Early Intervention Occupational Therapist

Qualifications: 

• Minimum of an earned Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Therapy, Masters is preferred.
• Registration with the American Occupational Therapy Association, and licensed in the state of Pennsylvania.
• Any such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board of Directors deem appropriate.
• Valid PA Occupational Therapy License
• Knowledge of Special Education practices as related to Occupational Therapy

Job Goal:            

• To provide occupational therapy and prescribed treatments, parent interviews, and consultations to staff and community agencies in the field of occupational therapy with respect to the needs of eligible children within the early intervention and/or school age programs.
• To adhere to the standards of practice and ethical conduct of the occupational therapy profession.
• The OT observes, analyzes, and assesses motor dysfunction of children.
• Based on evaluation procedures, the OT makes recommendations to ameliorate motor dysfunction that may be impairing the child’s performance. Recommendations based on occupational therapy evaluations and interdisciplinary team development of an educational plan.
• The OT communicates child’s needs and coordinates programming with school personnel, educators, parents/guardians, the student, other agencies, and private practitioners as necessary.

Responsibilities:             

• Provide individual evaluation for children with sensorimotor, self-help, and behavior needs according to accepted standardized and non-standardized assessment tools.
• Participate in evaluations done by the multidisciplinary team, and/or individual OT assessments.
• Contact parents and/or participate in a parent conference following administration of testing to advise parents of functional level of the child and the need for further services, if applicable.
• Work closely with teachers in developing individualized educational plans for the student and monitor the child’s progress when needed.
• Submit reports stating the results of all evaluations with recommendations to the supervisor of the student’s program.
• Formulate written treatment plans and submit them to the parents, supervisor, and teacher, when appropriate.
• Provide support to the IEP team on a regular basis.
• Provide consultation and in-service programs to the staff requesting such services in the area of occupational therapy.
• Teacher parent show to help their child practice newly acquired skills at home in the area of occupational therapy.
• Assume any other responsibility as assigned by the Executive Director, Special Education Director or their designee.
• Assist in the development of goals, objectives, and recommendations as a part of the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or the other service plan.
• Participate in team meetings as appropriate.
• Obtain parent and physician permission for occupational therapy services when appropriate.
• Work closely with SIU physical therapists, functioning as a team to provide the most efficient and effective delivery of services.
• Assist in the identification of equipment needs, including the ordering and distribution of adaptive equipment.
• Design, construct, and adapt classroom equipment and related devices, including modification of chairs, splint fabrication, feeding and/or other self-help devices, as well as communication systems consultation.
• Organize, maintain, and inventory equipment in the treatment room and storage areas.
• Maintain procedural safeguards related to due process procedures, IEP development, and laws of confidentiality in accordance with state and federal regulations.
• Develop a monthly schedule and routine documentation (i.e., weekly time logs, billing information, up to date calendar, etc.) of services provided.
• Complete required records and reports to SIU standards and within stated timelines; adhere to the standards of practice and ethical conduct of the occupational therapy profession.
• Maintain professional development through conferences and in-services as per the minimum required by the SIU, by the PA OT Practice Act, and the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
• Direct, supervise and evaluate the activities of the Occupational Therapy Assistant, if assigned.
• Provide fieldwork education/supervision for occupational therapy students performing fieldwork internships when possible.
• Adhere to all laws, regulations, and rules regarding confidentiality of student data, and utilize the utmost confidentiality in dealing with students and their families and when using both verbal and electronic communication.
• Assume any other responsibilities as assigned by the Director of Special Education or their designee.

Program/Classification:

• Schuylkill Intermediate Unit Early Intervention Department

Reports To:        

• Early Intervention Supervisor and Special Education Director or their designee

Method of Evaluation: 

• Performance of this job will be evaluated annually in accordance with the provisions of the Board of Directors policies governing professional employees.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Occupational Therapy Assistant

Terms of Employment: 

• Reliable form of transportation available throughout the day.
• Serve as a 200 day per year employee of the Schuylkill Intermediate Unit, subject to the duties and policies as determined by the Public-School Code of Pennsylvania.

Physical/Sensory Requirements:

• PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Frequent lifting-up to 45 lbs. (occas. more). Frequent bending, stooping, twisting, reaching, grasping, walking. Regular sitting and typing/keyboarding. Ability to perform and actively participate in CPR, First Aid, and/or approved child restraint techniques as needed.
• SENSORY ABILITIES: Visual acuity to read from paper and electronic devices computer screen. Auditory acuity to be able to use telephone, greet and interact with individuals and/or groups. Ability to speak clearly and distinctly. Ability to operate a computer. Ability to operate a motor vehicle.