Occupational Therapist - Early Childhood Special ...

Position Type: CLASSIFIED/INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT Date Posted: 9/23/2024 Location: SPECIAL SERVICES Richland County School District One, South Carolina Classification Description Classification Title: Occupational Therapist FLSA Status: Non-exempt 184 Days Salary Range: $51,299.94 - $71,55.20 General Statement of Job Under limited supervision, provides evaluation, goal development and occupational therapy treatment of students, including special education students, to minimize students' handicaps and increase their abilities to access and achieve educational goals. Reports to the assigned principal and Director of Special Education. Specific Duties and Responsibilities Essential Functions : Screens students referred for occupational therapy services to determine need for therapy in the school environment. Participates in diagnostic evaluations of students; interprets and documents evaluations; participates in IEP meetings and development of the IEP. Plans, schedules and organizes treatment programs; establishes treatment goals; selects and conducts therapeutic intervention activities. Provides Occupational Therapy treatment services to students, per their Individualized Education Program to increase independence in the school setting. Monitors classroom program and environmental setting to evaluate effect on students. Conducts parent/teacher conferences to review evaluation results, objectives, performance progress and home programs. Complete required documentation including writing evaluation reports, annual assessment reports, therapy treatment notes, progress reports, and any additional required documentation necessary for reimbursement of services; completes required Medicaid forms. Fabricates and adapts selected therapeutic equipment and splints; coordinates some fabrication projects with maintenance staff. Collaborate with team members (teachers, administrators, other service providers, and parents) - to provide any services, suggestions, or equipment - in order to help students meet their educational objective; assists in providing in-service education for school staff. Keeps abreast of developments and innovations in the profession. Coordinates services and programs with community service providers as necessary. Maintains inventory of required supplies and equipment; orders supplies as needed. Receives, reviews, prepares and/or submits various records and reports including screening forms, permission forms, medical referrals, medical/educational documentation, training materials, evaluation reports, travel records, memos, correspondence, etc. Interacts and communicates with various groups and individuals such as the immediate supervisor, District and school administrators, consultants, psychologists, teachers, medical professionals, social workers, other District personnel, students, parents, community service and government agencies, and the general public. Complies with all federal laws, state statutes, Board policies, administrative rules, and directives. Additional Duties : Performs related duties as required. Minimum Education and Training Requires Bachelor's degree in occupational therapy or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Must be a licensed occupational therapist in the state as mandated by the S.C. Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulations. Minimum Qualifications and Standards Required Physical Requirements : Must be physically able to operate a variety of machines and equipment including a computer, telephone, basic office equipment, vehicle, hand and power tools, sewing machine, etc. Must be able to exert up to five pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Physical demands are in excess of those for sedentary work; work involves walking or standing for periods of time, stooping, kneeling, pushing, pulling, and performing light manual tasks. Must be able to lift and/or carry weights of up to thirty pounds. Data Conception : Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable functional, structural or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people or things. Interpersonal Communications : Requires the ability of speaking and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information. Includes receiving assignments and/or direction from supervisor. Language Ability : Requires ability to read a variety of laws, policies and procedures, evaluation materials, professional studies, medical reference materials, etc. Requires the ability to prepare complex reports, student goals and objectives, evaluation reports, records, correspondence, etc. with proper format, punctuation, spelling and grammar, using all parts of speech. Requires the ability to speak with and before others with poise, voice control and confidence. Intelligence : Requires the ability to apply principles of logical thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions; to interpret an extensive variety of instructions in oral, written, mathematical or schedule form; to deal with several abstract and concrete variables. Requires the ability to learn and understand complex principles and techniques; to make independent judgments in absence of supervision; to acquire knowledge of topics related to primary occupation. Must have the ability to comprehend and interpret received information. Verbal Aptitude : Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow and give verbal and written instructions; to counsel and teach students and colleagues. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently with persons of varying educational backgrounds and in a variety of technical and/or professional languages including special education, medical, occupational therapy, etc. Numerical Aptitude : Requires the ability to add and subtract totals, to multiply and divide, to utilize mathematical formulas, to determine percentages and decimals and to determine time. Must be able to use practical applications of statistics. Form/Spatial Aptitude : Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape, and visually read various information. Motor Coordination : Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes using office and specialized machinery; to operate motor vehicles. Manual Dexterity : Requires the ability to handle a variety of items, keyboards, office equipment, control knobs, buttons, switches, catches, small tools, etc. Must have moderate levels of eye/hand/foot coordination. Color Discrimination : Does