Position Type: Support StaffDate Posted: 7/5/2023Location: School Board Office (Central Office)Position Title: Occupational Therapist Location: Southampton County Public Schools Academy Reports To: Principal Job Summary: The Occupational Therapist is responsible for providing specialized services to support the physical, cognitive, and sensory development of students. This role involves assessing students' needs, developing individualized therapy plans, and collaborating with educators, parents, and other professionals to enhance students' abilities to participate in school activities. Key Responsibilities: Assessment and Evaluation:
- Conduct comprehensive assessments to identify students' occupational therapy needs.
- Use standardized tests, observational methods, and other assessment tools to evaluate students' fine motor skills, sensory processing, and functional abilities.
- Develop detailed assessment reports and provide recommendations for interventions and supports.
Intervention and Treatment:
- Develop and implement individualized therapy plans based on students' needs and assessment results.
- Provide direct therapy services to students, both individually and in groups, to improve fine motor skills, sensory processing, and daily living skills.
- Utilize evidence-based practices and a variety of therapeutic techniques to support students' development.
Collaboration and Consultation:
- Work closely with teachers, administrators, and other school staff to support students' occupational therapy needs.
- Provide guidance and training to educators on strategies to support students' fine motor and sensory development.
- Communicate regularly with parents about their child's progress and provide strategies for supporting development at home.
IEP Development and Implementation:
- Participate in IEP meetings and contribute to the development of individualized education plans for students with occupational therapy needs.
- Monitor students' progress and adjust IEP goals and interventions as necessary.
- Collaborate with teachers and other specialists to support the integration of occupational therapy goals into the classroom setting.
Program Development:
- Develop and implement school-wide programs and initiatives to promote fine motor skills and sensory development.
- Conduct workshops and training sessions for teachers, staff, and parents on topics related to occupational therapy.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of occupational therapy programs and make recommendations for improvement.
Professional Development:
- Stay current with the latest research and best practices in occupational therapy.
- Attend workshops, conferences, and other professional development activities related to occupational therapy.
- Provide professional development opportunities for teachers and staff to enhance their ability to support students' occupational therapy needs.
Qualifications:
- Master's degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program.
- Valid state certification or licensure as an Occupational Therapist.
- Initial certification by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
- Previous experience in occupational therapy, particularly in a school setting, preferred.
- Strong knowledge of occupational therapy assessment and intervention techniques.
- Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, students, and parents.
- Proficiency in the use of technology for assessment, record-keeping, and communication.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to sit, stand, and move freely for extended periods.
- Capacity to lift and move therapeutic equipment and supplies as necessary.
- Ability to supervise and interact with students in a variety of settings.
Work Environment:
- Work is performed in a school setting and may require traveling between classrooms and schools.
- Occasional evening and weekend work may be required for school events and meetings.
Note: The job description listed above is not exhaustive and may include additional responsibilities not listed here. Southampton County Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer.