Occupational Therapist/COTA

Position:                                             Occupational Therapist/COTA

Supervisor:                                         Director of Special Education Department      

General Job Description:                   To provide occupational therapy services for students by creating a flexible program and an environment favorable to learning and personal growth.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Coordinates in the development and implementation of the District program of instruction, as applicable to occupational therapy.
2. Plans and implements programs of therapy that help students develop to their potential in motor, perceptual and self-help skills and as much as possible, meets individual needs, interest and abilities.
3. Guides the learning process toward the achievement of Individual Educational Program goals.
4. Develops case management programs that reflect individual needs, interests and abilities that meet the requirements of student Individual Educational Program goals.
5. Assesses therapeutic progress of students on a regular basis.
6. Establishes and maintains standards of appropriate student behavior needed to achieve a functional learning atmosphere.
7. Participates in Individual Educational Program meetings as requested.
8. Prescribes effective programs or initiates referrals to appropriate agency personnel and provides progress reports as required.
9. Establishes and maintains open lines of communication with students, parents, and staff concerning students’ occupational therapy program and/or progress.
10. Selects and requests appropriate instructional materials and equipment and maintains required inventory records.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities:

Other tasks as may be deemed appropriate and necessary by the immediate supervisor, the principal and/or the Superintendent.

Qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy.
2. Valid New Mexico Occupational Therapy, K-12 License.
3. Valid New Mexico State Board license in Occupational Therapy.
4. Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Superintendent may find appropriate and acceptable.

Desired Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

1. Effective communication skills, both verbal and written.
2. Flexibility, organization, decision-making, and problem solving skills.
3. Interpersonal skills with diverse populations both in-person and on the telephone.
4. Ability to meet deadlines, work on multiple projects, and coordinate the work of others.
5. Knowledge of District policies on immunizations, medication, first aid, emergencies, and child abuse/neglect.
6. Knowledge of all laws, regulations, and guidelines affecting teachers and students.
7. Knowledge of effective classroom management techniques.

Physical Requirements:

Sitting, standing, lifting, and carrying (up to 50 pounds), climbing stairs, reaching, squatting, kneeling, moving light furniture may be required.

Equipment/Material Handled:

Must know how to properly operate, or be willing to learn to operate, all multimedia equipment including current technology in addition to appropriate equipment necessary for Occupational Therapist to delivery adequate services to students in need of services.

Safety and Health:

1. Knowledge if universal hygiene precautions.
2. Use of rubber gloves relating to student injuries and illness.
3. CPR and First Aid training preferred.

Work Environment:

Must be able to work within various degrees of noise, temperature, and air quality. Job responsibilities require both inside and outside assignments. Flexibility and patience are required. Must be self-motivated and able to complete job assignments without direct supervision. After hours work may be required. Must be able to work under stressful conditions.

Terms of Employment:

• Contract Days
• Salary
• Benefits Available