Occupational Therapist- Schools

SUMMARY OF POSITION

Organizes, develops and implements a school-based occupational therapy program by providing services to children with exceptional educational needs and to educational staff when children require occupational therapy to benefit from special education as regulated by federal, state and local guidelines. Work to improve, develop, restore or maintain a child’s cognitive integration and cognitive components of performance, psychosocial skills and psychological components of performance, active participation in self-maintenance, work, leisure and play in educational environments. Consistent with state and federal law, school occupational therapists are related service personnel.

DUTIES AND RESPONSBILITIES

Essential Functions:

• Assist with recommendations for universal classroom modifications.
• Conduct appropriate evaluations of children referred, interpret evaluation findings and prepare written reports of the evaluation.
• Participate in and be a collaborative member of the Individual Education Program (IEP) team.
• Participate in the development of IEPs by contributing educationally appropriate occupational therapy and related goals and objectives to the IEP document.
• Provide direct and indirect occupational therapy services to the children in educational environments.
• Collaborate with other school personnel regarding occupational therapy and the children’s needs.
• Travel to and among schools to provide services to children.
• Maintain timely and accurate records, to include daily documentation, Medicaid billing logs, IEPs, quarterly and annual progress reports, IEPs and any additional reports required by the school district.
• Maintain and submit accurate records required by MJ Care i.e., monthly billing sheets, timesheets, mileage in accordance with policy and procedures.
• Provide occupational therapy services to the designated school district for the specified hours and specified student caseload as indicated and directed by the school district administrator and the MJ Care Vice President – School Based Therapy Services.
• Adhere to established federal, state and local rules, regulations and laws related to occupational therapy services in the schools.
• Adhere to the ethical standards of the profession.
• Participate in professional growth and continuing education activities.
• Participate in the local education agency’s comprehensive planning process for the children with special education needs.
• Supervise occupational therapy assistants when necessary.
• Provide information for administrators, school personnel and parents regarding occupational therapy services.
• Provide in-person or telehealth services as appropriate.
• Follow infection control policy and practices of MJ Care and assigned school.

General Responsibilities:

• Adheres to and supports the mission of MJ Care, Inc.
• Understands, adheres to, and upholds the values of MJ Care, Inc.
• Understands, adheres to, and upholds the Code of Conduct for MJ Care, Inc.
• Promotes continuous process improvements.
• Delivers service aligned with department guiding principles.
• Responsible for maintaining strict confidentiality of information and records at all times.
• Displays commitment to continuous learning, including own professional development as well as sharing information and learning with other team members.
• Safely transport and transfer student as necessary, with or without assistance, following proper policy/procedure. 
• In case of emergency/disaster, safely transport person by stairs to evacuate per disaster policies. 
• Maintains compliance with TB and flu requirements for MJ Care and assigned facilities.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Degree in Occupational Therapy from a school accredited by the American Occupational Therapy Association. 
• Current Department of Public Instruction license in good standing required for Wisconsin positions
• Current state license and/or certification to provide occupational therapy services in good standing.

Experience

• 1+ year of experience preferred.

Skills and Knowledge

• Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Office and billing software. Ability to accurately and efficiently use electronic medical records system.
• Strong communication skills including concentration, ability to learn, and good listening.
• Accurate problem solving, organization, attention to detail, and math skills.
• Ability to interact in a personal and professional manner with at all levels with internal and external customers.
• Ability to work as a collaborative team member.
• Knowledge and skills to care for the physical and developmental needs of the population age groups that will be receiving services.
• Ability to remain calm in emergency or crisis situations and provide adequate assistance.
• Valid driver’s license in the state you reside, acceptable driving record, reliable vehicle, and proof of valid auto insurance per state requirements.

LEVEL I ACCESS

Protects access of Personal Health Information specific to the patients assigned to them for the purposes of screenings, consultations, evaluations, mandatory site-specific meetings, chart audits, payment and health care operations and therapy. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS

While performing the duties of this job, the associate is frequently required to talk and hear; stand and walk; bend and/or kneel; squat, balance, and/or crawl; reach above shoulder level; push, pull, and/or twist up to 75lbs; walk up/down stairs; lift and/or carry up to 50lbs; and use fine dexterity. Specific vision abilities required by this job include being able to read documents, read computer screen, and observe students and work space. Specific hearing abilities required by the job include being able to hear in a moderately loud work environment (open area with multiple people conversing). Job includes risk of biohazard (i.e. blood borne pathogen). Works in limited space with equipment or exposed to equipment not conducive to pacemakers. Job requires use of protective equipment including but not limited to gown, gloves, and face protection.