Occupational Therapist
Company Overview:
MSD of Pike Township is committed to providing exceptional educational opportunities for all students, including those with special needs. Pike prioritizes inclusivity, diversity, and individualized support to ensure every student reaches their full potential. We are currently seeking a highly qualified Occupational Therapist to join our team and lead our efforts in providing outstanding special education services.
Position Overview:
The School Psychologist plays a critical role in promoting the academic, social, and emotional well-being of students within the school community. Utilizing their expertise in psychology and education, the School Psychologist collaborates with educators, parents, and other professionals to support students academic achievement, mental health, and overall development. This position involves conducting assessments, providing interventions, consulting with stakeholders, and advocating for inclusive and equitable educational practices.
Key Responsibilities:
Observation, Assessment, and Evaluation:
Observes students to aid in the determination of the need for referral for evaluation, then continues to observe in several academic and non-academic situations before and during the evaluative process; this is particularly pertinent at the elementary level and for students in special class placements.
Conduct functional assessments of students fine motor, sensory, and cognitive abilities.
Identify student needs through observation, interviews, and standardized assessments.
Develop goals for individualized education plans (IEPs) based on assessment results and collaborate with teachers, parents, and other professionals.
Intervention and Therapy:
Design and implement therapeutic interventions to help students improve skills such as handwriting, self-care, mobility, and sensory processing.
Provide individual or group therapy sessions to students to support their goals.
Adapt classroom environments, materials, and tasks to ensure accessibility for students with special needs.
Documentation and Reporting:
Maintain accurate records of therapy sessions, progress notes, and assessments.
Prepare and update IEPs, ensuring goals are met and providing recommendations for any changes.
Ensure compliance with school policies, state regulations, and documentation requirements.
Complete all requirements related to Medicaid billing
Data Analysis and Research:
Analyze school-wide data, including academic performance, behavior incidents, and attendance patterns, to identify trends, assess needs, and inform decision-making at the school and district levels where needed.
Stay informed about current research, best practices, and legal regulations related to school psychology, special education, and mental health services, and apply this knowledge to practice.
Reporting:
Oral Reporting - During, when appropriate, and immediately following the conclusion of the evaluation, is responsible for a brief oral feedback of diagnostic impressions.
Written Reporting - Promptly prepares a written report of the evaluation concerning students fine motor and/or sensory strengths and weaknesses.
Qualifications:
Master's degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program.
Valid state licensure as an Occupational Therapist (OT).
Experience working with children, preferably in a school or educational setting.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with students, parents, and school staff.
Working Conditions:
The Occupational Therapist typically works in a school or educational setting, with regular hours during the school day. The Occupational Therapist collaborates closely with school administrators, teachers, counselors, and support staff, as well as external stakeholders such as parents, community agencies, and mental health professionals. The work environment may include conducting assessments and attending meetings in various school settings. The capability to effectively bend, stoop and reach items at specific heights is expected in this position. The school psychologist is expected to be able to lift and carry objects of up to 50 lbs without assistance (may utilize a caddy if needed). This position may involve sitting and/or standing for extended periods and performing repetitive tasks such as filing and data entry.
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