Occupational Therapist

The Canton Public Schools is looking for a dynamic, flexible and highly skilled Occupational Therapist who values equity, social emotional learning and provides access to engaging learning experiences for all students. Qualified candidates will have demonstrated success in building and sustaining strong relationships with students and families, and value ongoing collaboration with colleagues.

JOB SUMMARY

Provides occupational therapy treatment to special needs students’ educational programs. This job administers occupational therapy assessments to determine a student’s level of functioning relative to their age and educational placement in such areas as fine/gross motor skill development, sensory-motor integration, self-care, and the activities of daily living.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES (include but are not limited to) :

1. Provides occupational therapy services, as identified through the IEP/504 plan, to students enrolled in the educational programs of the Canton Public Schools
2. Administers occupational therapy assessments to determine a student’s level of functioning relative to their age and educational placement in such areas as fine/gross motor skill development, sensory-motor integration, self-care, and the activities of daily living.
3. Writes assessment reports identifying the student’s needs and proposed treatment strategies; writes individual student goals and objectives as part of the IEP; maintains progress records; participates in the IEP meeting.
4. Develops occupational treatment plans and goals for rehabilitative care to improve student functional abilities and enhance their ability to learn.
5. Develops occupational therapy treatment plans based on the educational goals for eligible students to improve the student’s functional abilities within the school and naturalistic settings, in collaboration with the IEP team.
6. Monitors therapy programs and consults with educational staff regarding inclusion of appropriate occupational therapy treatment strategies into the educational program; evaluates the efficacy of the established program and makes modifications within the framework of the IEP process as necessary.
7. Participates in meetings between Canton Public School staff and families on the appropriate implementation of programs; collaborates and coordinates occupational therapy goals with the educational program.
8. Demonstrates educational and developmental strategies to students and families for successful home interventions
9. Provides interpretation and summaries of assessment reports to families; recommends appropriate activities and materials designed to support motor goals in the home.
10. Consults and collaborates with medical and community agencies that interact with Canton Public School staff regarding occupational therapy services for students.
11. Adapts equipment to assure proper positioning and to enhance functional performance of the student, addressing the student’s neuromuscular deficits and needs. May include design and fabrication of equipment or recommendations for purchase of adaptive equipment as needed.
12. Maintains an in-depth knowledge of the laws and policies governing Special Education in Massachusetts, particularly as they pertain to the delivery of occupational therapy services.
13. Consults with other members of the educational team regarding the mandated and best practice roles of occupational therapists.
14. Administers occupational therapy programs as needed in terms of budget recommendations, space, and equipment recommendations.
15. Performs related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

1. Intellectual, sensory, and physical development of children and young adults;
2. Application of occupational therapy techniques utilized in the assessment and treatment of children with disabilities;
3. Educational and developmental needs of children and young adults;
4. Theory of physical and mental rehabilitation underlying the practices of occupational therapy;
5. Principles, methods, and objectives of occupational therapy treatment, services, techniques of skeletal anatomy, neuromuscular function and dysfunction; kinesiology and occupational therapy modalities;
6. Principles of consultation, training, and supervision;
7. Accurately assess the developmental status and educational needs of children and young adults;
8. Develop and implement treatment plans, goals, and objectives
9. Provide consultation to classroom teachers; explain and provide training on occupational therapy;
10. Effective oral and written communication skills;
11. Maintain records and prepare comprehensive reports;
12. Work as a member of the IEP team, using current best practice clinical skills for working with children with moderate physical disabilities and learning challenges;

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Registered with the American Occupational Therapy Association and/or certified with the National Board of Occupational Therapy
2. A Master’s Degree is preferred
3. Three years of clinical experience in pediatric therapy with emphasis on developmental disabilities and working in an educational setting. Experience in working collaboratively with teams and families is desired.
4. Demonstrated success in building and sustaining strong relationships with students and families and value ongoing collaboration with colleagues
5. Sensitivity to the needs of children and parents of different ethnic, cultural, language, educational, and economic backgrounds;
6. Possession of effective work strategies including flexibility, good organization skills, time management, and ability to work independently and prioritize multiple work tasks.
7. Employment-based on successful completion of CORI and fingerprinting background
8. Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the school department may find appropriate and acceptable