OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

Description

$45-$50 PER HOUR

30-40 HOURS PER WEEK

12-month position

Occupational Therapists (OT) at The Foundation Schools provide comprehensive occupational therapy services to help students develop and improve their ability to complete everyday tasks related to daily life and school. They screen, evaluate and provide appropriate services to students who require assistance with motor skills or cognitive issues. They develop and implement appropriate goals and objectives for each individual student that supports the student’s ability to participate in and access the curriculum. They consult with parents and other staff members to address the students’ needs and they actively participate in IEP meetings for students with OT needs. OTs must provide related services in accordance with the students’ IEPs. OTs effectively manage student behavior through implementation of behavior management systems, school rules, policies, and procedures. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Administer and interpret occupational assessments and screenings to determine students’ physical, sensory, cognitive and emotional needs to determine the continuance or changes of current occupational therapy services, or the termination of services
• Design, develop and provide individualized occupational therapy services to meet the student’s needs and to develop or improve sensory processing, fine motor skills, self-care, social interaction and cognitive abilities
• Assess students’ progress toward therapy goals and adjusts interventions as necessary
• Ensure occupational therapy service requirements are met to maintain 100% compliance with students’ IEPs and requirements are rendered as prescribed on the IEP
• Assist teachers, parents and guardians, and other professionals in observing, describing and referring suspected and identified occupational impairments; serve as a resource to school staff in developing a program that meets the students’ motor and cognitive development needs.  
• Demonstrates strong interpersonal skills to effectively communicate and engage with the students, parents or guardians, staff and district or state representatives. 
• Make recommendations for selection of necessary equipment in classroom for students; instruct students and other staff on proper use of all required equipment as needed; provide training for school staff on strategies to support students’ occupational therapy goals within the classroom setting.
• Provide case management for students by collaborating with parents, guardians, and outside agencies; make appropriate referrals for needed services and look for new resources that support students’ occupational goals for improvement
• Complete accurate comprehensive reports for students as assigned for evaluation purposes. Ensure all outside and internal reports are in the files and signed. 
• Demonstrate knowledge of and the ability to adapt a variety of strategies and approaches to meet the needs of individual students; evaluate effectiveness, document, and make modifications based on data, reflection and feedback
• Maintain a safe and therapeutic area that is conducive to providing occupational therapy
• Participate in the development and monitoring of students’ IEPs, BIPs, and FBAs including completion of required documentation within set guidelines
• Complete required related service notes and billing documentation accurately and within assigned deadlines
• Demonstrate an understanding of how our students’ disabilities impact their behavior and ability to learn; display knowledge of students’ diagnoses and adapt intervention strategies accordingly to meet the requirements of the students’ IEPs and BIPs

BENEFITS

• Company Paid –Group Term Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Short Term Disability, and Long Term Disability Insurances, Employee Assistance Program, 403(b) Retirement Plan (Up to 8% employer contribution after 1 year of service for eligible employees), Educational Funds Assistance, 9 Paid Holidays, Paid Days Leave (PTO), Extended Sick Leave, Scheduled School Leave
• Company and Employee Cost Shared - Health Insurance (include prescription and visions benefits), Dental Insurance
• Employee Paid - Flexible Spending Account Plan (FSA) Medical & Dependent Care Accounts, Supplemental Life Insurance, Supplemental Accident, Hospital and Critical Illness Benefits
• Other Benefits - Credit Union Membership, Free Parking on Site, Professional Development Programs

Requirements

Education, Experience and Certification

• Master’s degree in occupational therapy is required
• Current Maryland license to practice Occupational Therapy is required
• Three or more years of successful experience working with children and/or adolescents in a school setting is preferred
• Three or more years of experience working with emotionally disabled students or children with autism is preferred
• Knowledge of current DSM and IDEA and their specific applications to educating students with special education needs and emotional and other disabilities preferred
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) abilities are a plus

Physical, Interpersonal and Cognitive

• Utilize basic office equipment such as computer, tablet, telephone, fax, copier, etc.
• Complete reports and data input while using a variety of computer programs
• Move and carry supplies; light lifting, non-repetitive 
• Maintain a professional demeanor and relationship with students, colleagues, families and community partners
• Work positively and collaboratively with others
• Maintain a professional work ethic and meet the standards of professionalism including appropriate attire, attendance, and timeliness
• Demonstrate effective time management and organization skills 
• Prioritize and plan work activities 
• Use time and resources efficiently, set realistic action plans and goals
• Speak clearly and be understood by others
• Read and express thoughts in a written format
• Possess and demonstrate a high level of mental and emotional balance
• Respond quickly and tactfully to crisis situations while using critical thinking to assess problems
• Work with minimum supervision and meet deadlines
• Physically restrain or assist in student restraints
• Possess sufficient mobility to provide program support and manage student behaviors

Salary : $45 - $50