To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were written out in this job description. GRPS MISSION Our mission is to ensure that all scholars are educated self-directed and productive members of society.OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST OTDepartment Special EducationBargaining Unit Grand Rapids Education Association GREAWage Determined by collective bargaining agreement and comprehensive benefits package Direct Supervisor Supervisor of Special EducationJOB SUMMARYProvide Occupational Therapy services as indicated on each scholar&rsquos IEP.Work collaboratively with school initiatives that support intervention strategies for scholar success. Conference with parents and classroom teachers. Prepare written reports that include information needed to determine eligibility and educational data which identifies the scholar&rsquos current level of motor performance. Establish communication systems between therapist and individual buildings teachers and parents. Provide home based activities when appropriate. Assist parents in identifying andor preparing for summer therapy programs. Work cooperatively with area agencies involved with scholars and families.ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONSEssential functions under the Americans with Disabilities Act may include any of the following duties knowledge and skills. This list is illustrative only and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by employees in this position. Regular on time and in person attendance is an essential function of this job. Other essential functions may include but are not limited to the followingComply with Michigan Special Education law and Michigan Department of Education requirements that impact Occupational Therapy servicesWork cooperatively with the Diagnostic Team in the development of goals and objectivesComply with Special Education IEP timelines.Provide direct instruction to scholars on caseload.Report progress to parents as scheduled in individual scholar IEP&rsquos.Maintain accurate records of progress and service.Demonstrate knowledge of Grand Rapids Public Schools CurriculumAlign scholar goals and objectives with district general education standards.Comply with the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the GRPS Board of Education and Grand Rapids Education AssociationParticipate in building Scholar Success TeamsProvide oversight to Certified Occupational Therapist AssistantsParticipate in area meetings with Special Education Supervisor as directed by Area Special Education SupervisorParticipate in district wide Occupational Therapy meetings as directed by Area Special Education SupervisorComplete Medicaid documentations monthlyParticipate in professional development opportunities.Support individual School Improvement PlansPerform other duties as assigned.QUALIFICATIONSRequired Education and ExperienceA bachelor&rsquos degree in occupational therapy.Licensed by the Michigan Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Department LARA.Knowledge Skills and Abilities Must be knowledgeable of Common Core State Standards and strategies to meet the academic developmental and functional needs of scholars.Competency in the administration and interpretation of occupational therapy assessmentAbility to establish and maintain effective working relationships with scholars peers parents and community.Demonstrated ability to work on a multidisciplinary team and offer occupational therapy specific recommendations that coincide with meeting the wholistic needs of the scholar.Ability to communicate clearly and concisely oral and writtenUnderstanding of and willingness to provide occupational therapy services within the context of &ldquofree appropriate public education” in the least restrictive environment rather than a rehabilitation or medical model.Regular and on-time attendance is required.Demonstrated ability to work in an economically culturally and racially diverse environment.Demonstrated ability to manage a diverse and demanding workload.Demonstrated understanding of current research related to effective school based occupational therapy.ADA REQUIREMENTSThe physical demands work environment factors and mental functions described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.PHYSICAL DEMANDSThe work is medium work which requires exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally andor up to 30 pounds of force frequently andor up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. While performing the duties of this job the employee is required to stand walk sit use hands to finger handle or feel reach with hands and arms climb or balance stoop kneel crouch or crawl talk hear in a quiet or noisy environment. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision distance vision and ability to adjustfocus.WORK ENVIRONMENTThe noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Work is performed indoors although there will be required outdoor activities. The employee is directly responsible for the safety well-being and work output of scholars.MENTAL FUNCTIONSWhile performing the duties of this job the employee is required to compare analyze communicate both orally and in writing copy coordinate instruct compute synthesize evaluate use interpersonal skills compile and negotiate.Non-DiscriminationThe Grand Rapids Public Schools will not discriminate against any person based on race sex sexual orientation gender gender identity and expression height weight color religion national origin age marital status pregnancy disability veteran or military status.Americans with Disabilities Act accommodations Assistance with the application process may be requested through the Human Resources Department at 616 819-2022 or humanresourcesgrps.org.