Occupational Therapist

The Occupational Therapist is to teach students to receive and interpret information from each of the senses and then use that information in coordination with motor control to meet the demands of the environment.  To support the student’s instructional program by helping to ameliorate fine motor, coordinated gestures/movements for communication and attain the individual goals established in students’ IEPs.

• Actively participate in ongoing quality improvement activities of The Legacy Treatment Services including but not limited to:  serving as a member of a quality improvement team, customer input, incident/accident and client grievance review, peer record review and program evaluation/quality improvement projects.

• Attend staff meetings and meetings with parents and/or school district personnel.

• Fulfill annual continuing education and professional development requirements established by the Department of Education.
• Provide direct management and supervision of students in non-instructional settings such as hallways, library, dining room, etc.
• Assess the occupational capabilities of students referred by school personnel.
• Assess and diagnose suspected fine motor, attention learning readiness, social/emotion learning readiness, self-care skills, pre-reading/pre-writing readiness and spatial orientation relationships for math and handwriting readiness in referred students.
• Evaluate students referred to the Child Study Team when requested by the school principal and participate in the deliberations of the Child Study Team for any student who is being evaluated for Occupational Therapy as required by federal and state law.
• Classify students as “Eligible for Related Occupational Therapy” when appropriate, complying with the requirements of federal and state law.
• Collaborate with the school’s LDTC and other school personnel in the preparation of Individualized Education Program (IEP) for students who are classified.
• Assist in developing and implementing in Individualized Education Program (IEP) in conjunction with parents and teachers for pupils who are eligible for related services – occupational therapy.
• Plan, prepare and deliver treatment programs for students with occupational deficits.
• Maintain close communication with the school’s LDTC regarding the implementation of intervention services.
• Provide individual and/or small group intervention sessions with students who require occupational therapy as a related service.
• Attend child study team meetings when requested by school principal or his/her designee.
• Employ a variety of instructional techniques and instructional media/technology, consistent with the physical limitations of the location provided, the resources made available, and the needs and capabilities of the individuals or student groups involved.
• Assume primary responsibility for requisitioning and maintaining needed equipment and supplies related to occupational therapy services.
• Assess on a regular basis the extent to which students achieve the objectives indicated in their Individualized Education Program (IEPs).
• Maintain confidential records on all referred students and student/parent contacts in accordance with federal and state law and Legacy Treatment Services Policies and Procedures.
• Provide thorough and timely reports, data information, etc. as requested by the Principal or his/her designee.
• Keep self-updated on the identification, assessment and diagnostic techniques, therapeutic procedures, and statutory requirements of IDEA and N.J.A.C. 6:28.
• Maintain professional competence through readings, attendance at conferences, workshops, memberships in professional organizations and other relevant activities in accordance with school guidelines.
• Maintain proficiency in the use of English by communicating with reasonable clarity, conciseness, and precision in both speaking and writing.
• Serve as a resource and/or consultant to school personnel on topics related to occupational performance.
• Collaborate with other Legacy Treatment Services personnel in order to provide a team approach to the identification, diagnosis and assessment of students with occupational deficits.
• Interpret the occupational correction services to school personnel and parents.
• Assist in appropriate referrals of individuals to agencies and specialists in the community.
• Assist students with preparing for and moving to other classrooms, school activities, outside activities and arrival and departure from school.
• Notify immediately appropriate personnel of any evidence of substance abuse, child abuse, child neglect, severe medical conditions, potential suicide, or individuals appearing to be under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances.
• Display ethical and professional behavior in working with students, parents, school personnel, and outside agencies associated with school.
• Serve as a role model for students and staff in demonstrating positive attitudes, appropriate attire and grooming, and effective work ethic.
• Participate in appropriate in-service and workshop programs and attend any required meetings.
• Build relationships with parents/guardians, families, school districts and social service agencies to support student’s learning and overall well being.
• Maintain a supportive, safe and respectful learning environment.
• Document significant incidents and physical restraints involving students utilizing The Legacy Treatment Services Critical Incident and Restrictive Behavior Management Practice Reporting System.
• Demonstrate teamwork, cooperation and courtesy in the workplace.
• Attend Legacy Treatment Services Open Houses and evening function (i.e. Art Exhibit /Parent Groups).
• Utilize verbal de-escalation interventions to defuse potentially volatile situations prior to escalation and passive physical restraint techniques to prevent seriously acting out students from harming themselves or others.
• Utilize the “Nurtured Heart Approach” to enhance student self-esteem and promote positive student behaviors.
• Perform all additional duties as assigned by the Principal.

Hours:

Part time

Qualifications:

Must hold valid NJ DOE certification as an Occupational Therapist. Demonstrated knowledge of the laws and legal requirements surrounding the responsibilities. Demonstrated ability to function effectively in a diverse school community. Demonstrated aptitude or competence for assigned responsibilities. Ability to effectively help students develop, recover, or maintain daily living and work skills. Required DOE criminal background checks and proof of US citizenship or legal alien status. Ability to work on site during the hours required.

Legacy Treatment Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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