Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant

Diamond R-IV School District 

REPORTS TO:  Occupational Therapist

FAIR LABOR STANDARD ACT:  Non-Exempt

POSITION CLASSIFICATION:  Support

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:  9 months

QUALIFICATIONS 

1. Completion of training program for Occupational Therapist Assistant
2. Associate degree as Occupational Therapy Assistant
3. Possess knowledge of instructional strategies, assessment practices and effective therapy techniques
4. Pass Physical Capabilities Test
5. CPR and First Aid certification
6. Possess collaborative and interpersonal skills
7. Excellent written and oral communication skills

JOB SUMMARY

The Occupational Therapist Assistant will have an understanding of school-based services, coupled with organizational and therapy skills that provide services and consultative direction for students and teacher, as prescribed by supervising OTR (Registered Occupational Therapist). 

REQUIRED EXPECTATIONS

• Be punctual and have consistent and regular attendance.
• Ensure the safety and well-being of each child by responding to their emotional, social and physical needs, as well as their education needs.
• Supports the mission of the Diamond R-IV School District.
• Supports the value of education.
• Complies with the privacy rights of students; safeguards confidential and/or sensitive information.
• Utilize developmentally appropriate practice and best practice methods at all times.
• Be warm and nurturing with students.
• Be customer service oriented and professional.
• Provide excellent customer service according to the standard of the District.
• Works to meet goals of the department and District with a spirit of cooperation.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

The duties of the Occupational Therapist will include, but are not limited to the following:

• Respond to requests for consultation on students or consults on specific program needs.
• Act as a resource to school personnel as they develop and provide appropriate supports and services for students.
• Collaborate with team members to identify and find resources to meet the health, social and academic needs of students and families.
• Assesses the difficulties of referred students through appropriate testing and diagnostic practices.
• Analyzes information and recommends placement for students.
• Helps implement functional behavior assessment and positive behavior intervention procedures in school.
• Maintains case records on all students.
• Recommends corrective procedures.
• Confers with teachers and parents whenever necessary.
• Consults on special educational needs of identified students.
• Attends case staffing and parent teacher conferences as necessary.
• Establish and maintain an appropriate, confidential system of documentation for student referrals, record keeping, evaluation/reevaluation results, treatment progress and recommendations.
• Document necessary data for the IEP; maintain progress monitoring systems; read and respond to email.
• Consult and collaborate with teachers and teams by suggesting ideas for classroom interventions.  Train paraprofessionals as needed.  Drive between schools as necessary.
• Prepare and plan for groups or individual sessions.
• Collaborate with OTR on a regular basis.  Complete Medicaid documentation.
• Coordinate with teachers and other professional staff for students to receive occupational therapy services and provide with schedule.
• Determine treatment priorities, appropriate caseload, schedules and procedures for providing occupational therapy services.
• Assist with recruitment and staffing necessary for implementing occupational therapy services.
• Supervise occupational therapy assist.
• Models positive behavior for students (i.e. interpersonal communication, processes, social interactions, etc.) for the purpose of providing educational and life skills training.
• Demonstrate professionalism and appropriate judgment in behavior, speech, dress and appropriate professional manner for the work setting.
• Demonstrates effective human relations and communication skills.
• Adheres to good safety practices.
• Ability to understand and adhere to all District rules, regulations and policies.
• All other duties as required or assigned.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:

• stand, walk, sit and talk/hear;
• occasionally required to reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl;
• occasionally push, pull or lift up to 50 lbs; and
• be able to see, including close, distance and depth perception.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.