School
Northwest Georgia Charter Academy
Description
POSITION SUMMARY
Under the direction of the Federal Programs Director, the Occupational Therapist provides educational occupational therapy services to students (birth through age twenty-one) and IEP team members. The Occupational Therapist is responsible for the proper interpretation and performance of essential duties and responsibilities.
ESSENTIAL ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Screens and/or evaluates students who have been referred to occupational therapy in the areas of fine motor performance, coordination, postural stability, perceptual motor performance, sensory processing and self-regulation and activities of daily living/functional skills (such as written productions and classroom tool use) with emphasis on present level of performance as related to academic functioning
- Train special and general education staff, parents and other team members on specific interventions
- Consults and collaborates with teachers and other specialists regarding appropriate motor activities, self-help skills, sensory needs, adaptations, and special equipment or assistive devices as necessary
- Implement educational plans as described on individual IEP/IIIP/IFSP and provide information for building staff as needed. Provides monitoring, consultation, direct or indirect occupational therapy for selected students who are eligible for such services
- Maintains close communication with classroom teachers, other staff and parents concerning student’s performance
- Maintains accurate records of students evaluated and served in occupational therapy program; including assessment results, IEP progress and other documentation or reports as needed
- Participates in designated team meetings, individual education plan conferences and periodic reviews involving assessment, programming and reevaluation decisions
- Schedules occupational therapy evaluation and service times/locations with teachers and building principals
- Develops and provides formal and informal in-service programs for teachers and parents regarding occupational therapy
- Maintain appropriate records and reports
- Collect data on progress on goals and objectives for each student and meet all required timelines
- Conduct assessments, comprehensive report results, and follow Georgia state criteria in area(s) of special education eligibility as well as mandated timelines
- Acts as liaison between school district and community agencies, doctors and hospitals as needed to provide collaborative occupational therapy services
PROFESSIONAL/PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
Certain professional and personal characteristics are essential for success. The Occupational Therapist must:
- Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and ethical behavior consistent with the Georgia Code of Ethics for Educators
- Exhibit a passion for teaching and a belief in the potential of every child
- Communicate effectively with students, colleagues, and families
- Maintain flexibility, adaptability, and composure in a dynamic learning environment
- Collaborate productively with peers and contribute positively to the school community
- Display a growth mindset, embracing feedback and pursuing continuous professional growth
- Model empathy, patience, and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
QUALIFICATIONS
Required Credentials
- Must be licensed occupational therapist (OT)
- Experience in developing and implementing a variety of behavior strategies and interventions for effective programming, including functional behavioral assessments
- Experience implementing strategies for improving social skills
- Thorough knowledge of school rules, regulations and procedures; ability to establish and maintain standards of behavior
- Ability to deliver and articulate oral presentations and written reports
- Ability to effectively analyze needs and problems objectively
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with children, students, parents, staff, administration and the general public
- Perform all other related work delegated or required to accomplish the objectives of the total school program
- Knowledge of relevant technology including the use of technology such as i-pads to individualize instruction
- Must have the ability and proven ability to report to work on a regular and punctual basis
Preferred Credentials
- Prior experience as a school occupational therapist in a public/charter school
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
- Orders and maintains equipment and check out system
- Designs, orders or constructs adaptive equipment and assistive devices and other classroom support items
- Participates in in-services and organizational meetings for Special Services as well as school trainings to include the EL model of the school
- Participates in professional development by attending in-services, workshops, conferences and classes
- Maintains close communication with the Federal Programs Director
- Promotes school and community awareness of occupational therapy
- When requested, serves on school district and/or community policy-making committees in an advisory capacity
- Complies with School Board policies and all state/federal rules and regulations
- Completes all district and state reporting requirements
- Performs other duties as assigned
WORKING CONDITIONS & DEMANDS OF THE JOB
Mental and Physical Ongoing Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress; work with frequent interruptions/deadlines and prolonged or irregular hours; Frequent walking, standing, stooping, bending, pulling and pushing.
Mental and Physical Occasional Demands: Lifting and carrying 10-25 pounds frequently, 25-40 pounds occasionally; may be required under specific circumstances to provide physical restraint of students in danger of causing harm to themselves or others; travel to other locations as needed for training, supervision, or school events.
Environmental Ongoing Factors: Frequent exposure to temperature extremes (hot and cold), humidity extremes, noise.
Environmental Occasional Factors: Occasional exposure to: biological hazards (communicable diseases, bacteria, insects, mold, fungi, etc.)
WORK SCHEDULE & COMPENSATION
- Part-time per week as contracted to fulfill student needs
- Non-Exempt, part-time as contracted
- Calendar as per contracted
- Salary commensurate with experience
How to Apply
Click here to apply.
