A-5 Occupational Therapist [Salary Range $57,110-$75,000]

WORKFORCE DIVERSITY STATEMENT:
The Newington Public Schools is dedicated to recruiting, hiring, growing and retaining a culturally diverse workforce that represents the racial, ethnic, and linguistic diversity of our community - to challenge student achievement and realize equity for all in our schools.  To achieve this, we value and strive for the highest levels of:

• Family and Community Engagement;
• Culturally Relevant Organizational Practices;
• School Climate;
• Student-Centered Learning;
• Diverse Staff of Excellent Educators;
• Equitable Student Access; and Fiscal Equity

We are interested in candidates who are passionate around these values; candidates who represent the racial, ethnic, and linguistic diversity of our community; and candidates who will engage fully in our continuous improvement efforts to achieve equity for all.

This is a 10 month school year position. Please note: The district's expectation is for this position to work our Extended School Year (ESY) Program for additional pay.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

The occupational therapist, as a member of the educational team, supports the education of students suspected of and/or diagnosed with a disability in their least restrictive environment. The occupational therapist develops, implements and coordinates a physical therapy program within the district; providing screening, evaluation and intervention services

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

The following statements of duties and responsibilities are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. These statements are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required of all personnel within this position.

• Ensures safety of students
• Maintain student service, administrative and other departmental records in accordance with the district, state and federal policies
• Adhere to professional, ethical and legal standards of practice
• Implement and coordinate the occupational therapy program within the district
• Evaluate students using appropriate tests, skilled professional observation and supplementary information from other agencies and records
• Interpret assessment findings and appropriately convey information to parents and school teams
• Participate with the school team to develop Individualized Education Programs and Section 504 Plans
• Develop and implement intervention strategies
• Develop occupational therapy management plan for daily classroom routines and train staff in its safe implementation
• Plan for transition from school to community, preparing student to function independent from occupational service when targeted outcomes are achieved
• Evaluate and report on student progress
• Communicate, collaborate, and consult with school staff, parents, administrators, physicians, community and other professionals
• Collaborate with other healthcare providers for effective coordination of service
• Provide guidance to students to promote their educational development
• Observe ethics of the teaching profession; exhibit professional behavior, emotional stability and sound judgment
• Maintain respect for confidential information, e.g. student educational/medical records and assessments including psychological evaluations
• Attend meetings and in-services as required by the Building Principal or Director of Pupil Services

ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
 

• May perform additional tasks and duties as requested. 

 REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to implement proper mechanics when lifting students or equipment.
• Effective interpersonal, time management and communication skills with parents, staff and students.  
• Ability to use computer applications and software.
• Ability to organize work and meet service objectives efficiently.
• Knowledge of Federal and State laws and regulations regarding the provision of services.
• Knowledge and ability to analyze problems, develop and implement programs as well as activities to address these problems.
• Ability to work independently with minimum supervision.

REQUIRED PHYSICAL AND MENTAL EFFORT AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

(The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)

• Exposure to video display terminals on a daily basis.
• Ability to sit/stand continuously for prolonged periods of time.
• Ability to move equipment up to fifty (50) pounds.
• Assist in the transferring and lifting of students into equipment, seating or onto an exercise mat.
• Ability to access all areas of the school including the classroom, cafeteria, bathrooms, auditorium, buses, stairs, play equipment, etc.
• Ability to hear normal sounds with some background noise and communicate effectively.
• Ability to concentrate on detailed and complex matters with constant interruption within a school setting.
• Ability to attend to tasks/functions for more than 60 minutes at a time.
• Ability to remember multiple tasks/assignments given to self, and others over a long period of time. 

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

The skills and knowledge required:

• Meeting all education standards required for licensure by the Connecticut Department of Health.
• Experience in providing occupational therapy in a school setting. 

LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE:

• Valid license from the Connecticut Department of Public Health 

Note:  The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities.  It is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task or responsibility.