum supervision;
16. Problem-solving and analytic ability;
17. Ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
1. Administers occupational therapy procedures and modalities for the purpose of achieving program objectives;
2. Assesses students' fine and gross motor skills and functional abilities (e.g. perceptual-motor, hand functions, motor coordination, sensory development, muscle strength, etc.) for the purpose of determining program eligibility and developing recommendations for occupational therapy treatment, appropriate assistive devices and/or curriculum access;
3. Collaborates with a variety of groups and/or individuals (e.g. parents, teachers, physicians, administration, maintenance personnel, team members, other professionals, etc.) for the purpose of communicating information, resolving issues and providing services incompliance with established guidelines;
4. Collaborates with team members regarding all aspects of planning, including transition planning;
5. Completes due process documentation according to the guidelines set forth in State and Federal law;
6. Consults with teachers, parents, other personnel and/or outside professionals for the purpose of providing requested information, developing plans for services, making recommendations and/or coordinating occupational therapy services with those of other disciplines;
7. Develops and provides indirect and direct services, as well as intervention strategies, to meet the identified needs;
8. Develops treatment plans, interventions and/or educational materials from the IEP for the purpose of remediating students’ motor skill deficits and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements;
9. Directs the work of assigned COTAs and Teaching Assistants for the purpose of providing guidance and ensuring that program objectives are achieved;
10. Identifies structural issues for the purpose of removing barriers for students with physical limitations and/or identifying appropriate technology and assistive equipment;
11. Identifies the need for adapted toys or equipment that will support the student’s developmental progress and modifies or fabricates them, if needed, to best meet the needs of the student, and monitors the condition of such items;
12. In consultation with other team members, identifies and prioritize the needs of the student;
13. Instructs students and staff for the purpose of providing information on medical/behavioral attributes, use of assistive devices and/or implementing plans for remediation of functional limitations;
14. Interprets medical and academic reports for the purpose of providing information and/or ensuring that treatment/intervention plans are appropriate;
15. Interprets the results of these assessments to parents and staff;
16. Maintains a system of documentation and billing;
17. Maintains files and/or records (e.g. progress reports, activity logs, treatment plans, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring the availability of information as required for reference and/or compliance;
18. Participates in a variety of meetings (e.g. training, workshops, seminars, IEPs, team meetings, etc.) for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information;
19. Performs accurate assessments of student development and functions, assesses the needs of the family based upon these assessments, and develops written reports based upon these assessments;
20. Prepares a wide variety of written materials (e.g. activity logs, correspondence, memos, treatment plans, evaluations, reports, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities, providing written reference, and/or conveying information;
21. Provides assistance at job sites regarding environmental and equipment modifications;
22. Provides direct occupational therapy services for the purpose of developing students’ daily living skills in compliance with established goals and objectives;
23. Provides direct support to students requiring unique strategies or short-term occupational therapy intervention;
24. Provides services at multiple work sites for the purpose of providing direct therapy interventions and assistance as required;
25. Researches resources and methods (e.g. intervention and treatment techniques, assessment tools and methods, community resources, etc.) for the purpose of determining the appropriate approach for addressing students' functional goals;
26. Responds to inquiries (e.g. parents, teachers, staff, students, etc.) for the purpose of providing information and/or referral as appropriate;
27. Screens students for the purpose of determining the need for further individualized assessment;
28. Serves as an intermediary with private providers, including community and medical services, or assists families so that they can work competently with private providers;
29. Teaches parents specific strategies, as well as provides them with resource information, so that such can be used by parents to benefit the child;
30. Transports supplies and equipment to a variety of sites for the purpose of ensuring the availability of items as needed;
31. Performs related duties as required.
Apply:
Apply online at http://www.applitrack.com/rlas/onlineapp/default.aspx