Districtwide/ Occupational Therapist - Elko - Elko County School District

Description

Job Title: Occupational Therapist
Department: Special Services
Reports To: Director of Special Services
FLSA Status: Exempt
POSITION SUMMARY: The occupational therapist will implement school board and special education policies and procedures in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Nevada Administrative Code (NAC) for students with disabilities. The occupational therapist will provide occupational therapy services to students with disabilities as outlined in the Individual Education Plan (IEP), as enrolled in a ECSD special education program or as referred for assessment. The focus of therapy is not rehabilitative in nature, but viewed as needed educational support for students. This person will be expected to adhere to the ECSD Professional Standards for Licensed Employees as outlined in policy and the CBA and report directly to the Director of Special Services.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
This list of Essential Duties and Responsibilities is not exhaustive and may be supplemented.

• Conduct assessments of students with disabilities to determine the need for educationally related occupational therapy services.
• Analyze and review occupational therapy assessment reports presented to the IEP team for consideration of services.
• Provide recommendations to IEP teams regarding the frequency and delivery for educationally related occupational therapy services, referral procedures, and protocols.
• Plan, schedule, implement, and evaluate appropriate educationally related occupational therapy programs.
• Monitor student progress and develop an appropriate treatment plan to meet individual needs of students.
• Collaborate on the development of present levels, goals, and benchmarks in IEP team meetings.
• Evaluate need for and provide training to staff and parents/guardians, as appropriate, for use of adaptive equipment to meet educationally related occupational therapy needs.
• Develop a climate that promotes positive learning conditions.
• Attend MDT/IEP meetings as appropriate.
• Maintain accurate records and provide progress reports as needed.
• Work professionally with administrators, staff, parents/guardians, and community.
• Maintain a safe and orderly therapy area.
• Consult with outside agencies/therapists regarding therapy reports (parents/guardians permission).
• Participate in other job-related duties and activities related to the position as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned.

POSITION EXPECTATIONS:

• Demonstrate knowledge, skill, and ability to provide instruction in a student's living situation (home, school, and/or community) that may affect the student's adjustment and ability to make appropriate use of the educational experience.
• Work cooperatively with students, parents/guardians, peers, administration, and community members.
• Guide the learning process toward achievement of established IEP goals.
• Participate as an active member with other faculty and staff.
• Develop a climate that promotes positive learning conditions.
• Communicate with parents/guardians regarding plans for educationally related occupational therapy services.
• Communicate effectively both written and orally.
• Maintain and improve professional competence.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
Education and Training:
At minimum have an entry-level Bachelor's, or Master's or Doctoral Degree in occupational therapy from an Accredited Occupational Therapy Educational Program.
Licenses and Certifications:

• Valid State of Nevada Board of Occupational Therapy license
• Licensed from the National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy.

Preferred Licensure:

• Possess or able to acquire the proper certification and endorsements as required by the Nevada Department of Education.

-Qualifying License: Special
-Qualifying Endorsement: Occupational Therapist
When applying for a certificated licensed position, candidates must meet the minimum qualifications as listed on the appropriate position vacancy announcement.
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:
The physical and mental requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.
Strength, dexterity, coordination, and vision to use keyboard and video display terminal for prolonged periods. Strength and stamina to bend, stoop, sit, and stand for long periods of time. Dexterity and coordination to handle files and single pieces of paper; occasional lifting of files, stacks of paper or reports, references, student work, and other materials. Some reaching for items above and below waist and head level. Some reaching, bending, squatting, and stooping to access files, student work, and other items is necessary. The manual dexterity and cognitive ability to operate a personal computer and other educational technology (LCD projector, Smart Board, iPads/Tablets, etc.) to enhance student learning. Involves hearing and speech to communicate in person or over the telephone. Light lifting (up to 25 pounds) may occasionally be required.
In compliance with applicable disability laws, reasonable accommodations may be provided for qualified individuals with a disability who require and request such accommodations. Incumbents and individuals who have been offered employment are encouraged to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work is performed under the following conditions:
Exposure to climate-controlled classroom settings to outside weather with temperatures ranging from mild/moderate to extreme cold/heat. May involve exposure to noise levels ranging from moderate to very loud on occasional to frequent time periods. May involve work in crowded environments.
Hazards: Classroom furniture, playground/office equipment, communicable diseases, chemicals (as related to specific assignment), and power/hand operated equipment and machinery (as related to specific assignment).
An Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer
The Elko County School District is an equal opportunity employer and will not knowingly
discriminate in any area of employment. Those include discriminatory recruiting and hiring
practices against any United States citizen or legal alien on the basis of race, color, creed,
religion, sex, age, marital status, national or ethnic origin, or disability and shall extend to
working conditions, training, promotion, and terms and conditions of employment.