Occupational Therapist

Wake County Public School System; Cary (NC); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Wake County Public School System is seeking an Occupational Therapist to provide essential therapy services to support students with disabilities. This role requires considerable knowledge of occupational therapy methods and the ability to collaborate with educators and families, ensuring that students receive the appropriate support to thrive in a learning environment. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in occupational therapy, effective communication skills, and a commitment to helping students achieve their education goals.

Qualifications

• Considerable knowledge of occupational therapy practices.
• Strong communication skills for parent and colleague interactions.
• Ability to adapt therapy approaches for individual needs.

Responsibilities

• Provide occupational therapy interventions for students.
• Collaborate with staff to integrate therapy into education.
• Maintain documentation of therapy progress and plans.

Skills

Knowledge of occupational therapy principles

Ability to communicate clearly

Ability to motivate students

Knowledge of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

Ability to design equipment for individual needs

Education

Accredited Occupational Therapy degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Apps

Job description

Overview

POSITION TITLE (Oracle title)

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

WORKING TITLE

Occupational Therapist

SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT

Special Education Services (SES)

LOCATION

Crossroads II, Cary, NC

PAY GRADE

Occupational/Physical Therapy Salary Schedule

FLSA STATUS

Exempt

ELIGIBILITY FOR EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT

No

WORK WEEK SCHEDULE

Monday-Friday (occasional evenings and weekends)

POSITION PURPOSE:

Provides occupational therapy services in support of the federal civil rights law under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, section 504 (provides protection against discrimination for individuals with disabilities and general education students as part of the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) process). Ensures provided services align with the mission, vision, and core beliefs of Wake County School System (WCPSS).

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSAs)

• Considerable knowledge of the theory, principles and methods of occupational therapy;
• Considerable knowledge of school-based occupational therapy practices;
• Considerable knowledge of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) policy and procedure and section 504 policy and procedure;
• Considerable knowledge of Common Core State Standards, Extended Common Core State Standards, and the WCPSS curriculum implementation regarding policies governing services for students with disabilities;
• Considerable knowledge of Microsoft Office, specifically Microsoft Word, Excel, and Power Point; Google Apps;
• Ability to adapt or design equipment for individual needs;
• Ability to select and administer appropriate assessment and treatment activities;
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both in oral and written form using a variety of communication techniques and tools to ensure the appropriate flow of information, collaborative efforts, and feedback;
• Ability to guide the learning process toward achievement of established Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals;
• Ability to motivate students;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships, and build consensus with school administrators, teachers, support staff, central services staff, occupational therapists, and parents.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

• Successfully completed an accredited (by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE)) Occupational Therapy educational curriculum and the required supervised fieldwork as determined by the National Board of Certification for Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) Board;
• Three years of experience as an occupational therapist, preferably, in a public‑school system is preferred; newly licensed graduates will be considered.

* Only postbaccalaureate occupational therapy degree programs will be eligible to receive or maintain ACOTE accreditation status as of January 1, 2007 *

Postbaccalaureate: being, involving, or pursuing studies following the award of a baccalaureate degree

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

• Initial certification by NBCOT;
• Current license by North Carolina Board of Occupational Therapy (NCBOT);
• Must hold and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator’s license with a good driving record according to the State of NC requirements.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in occupational therapy from an accredited occupational therapy program;
• Experience in pediatric occupational therapy services.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Screens and evaluates children to determine needs for occupational therapy.
• Identifies occupational therapy goals for the child's individualized family service plan or the IEP.
• Provides occupational therapy interventions that enable children with disabilities to benefit from special education and to participate in the natural/general education environment.
• Collaborates with team members on reinforcement of strategies and use of assistive devices for accessing the curriculum and activities of daily living.
• Maintains communication with parents to discuss progress on goals and provide activities for home to reinforce skills.
• Completes required documentation including evaluations, progress notes, individualized family service plans, IEPs, service logs, and quarterly progress reports in a timely manner.
• Participates in staff meetings and professional development activities.
• Participates in individualized family service plan and IEP meetings, team meetings, and parent conferences.
• Performs other related duties, as assigned.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This position operates in a professional office and has a noise level of mostly low to moderate. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, scanners, and copiers. The position, at times, must be able to come into direct contact with school system staff, students, parents, staff members of external funding agencies, and the community. Work is considered medium physical work, requiring the exertion of up to 50 pounds occasionally, and/or 25 pounds of frequently, and/or 20 pounds of constantly. The work frequently requires driving automotive equipment.

EFFECTIVE DATE: 10/2023

DISCLAIMER: The above statements are intended to describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this position. They are not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required by the employees assigned to this position. This description may be revised by HR and approved at any time.