What are the responsibilities and job description for the Occupational Therapist position at Newfound Area School District?
An Occupational Therapist (OT) in a school district is responsible for helping students with physical, sensory, or cognitive disabilities develop or improve skills needed for everyday activities. Their primary goal is to support students in achieving their maximum independence in school and in daily life. Here’s a general job description for an OT working in a school district:
Reports to :Student Services Administrator, School Principal, or other designated school administrators
The Occupational Therapist (OT) works with students who have disabilities or developmental delays to help them improve their ability to perform daily activities and succeed in school. The OT evaluates students’ needs, designs and implements intervention plans, and collaborates with educators and families to promote a safe and effective learning environment.
Conduct comprehensive assessments of students to identify physical, sensory, and cognitive challenges that may impact learning.
Administer standardized and non-standardized assessments to determine students' current levels of functioning and develop individualized treatment plans.
Collaborate with other professionals (e.g., teachers, psychologists, speech-language pathologists) to gather information and understand the needs of each student.
Individualized Education Program (IEP) Development:
Participate in the development of IEPs for students with disabilities, setting goals and objectives related to the students’ occupational therapy needs.
Provide input and suggestions for accommodation and modifications that could help students succeed in the classroom.
Regularly review and update IEPs in accordance with student progress.
Intervention and Treatment:
Design and implement individualized therapy plans to address specific needs such as fine motor skills, self-care skills, sensory processing, and more.
Provide direct therapy services to students, either individually or in small groups, focusing on skills that improve school performance.
Incorporate strategies for improving the student’s physical environment to enhance learning (e.g., adaptive equipment, classroom layout adjustments).
Collaboration and Consultation:
Work closely with teachers, aides, parents, and other school personnel to support the student’s occupational therapy needs across various settings (classroom, home, extracurricular activities).
Train staff members on how to implement specific strategies for students with sensory or physical disabilities.
Advise on environmental modifications and assistive technology to support students in school.
Maintain accurate and up-to-date records on student progress, services provided, and any modifications or accommodations implemented.
Document all assessments, treatments, and communications with families and other professionals.
Prepare reports for IEP meetings and other required school documentation.
Stay current with new research, therapy techniques, and best practices related to pediatric occupational therapy and special education.
Attend professional development workshops, conferences, and in-service training as required by the district.
Attend IEP meetings, parent-teacher conferences, and school-related events as needed.
Assist in the development of strategies to support students with disabilities in extracurricular activities and transitions to higher education or employment.
Provide crisis intervention as needed and work with school staff to address any emergency situations related to student needs.
Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work effectively with students, parents, and school personnel.
Knowledge of adaptive equipment, therapeutic techniques, and assistive technology.
Ability to assess student needs and develop effective treatment plans.
Effective written and oral communication skills.
