Overview:
As an Occupational Therapist (OT) in the Grand Forks Public Schools, you will play a crucial role in supporting the educational and developmental needs of students. You will work within a multidisciplinary team to assess, plan, and implement interventions that promote students' participation in school activities and enhance their overall well-being. Your expertise will be instrumental in addressing barriers to learning and fostering independence in students with diverse abilities and needs.
Responsibilities:
1. Assessment and Evaluation:
- Conduct comprehensive assessments to identify students' strengths, challenges, and individual needs related to motor skills, sensory processing, visual-perceptual skills, self-care, and activities of daily living.
- Administer standardized assessments and utilize clinical observation to gather data on students' functional abilities and limitations.
- Collaborate with teachers, parents, and other members of the educational team to gather information and develop a holistic understanding of students' needs.
2. Individualized Intervention Planning:
- Develop individualized education plans (IEPs) and intervention goals based on assessment findings, educational objectives, and students' unique needs.
- Design and implement evidence-based interventions and therapeutic activities to address identified goals and support students' progress in academic and functional skills.
- Provide recommendations for environmental modifications, adaptive equipment, and assistive technology to facilitate students' participation and accessibility within the school environment.
3. Collaboration and Consultation:
- Collaborate closely with teachers, special education staff, administrators, and related service providers to ensure a coordinated approach to student support and intervention.
- Provide consultation and training to school staff on strategies for promoting sensory regulation, motor skill development, and inclusive practices within the classroom setting.
- Partner with parents/guardians to establish home-school connections and support carryover of therapeutic strategies and goals in the home environment.
4. Documentation and Progress Monitoring:
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of assessment results, intervention plans, progress notes, and communication with stakeholders in compliance with legal and professional standards.
- Regularly monitor and evaluate students' progress towards established goals, adjust intervention plans as needed, and communicate progress updates to the IEP team.
5. Advocacy and Professional Development:
- Advocate for the inclusion of occupational therapy services as integral components of students' educational programs and support initiatives aimed at enhancing accessibility and equity in the school environment.
- Engage in ongoing professional development activities to stay abreast of best practices, emerging research, and trends in the field of pediatric occupational therapy.
Qualifications:
- Master's degree or higher in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program.
- State licensure or eligibility for licensure as an Occupational Therapist.
- Certification by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
- Experience working with children and adolescents in educational or pediatric settings preferred.
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team and independently manage caseload responsibilities.
- Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and culturally responsive practice.
- Knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and ethical guidelines governing the provision of occupational therapy services in educational settings.
Work Environment and Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; occasionally walk and stand. The ability to hear and see in order to communicate effectively as well as communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; Maintain effective audio/visual discrimination and perception to the degree necessary for the successful performance of assigned duties; Maintain mental capacity, allowing for effective interaction and communication with others.
Occasionally may need to lift up to fifty (50); reaching, standing, walking, carrying, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, sitting, and/or crawling within the classroom.
The employee may encounter situations where students are physically aggressive and/or verbally abusive. This may require physical interaction (using strategies acquired through de-escalation and restraint training) between the employee and student. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The employee may be exposed to infection at a greater risk than the average person. May be directly responsible for the safety, well-being and/or output of students.
Terms of Employment: 188 days contract
Evaluation: By the Executive Director of Special Education at least twice each year in the first three years of service (December 15 & April 15), and at least once each year thereafter (April 15).
Current certified benefit information as well as the Teacher Negotiated agreement can be found at Human Resources
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