Occupational Therapist

                                                                                                                                                                                                      ANW2015-OT    

Occupational Therapist

Job Description

Purpose:                    The Occupational Therapist (OT) assists students in gaining functional independence so that they can more completely benefit from the educational environment. In order to respond to the individual needs abilities of students, the Occupational Therapist must work closely with the staff and administration of ANW Special Education Cooperative #603.

Responsible to:       Director, Assistant Director and Coordinators

Salary:                       Annual Contract

Date:                          January 2015

Qualifications:

1. Bachelors degree from an accredited college/university.
2. Current Occupational Therapist Certificate on file in the Central Office.
3. Valid Kansas driver's license.
4. Desire to continue career improvement.

Essential Functions:

1. Knowledge, Skill and Abilities
2. Assist students in gaining functional independence so that they can more completely benefit from the educational environment.
3. Establish a positive learning environment and respond to the individual needs of students.
4. Ensure that all activities conform to ANW Coop guidelines.
5. Communicate effectively with all members of the school district and community.
6. Work effectively with community organizations.
7. Appropriately operate all equipment as required.
8. React to change productively and handle other tasks as assigned. h. Support the value of an education.
9. Support the philosophy and mission of the ANW Coop.
10. Comply with all ANW Coop policies, rules and regulations.

1. Physical Requirements/Environmental Conditions:
2. Requires the ability to sit and/or stand for prolonged periods.
3. Occasionally requires move, lift, carry, pull or push medium to heavy work objects or materials. Medium work is defined as exerting 20 to 50 pounds up to heavy work which is defined as exerting 50 to 100 pounds.

1. Physical Requirements/Environmental Conditions continued:
2. Occasionally requires the ability to stoop, bend and reach. d. Requires extensive use of hands.
3. Requires the ability to occasionally travel.
4. Must be able to work in noisy and crowded environments.
5. Requires regular attendance and/or physical presence at the job.

General Responsibilities:

1. Assist in the early recognition and prevention of educational concerns.
2. Conduct occupational therapy evaluations to determine the need for OT as a related service.
3. Participate as a team member in the comprehensive evaluation, review and re- evaluation processes.
4. Participate in the development of student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP).
5. Monitor student progress and make informed, timely educational decisions.
6. Adhere to required program guidelines as defined by the Kansas Special Education Process Manual.
7. Consult with parents, teachers, administrators and others concerning the needs of students and special services that are available.
8. Assist teachers in the development and implementation of curriculum accommodations /modifications and appropriate classroom strategies.
9. Provide appropriate information to students and families regarding community agencies and services available to them.
10. Cooperate with agencies serving students and their families.
11. Plan and implement effective occupational therapy interventions based on the student’s IEP.
12. Motivate students through effective communication and evaluative feedback.
13. Demonstrate awareness of the needs of students and provide for individual differences.
14. Set high expectations for student achievements and behavior.
15. Demonstrate effective interpersonal relationships with others.
16. Establish and maintain a positive climate for learning through appropriate classroom management and interprofessional collaboration.
17. Plan and implement transition strategies for students, who are exiting services, moving to a new location, or participating in novel activities.
18. Assist students in developing feelings of self-worth and in making social adjustments that permit them to cope with disabilities.
19. Maintain appropriate confidential records and provide timely reports.
20. Order and maintain an adequate inventory of materials and supplies.
21. Assist with public awareness activities that lead to a better understanding of the needs of exceptional children.
22. Keep abreast of new information, innovative ideas and techniques that target exceptional children.
23. Obtain prior approval for all special activities and expenditures.
24. Adhere to all district health and safety policies.
25. Other duties as assigned by the Director, which are consistent with the general requirements and qualifications for the position.