Occupational Therapy Consultant - Harrisburg, United States - TIU 11

Description

The Tuscarora Intermediate Unit invites applicants for an Occupational Therapy Consultant to work in collaboration with PaTTAN Autism Initiative Consutants.

This position will begin on or about July 1, 2024. This is a 12-month, year round position with a salary range of $88,000 - $104,000.

Position will include travel regionally and statewide in Pennsylvania during the startup phase with an anticipated reduction in travel and becoming more hybrid.

Role Relationships

The Occupational Therapy Consultant through the PaTTAN Autism Initiative will support PaTTAN Customized Professional development and technical Assistance on a statewide basis.

The Occupational Therapy Consultant is directly responsible to the Regional Coordinator of the Pattan Autism Initiative for supervision and evaluation.

Fundamental Duties/Essential Functions:

• Facilitate direct and indirect collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, including, special education teachers, general education teachers, occupational therapists, psychologists, and other behavioral health professionals, to ensure the integration of occupational therapy goals.
• Engage in both direct meetings and indirect communication with interdisciplinary teams to discuss progress in systemic, critical, and emergent cases, share insights, and collaboratively adjust intervention strategies.
• Consult, oversee, and implement evidence-based occupational therapy interventions aligned with ABA principles, providing coaching to LEA team members (across systemic, critical, and emergent cases) and offering indirect guidance to ensure consistency across disciplines.
• Support teams in utilizing both direct observation and indirect data analysis to monitor progress and adapt interventions, aiming for effective occupational therapy and behavioral outcomes.
• Conduct direct training sessions and develop educational materials for educators, and caregivers on integrating sensory and fine motor development into behavior change strategies and learning activities.
• In collaboration with the PaTTAN initiatives, develop statewide training opportunities for occupational therapists in School-Age settings.
• Engage in both direct and indirect collaboration with educators, psychologists, and other professionals to ensure occupational therapy goals are integrated.
• Provide both direct and indirect consultation to interdisciplinary teams, advising on environmental adaptations, activity modifications, and intervention strategies to meet the fine motor and sensory needs of individuals with disabilities.
• Recommend adaptive equipment and assistive technology through direct demonstrations and indirect resource sharing to enhance mobility and learning.
• Assist in the development, implementation, and evaluation of integrated ABA and occupational therapy programs, offering both direct input and indirect feedback to ensure comprehensive, inclusive and effective practices.
• Participate in research initiatives, contributing through both direct involvement in projects and indirect support via data analysis and literature reviews.
• Perform other tasks as assigned by the Pattan Autism Initiative Leadership Team, including Regional Coordinators or TIU Executive Director.

Qualification Standards

• Master's degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited institution.
• Current Occupational Therapy licensure in Pennsylvania.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Individuals must possess these skills, knowledge and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities.

Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in occupational therapy, with an emphasis on pediatric supports and developmental disabilities.
• Knowledge or certification in Applied Behavior Analysis (BCBA or BCaBA) highly desirable, or willingness to acquire ABA training.
• Knowledge of PaTTAN's Customized Professional Development and Technical Assistance Model.
• Proven track record of effective direct and indirect collaboration within interdisciplinary teams.

Desired Skills:

• Expertise in blending Occupational Therapy with ABA principles through both direct care and consultative roles.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, capable of conveying complex concepts across various formats.
• Commitment to professional growth in occupational therapy and behavior analysis, staying updated with research and best practices.

Qualification Standards

Education:
Possess a Masters Degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited institution.

Experience:

Have a minimum of ten years of experience in occupational therapy, with an emphasis on pediatric and developmental disabilities is preferred.

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