Occupational Therapist - Temporary

Occupational Therapist -Temporary

Central Office

The Burlington School District believes a diverse and culturally proficient faculty and staff are pivotal to the creation of a strong learning and working environment that supports student achievement and success. BSD administrators lead inclusive school communities with our vision: "Cultivating caring, creative, and courageous people. - Join the journey.”

The Mission of the Burlington School District is to graduate students who:

• Value different cultures;
• Engage with the community;
• Communicate effectively;
• Think creatively;
• Skillfully solve problems; and
• Achieve at their highest academic, intellectual and personal potential.

Burlington School District is accepting applications for high-energy, insightful Temporary Occupational Therapist who is committed to high levels of achievement of all students, starting Late January 2025 till mid May 2025. Occupational Therapist function as a collaborative team member to provide occupational therapy as a related service. Responsibilities include evaluate and diagnose the need for educationally related occupational therapy services, providing related services to students and student team members according to the student’s individual education plan (IEP) and the District’s instructional programs. Also provides accommodations included in the American Disabilities Act 504 Plan for students who have limited access to their education. Assists students, through direct therapy, consultation, assistive devices and technology, to gain or enhance motor, communication, adaptive, social, behavioral and prevocational/vocational skills in the attainment of curriculum/learning goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:(include but not limited to)

• Evaluates and diagnose the occupational capabilities of referred students.

• Determines the student’s functional capabilities and educational readiness including such skills as: fine motor, visual motor, sensory motor, attention, social/emotional resilience, self-care and adaptive, academically-applied perceptual skills, and assimilation of new learning.

• Identifies and authenticates the eligibility of students for related occupational therapy as appropriate and in compliance with state and federal law.

• Coordinates and provides occupational therapy screenings as requested by the Educational Support, IEP or 504 Team.

• Provide occupational therapy evaluations of students who have been referred for special education comprehensive or 504 evaluations.

• Writes comprehensive occupational therapy reports and presents at the Evaluation, IEP or 504 meetings.
  Collaborates with colleagues, parents, and others in the development of an IEP or a 504 Plan.

• Develop age and grade appropriate goals, objectives and accommodations for students who are eligible for IEPs or 504 Plans.
• Provide appropriate therapy services (direct and/or consultative) to meet the students’ individual learning needs or accommodations for access to their education
  Discuss with members of the educational team when the OT program changes or is no longer needed for the student.
• Analyze, adapt and provide therapeutic activities, techniques, adaptive equipment, assistive technology and other accessible instructional materials to educational staff in order to meet the students’ needs.
• Responsible for requesting and maintaining the needed assistive technology, adaptive equipment and therapeutic supplies related to occupational therapy services.
• Record students’ progress at appropriate intervals based on IEP goals and objectives.
  Keep thorough and appropriate records and paperwork on eligible students in working files in the occupational therapy office.
• Consult with educational staff and parents regarding students’ progress.
• Collaborate with general education and special education teachers, paraeducators and other school staff regarding implementation of accommodations and/or carry-over of therapeutic activities and programs.

QUALIFICATIONS INCLUDE: 

Job Requirements:

• Minimum requirement of a B.S. in Occupational Therapy (as credentialed by the American Occupational Therapy Association) or the equivalent from an occupational therapy association in another country.
• Certification: National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) with initial passage of the national examination and required ongoing continuing education credits
• License: State of Vermont, Office of Professional Regulation (Secretary of State)

Required Qualifications:

• Experience: Two plus years of pediatric experience in schools or related pediatric occupational therapy practice preferred.
• Skills: A wide range of experience and depth of knowledge in occupational therapy theory and practice as it relates to children, adolescents and young adults with a variety of diagnoses.
• Integration of clinical theory and practice that results in evaluation, treatment and consultation that is innovative, inclusive and educationally relevant.
• Demonstrates appreciation of the value of different cultures and the ability to engage with a diverse educational community.
• Demonstrates a working knowledge of Special Education state and federal guidelines, regulations, and laws.

The working conditions of this position include: 

1. Work environment is a regular office, classroom, outdoor, community preschool or other school setting.
2. Occasional exposure to weather extremes.
3. Ability to tolerate extremes in noise levels. 

Equal Opportunity: The Burlington School District provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

The Burlington School District will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Salary : $50