not require the ability to differentiate colors and shades of color. Interpersonal Temperament : Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under stress when confronted with emergency situations or tight deadlines. The worker may be subject to danger or risk to a slight degree or to tension as a regular, consistent part of the job. Physical Communications : Requires the ability to talk and/or hear: (talking: expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words; hearing: perceiving nature of sounds by ear). Performance Evaluation Criteria Job Knowledge : Has thorough knowledge of the methods, procedures and policies of Special Education Services as they pertain to the performance of duties of the Occupational Therapist. Is knowledgeable in the laws, ordinances, standards and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position. Has considerable knowledge of the functions and interrelationships of Richland District One and other governmental agencies. Has considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of occupational therapy. Is able to interpret treatment needs of students. Has knowledge of the tools, equipment, materials and devices used in therapy and for the fabrication of therapeutic devices. Has comprehensive knowledge of mental retardation, physical handicaps, learning disabilities, emotional handicaps and all other conditions making children exceptional. Has thorough knowledge of appropriate curriculum and testing for special needs students. Is able to make sound, educated decisions. Has the ability to offer guidance and assistance to co-workers and employees of other departments as required. Has the ability to use independent judgment as needed in performing routine and non-routine tasks. Is able to take the initiative to complete the duties of the position without the need of direct supervision. Is able to read and interpret complex professional and medical reports, student records and related materials pertaining to the responsibilities of the job. Knows how to prepare complex reports, student assessments, treatment goals and objectives, correspondence, etc. Has comprehensive knowledge of the terminology and various professional languages used within the department. Knows how to maintain effective relationships with personnel of other departments, professionals and members of the public through contact and cooperation. Knows how to react calmly and quickly in emergency situations. Knows how to make public presentations. Has the mathematical ability to handle required calculations. Has the ability to plan, organize and prioritize daily assignments and work activities. Has good organizational, technical and human relations skills. Has the ability to learn and utilize new skills and information to improve job performance and efficiency. Quality of Work : Maintains high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities. Exercises immediate remedial action to correct any quality deficiencies that occur in areas of responsibility. Maintains high quality communication and interaction with all District departments and divisions, co-workers and the public. Quantity of Work : Performs described "Specific Duties and Responsibilities" and related assignments efficiently and effectively in order to produce quantity of work which consistently meets standards and expectations of the District. Dependability : Assumes responsibility for completing assigned work. Completes assigned work within deadlines in accordance with directives, District policy, standards and prescribed procedures. Remains accountable to assigned responsibilities in the technical, human and conceptual areas Attendance : Attends and remains at work regularly and adheres to District policies and procedures regarding absences and tardiness. Provides adequate notice to higher management with respect to vacation time and time-off requests. Initiative and Enthusiasm : Maintains an enthusiastic, self-reliant and self-starting approach to meet job responsibilities and accountabilities. Strives to anticipate work to be done and initiates proper and acceptable direction for the completion of work with a minimum of supervision and instruction. Judgment : Exercises analytical judgment in areas of responsibility. Identifies problems or situations as they occur and specifies decision objectives. Identifies or assists in identifying alternative solutions to problems or situations. Implements decisions in accordance with prescribed and effective policies and procedures and with a minimum of errors. Seeks expert or experienced advice where appropriate and researches problems, situations and alternatives before exercising judgment. Cooperation : Accepts supervisory instruction and direction and strives to meet the goals and objectives of same. Questions such instruction and direction when clarification of results or consequences are justified, i.e., poor communications, variance with District policy or procedures, etc. Offers suggestions and recommendations to encourage and improve cooperation between all staff persons and departments within the District. Relationships with Others : Shares knowledge with managers, supervisors and staff for mutual and District benefit. Contributes to maintaining high morale among all District employees. Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships with department employees, staffers and managers in other departments, representatives from organizations, and the public so as to maintain good will toward the District and to project a good District image. Tactfully and effectively handles requests, suggestions and complaints from other departments and persons in order to maintain good will within the District. Emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive image within the District. Interacts effectively with higher management, professionals and the public. Coordination of Work : Plans and organizes daily work routine. Establishes priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology. Avoids duplication of effort. Estimates expected time of completion of elements of work and establishes a personal schedule accordingly. Attends required meetings, planning sessions and discussions on time. Implements work activity in accordance with priorities and estimated schedules. Safety and Housekeeping : Adheres to all safety and housekeeping standards established by the District and various regulatory agencies. Sees that the standards are not violated. Maintains a clean and orderly workplace.

Created: 2024-10-19