JOB GOALS:

          To provide occupational therapy assessments and services that are necessary for the student to benefit from

his/her special education program.

          Will be an ambassador for Spencer County Public Schools and commit to offering excellent customer service

to students, parents, and staff.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Obtain physician approval for therapy and maintain open communication with appropriate medical personnel.

• Provide assessments for referred individuals which may include developmental level, sensorimotor, neuromuscular, fine motor, perceptual, self-help, and pre-vocational skills. 

• Develop long-term and annual goals based on the assessment to enhance motor development, improve self-help skills, and to improve classroom function. 

• Develop treatment plan to implement the therapy Provides activity suggestions for the classroom and the home, when appropriate. Maintain communication with the parents and school staff to help integrate the goals into the student's IEP. 

• Interpret results of the occupational therapy assessment to the parents and appropriate personnel. 

• Assist teachers and parents in techniques for positioning, handling, relaxation, feeding, and self-help skills; assists parents and teachers in modifying the environment and providing appropriate activities. 

• Determine, recommend, and oversee equipment and architectural modifications which will allow the student to function more independently. 

• Perform other duties as assigned. 

• Maintain regular attendance.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Principles and techniques of occupational therapy.
• Laws and regulations concerning medical records and therapeutic services.
• Neurology, anatomy, neuroanatomy and physiology.
• Crafts including materials and equipment required, analysis of physical requirements, analysis of exercise or other contributions as treatment for special disabilities, contraindications for use as treatment for specific disability or when other conditions exist.
• Methods, materials, and equipment used to alter existing or fabricate specialized equipment.
• Safety precautions including hazards associated with client's specific activities.
• Oral and written communication skills.
• Public speaking techniques.
• Research techniques.
• Record-keeping techniques.
• Principles of training and supervising staff.
• Health and safety regulations.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
• CPR

 ABILITY TO:

• Provide occupational therapy to eligible individuals.
• Determine and evaluate treatment.
• Plan, prepare, and make oral presentations.
• Communicate effectively with families of handicapped individuals.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
• Maintain records and prepare reports.
• Monitor and evaluate equipment needs.
• Prepare written evaluations and review medical and therapy reports.
• Read, interpret, apply and explain rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Maintain current knowledge of related technological advances and other matters.
• Lift heavy objects.
• Operate office and therapeutic equipment.
• Prioritize and schedule work.
• Meet schedules and time lines.
• Observe health and safety regulations.
• Perform CPR as required.

 EDUCATION, LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS: 

• Graduate of an accredited college with an occupational therapist assistant degree and Pass the Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) Exam.
• Valid Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) license issued by the State of  

 PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Work is performed while standing, sitting and/or walking.
• Requires the ability to communicate effectively using speech, vision and hearing.
• Requires the use of hands for simple grasping and fine manipulations.
• Requires bending, squatting, crawling, climbing, reaching.
• Requires the ability to lift, carry, push or pull weights, up to 30 pounds. 

FOR THIS TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT, STATE LAW REQUIRES A NATIONAL AND STATE CRIMINAL HISTORY BACKGROUND CHECK AND HAVE A LETTER, PROVIDED BY THE INDIVIDUAL, FROM THE CABINET FOR HEALTH AND FAMILY SERVICES STATING THE EMPLOYEE IS CLEAR TO HIRE BASED ON NO FINDINGS OF SUBSTANTIATED CHILD ABUSE OR NEGLECT FOUND THROUGH A BACKGROUND CHECK OF CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT RECORDS MAINTAINED BY THE CABINET FOR HEALTH AND FAMILY SERVICES AS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT