JOB SUMMARY
This position evaluates the students' functional status and plans an appropriate treatment program to achieve short- and long-range goals that are measurable and realistic. The therapist works with students with disabilities and many times requires the physical ability to assist the students with gross motor skill and fine motor skill activities.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This job has no supervisory responsibilities.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
- Determines eligibility of service and recommends direct or consultative delivery if needed.
- Plans, organizes, and implements individual occupational therapy programs of service for students at the school level.
- Leads the students in individual, as well as groups, in such activity areas as daily living, fine motor, visual motor, visual perception, and sensor integration to enhance performance in the classroom.
- Recommends exercise program to enhance upper extremity function needed at the school level.
- Recommends modifications and assists with technology needs.
- Observes students' reactions and progress and keep records to be included in case histories.
- Attends in-service training.
- Attends regular Occupational Therapy staff and team meetings to plan, evaluate, and assess treatment programs.
- Evaluates regular education and special education students' functional status, fine motor skills, visual motor skills, visual perceptual skills and how these skills affect handwriting, cutting, and self-care skills; sets treatment plan and goals. Participates in IEP planning, meetings, and implementation of services.
- Analyzes evaluation data, scores assessments, and completes a written report of abilities and weaknesses and how each effect the student at school.
- Maintains documentation for each student in Medicaid billing/doc services in a timely manner.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor's Degree in Occupational Therapy or related field; Master's degree preferred. Three (3) years of relevant experience. Or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and/or training that provides the required knowledge and abilities.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Working knowledge of the theories, practice methods, and techniques of occupational therapy for psychosocial and physical rehabilitation.
- Knowledge and appreciation of the influence of disabilities, socio-cultural and socioeconomic factors on student's ability to participate in occupations.
- Knowledge and use of occupational therapy theories, models of practice, principles, and evidence based practice to guide intervention decisions.
- Knowledge of the federal, state, local legislation, regulations, policies, and procedures that mandate and guide occupational therapy practice in schools.
- Skill in effective communication, both verbally and in writing.
- Skill in the use of equipment, computers, and software applications related to the essential functions of the job.
- Ability to determine the need for an occupational therapy evaluation and to select and administer appropriate assessment tools to evaluate the student.
- Ability to interpret the evaluation data and write a comprehensive report that reflects strengths and barriers to student's participation and occupational performance.
- Ability to participate collaboratively with multi-disciplinary educational teams to develop Individualized Education Programs to meet student needs.
- Ability to develop occupationally based intervention plans based on evaluation information.
- Ability to provide evidence based occupational therapy intervention to improve student's performance skills and participation.
- Ability to adapt and modify environments, equipment, and materials including assistive technology.
- Ability to plan, coordinate, and conduct continuing education for educational personnel, parents, and students.
- Ability to use professional literature, evidence based research, and continuing education content to make practice decisions.
- Ability to interpret occupational therapy treatments to staff, relatives, patients and others.
- Ability to assess physical and psychosocial developmental levels and evaluate the students' functional needs.
- Ability to plan, organize, lead, and instruct supportive staff in treatment sessions.
- Ability to develop a therapeutic relationship with students with disabilities.
- Ability to prepare reports and maintain records.
- Ability to operate and maintain a variety of therapeutic instruments and equipment related to occupational therapy.
- Ability to analyze situations accurately and take effective action.
CERTIFICATION, LICENSE AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Occupational Therapy License by the Georgia State Board. National Occupational Therapy Certification preferred.
Salary/Terms/Benefits:
180 day work year; 8 hours per day
Salary: Grade 153A: Hourly (placement on salary schedule based on years or experience). Up to ten (10) years allowed. The stated salary range reflects the opportunity for pay over the course of the employee's tenure. The top pay is not a potential starting salary.
Excellent benefits package (including health, dental, vision, and life insurance; employee assistance program); personal and sick leave; membership in State Retirement System.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Complete an online application.
Submit professional certificates, transcripts, and three (3) professional evaluations and/or reference letters respective to this position.
Submit a resume and cover letter.
Incomplete applications may not be considered.
Consideration/interviews will begin as soon as a list of applicants is established. Applications/resumes will be evaluated and only those meeting the qualifications will be considered. Candidates chosen for interviews will be contacted directly. No notification will be sent to applicants except those who are selected for interviews.
BIBB COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The Bibb County School District will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to allow them to perform the essential functions of the job when such individuals request an accommodation so long as the accommodation does not create an undue financial hardship for the district. A complete list of physical demands associated with the position can be obtained from HR