Location: Depew,NY, USA
Occupational TherapistDIVISION:Academic ServicesCLASSIFICATION:ExemptJOB GRADE:13SUMMARY OF DUTIESProvide treatments and procedures, as per the guidelines set forth by the American Occupational Therapy Association, to a diverse population of students with developmental disabilities, including carrying out therapy programs that improve mobility, relieve pain, increase strength and endurance, decrease or prevent deformity and increase or improve functional fine motor, self care, vocational or life skill abilities. Maintain records of student progress and communicate effectively with families and human service professionals.REPORTING RELATIONSHIPReports to Occupational Therapy Department HeadESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIESPlan, develop and implement specific treatment programs and activities for individual students in accordance with New York State Education Law requirements and Beyond Support Network practices and policies.Ensure that IEP mandates are fulfilled and document progress toward goals on the IEP at specified intervals.Within scope of practice, implement plans of care that adhere to the Common Core, are chronologically and developmentally appropriate, reflect differentiated instruction technique, incorporate technology, and are creative.Perform occupational therapy evaluations, progress summaries, establish treatment plans with goals, provide treatment, maintain treatment notes as specified, delegate specific treatment and perform discharge activities as directed by an approved healthcare practitioner.Establish an effective data collection and charting system to monitor students' progress.Ensure that assessments and intervention strategies are evidence based.Make appropriate service recommendations (e.g., increase/decrease therapy) as a result of testing, clinical judgment and student's needs.Plan and implement medically prescribed specific treatment programs for individual students according to the principles and practice of occupational therapy.Review clinical records and case histories.Evaluate effects of treatment at various stages and adjust treatment to achieve maximum benefit.Engage students in activities that are interesting, meaningful and individualized to reflect each student's physical and developmental level.Provide therapeutic feeding intervention as needed.Make recommendations regarding the use and/or adjustment of orthotics, prosthetics, and other appliances used to support and assist the mobility of the student.Procure prescriptions from physicians when occupational therapy services or durable medical equipment items are indicated.Submit recommendations regarding equipment and supplies to Occupational Therapy Department Head.Provide supervision and training to Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant(s) as directed.Attend Occupational Therapy department meetings, general staff meeting, school in-services and related programs as appropriate.Assume duties within Occupational Therapy department such as clean up of supplies and equipment.Follows therapy schedule established by Occupational Therapy Department head.Maintains a caseload of 50 billable sessions per week.Attend CPSE-CSE meetings that may occur outside an employee's regularly scheduled workday.Develop and write required reports, according to specified formats, which may include collaborating with classroom teacher to determine student's current level of functioning.Organize and maintain required daily treatment notes and records for each student.Maintain all required attendance and billing records in accordance with the stated deadlines.Record all pertinent data in students' medical records.Act as a consultant to medical personnel and school based staff on matters of occupational therapy pertaining to students.Assist in determining requirements for occupational therapy services including personnel, equipment, supplies and opportunities for continuing education.Administer therapeutic exercises to assist in relieving pain, increasing range of motion and strength, or to prevent/minimize deformity.Construct, maintain and repair medical adaptive equipment as needed.Provide educational information about occupational therapy, injury prevention, ergonomics and ways to promote health.Refer students and their families to community resources and services.Participate in staff training, in-services, committee and departmental team meetings, and clinics as assigned, maintaining current standards of practice.Provide, attend and/or conduct training in occupational therapy-related issues.Assume responsibility for the training and education of student affiliates.Instruct Occupational Therapy Students.Maintain PDUs as regulated by NBCOT.Foster student's independence ensuring that student achieves the greatest level of independence possible and appropriate for that particular student.Ensure that verbal and written communications including tone, demeanor, and content with students, staff, and parents are at times professional, appropriate and respectful. Model and demonstrate expected student behavior.Provide care and services to promote a safe environment for students and staff.Provide clear and succinct direction to students.Utilize Strategies for Crisis Intervention and Prevention (SCIP) procedures in the School Programs when necessary.Demonstrate the ability to work independently as well as in conjunction with other staff members and members of the agency team.Consistently comply with all agency policies and procedures.Constantly maintain high professional standards at work with regard to personal behavior and interactions with other staff and families.Perform other duties as requested by the Department Head, Principal and/or Director of Education.SKILLS & ABILITIESDemonstrate a high level of knowledge of O.T. principles, especially those that apply to students with disabilities.Possess good time management skills.Show the ability and desire to work as part of an interdisciplinary team.Display a high level of written and oral communication skills.Display a high level of interpersonal skills.Demonstrate a high level of behavior management skills.Demonstrate knowledge of the information and techniques needed to treat injuries, disease and deformities.This includes the symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions and preventative health-care measures.Display knowledge of computer and ability to utilize word processing programs.Exhibit familiarity with applicable standardized/non-standardized tests and assessment tools.Demonstrate an ability to administer diagnostic tests with a high degree of efficiency and to accurately score tests.Exhibit the ability to interpret test results appropriately taking into account developmental norms, functional communication, student's progress or lack of progress and any other pertinent information helpful in determining service recommendations or changes.Display the ability to communicate student's current level of functioning or other pertinent information orally and in written reports.Demonstrate knowledge of current literature and trends relating to the profession.EDUCATION & TRAININGPreferred: Master's degree in Occupational TherapyMinimum: BA or BS degree in Occupational Therapy. Licensed to practice Occupational Therapy in the state of New York by NYSED or Limited permit in Occupational Therapy for recent graduates.All licensed and registered Occupational Therapists must complete thirty-six hours of continuing education during each three year recertification period and submit documentation of same to Human Resources and their Department Head.