Occupational Therapist

Definition

Definition: Under general supervision from the Student Support Director, the Occupational Therapist provides quality school-based occupation therapy services, which includes evaluating and assessing students functional development level, providing information for program development and student placement, improving student performance, intervention and communication on child development and/or issues on specific students to instructional personnel.

Primary Job Functions

Primary functions may include the following tasks, knowledge, abilities, skills, and other characteristics. This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of tasks performed by all positions within this classification.

Examples of Tasks

Essential Components of the Job

Individual Student Planning

• Accurately and appropriately interprets and utilizes student data.
• Collaborates with parents/guardians and educators to assist students with educational, career and life planning.
• Assesses students' fine motor skills and developmental skills for the purpose of determining their deficits and developing recommendations.
• Consults with and instructs teachers, parents, other personnel and/or outside professionals for the purpose of providing requested information, developing plans for services and/or making recommendations
• Facilitates meetings (IEP conferences, parent meetings, in-service training, site meetings, etc.) for the purpose of developing plans and/or providing information regarding students' functional goals
• Participates in meetings (IEP conferences, parent meetings, in-service training, site meetings, etc.) for the purpose of developing plans and/or providing information regarding students' functional goals
• Prepares documentation (evaluations, observations, progress contacts with parents, teachers and outside professionals, etc.) for the purpose of providing written support, developing recommendations and/or conveying information

Preventive and Responsive Service

• Provides individual and group services to students with identified concerns and needs.
• Screens students for the purpose of determining the need for further individualized assessment
• Consults and collaborates effectively with parents/guardians, teachers, administrators, and other educational/community resources regarding students with identified concerns and needs.
• Functions as a member of an effective referral and follow-up process as needed.
• Accurately and appropriately uses assessment procedures for determining and structuring individual and group services.
• Provides assistance to families with the referral process
• Conducts training sessions for staff, parents, and other community-members in areas of motor to enhance the support system and advocacy for students.
• Provides advocacy to students in their efforts to access and require supplementary services to meet their needs from school, local, and other resources (medical, dental, psychological, economic, etc.) available to students.
• Adheres to laws, policies, and ethical standards of the school counseling profession.

System Support

• Provides classroom support, coaching and consultation for teachers and staff.
• Provides suggestions and support in the areas of classroom setup, planning activities and useful techniques for working with special needs children.
• Assists teachers, parents/guardians, and other stakeholders in interpreting and understanding student data.
• Participates in professional development activities to improve knowledge and skills.
• Uses available technology resources to enhance the special education services and program.
• Researches resources and methods for the purpose of determining the appropriate approach for address student' functional goals

Accountability

• Assesses school site facilities for the purpose of ensuring accessibility in compliance with state and federal regulations
• Collects and analyzes data to guide program direction and emphasis.
• Completes monthly reports and keeps up to date documented files on each student seen.
• Monitors student performance as it relates to motor function and facilitates appropriate interventions.
• Maintains data and information regarding students in a confidential matter in accordance with Privacy Act, Confidentiality Act, the Counseling Profession ethical requirements, and other applicable standards and ethical requirements.
• Conducts duties and responsibilities in accordance with SRPMIC School Board Policies and Procedures.

Other

• Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics

A willingness to learn and understand:

• The History, culture, traditions, and customs of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.
• Education Division policy and procedures
• Education Division and Tribal Government general policies and procedures.

Knowledge of:

• Childhood learning concepts, principles, theories and their application to the educational needs of the Pima and Maricopa people.
• Various techniques used to help individuals who are emotionally, mentally, physically, or developmentally disabled
• Methods used in an educational setting to improve functional motor skills
• How an educational system operates and the necessary Federal and State critical components that are involved within its operation
• Governmental regulations associated with IEPs

Skilled in:

• Computer programs including MS Office Suite and Internet usage
• Assessing, reviewing and recording information
• Oral and written communication/interpersonal skills

Ability to:

• Make home visits within the Community
• Compile reports
• Emphasize integration of motor therapies within the general educational curriculum
• Plan, organize and implement intervention strategies using the continuum of service delivery approach in accordance with student's needs
• Interpret assessment results and uses the results to develop individual plans and strategies
• Maintain records of student's activities and progress
• Engage in decision-making with other collaborators in regards to writing goals and objectives for an Individualized Education Plan
• Facilitate transition among agencies, programs, and other professionals as service provision changes occur
• Work in an environment where frequent interruptions occur and priorities are often shifted

Minimum Qualifications

Education and experience: Bachelor's Degree from accredited college or university in Occupational Therapy approved by the American Occupational Therapy Association. One (1) year of clinical experience, sensory integration, or pediatric experience preferred.

Driving Requirement:This job description does not require the incumbent to drive; however, any employee who chooses or is asked to drive any vehicle for work related community business must receive written annual authorization to do so. For clarification, work related community business includes driving to and from SRPMIC government sites and buildings.

Equivalency: Any equivalent combination of education and/or experience that would allow the candidate to satisfactorily perform the duties of this position, will be considered.

Underfill Eligibility: An enrolled Community Member whom closely qualifies for the minimum qualifications for a position may be considered for employment under SRPMIC Policy 2-19, Underfill.

Special Requirements

Terms of Employment: This position is treated as a full-time exempt position scheduled for 40 hours per week.

Must be able to pass a Pre-Employment Drug Test and extensive Fingerprint and Background Check. Employee is Subject to Random Drug Testing and completion of a Background Check every five (5) years.

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills that may be required.

Prior to hire as an employee, applicants will be subject to drug and alcohol testing. Will be required to pass a pre-employment background/fingerprint check.

"SRPMIC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer" Preference will be given to a qualified : Community Member Veteran, Community Member, Spouse of Community Member, qualified Native American, and then other qualified candidate.

In order to obtain preference, the following is required: 1) Qualified Community Member Veteran (DD-214) will be required at the time of application submission 2) Qualified Community Member (must provide Tribal I.D at time of application submission),3) Spouse of a Community Member (Marriage License/certificate and spouse Tribal ID or CIB is required at time of application submission), and 4) Native American (Tribal ID or CIB required at time of application submission).

Documents may be submitted by one of the following methods:

1) attach to application

2) fax (480) 362-5860

3) mail or hand deliver to Human Resources.

Documentation must be received by position closing date.

The IHS/BIA Form-4432 is not accepted .

Your Tribal ID/CIB must be submitted to HR-Recruitment-Two Waters.

Benefits:

The SRPMIC offers a comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental, vision, life, disability insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan. In addition employees enjoy vacation and sick leave and 13 paid holidays.