Occupational Therapist

Schenectady City School District; City of Schenectady (NY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Schenectady City School District, Schenectady, NY, is seeking an Occupational Therapist to evaluate, plan, and provide school-based therapy per physician prescriptions. You will work under administrative direction from school leadership and may supervise staff.

The role involves coordinating with teachers and allied professionals, maintaining confidential records, and contributing to the district's commitment to student progress and independence through therapeutic activities.

Qualifications

• Licensed and registered by the New York State Education Department as an Occupational Therapist.

Responsibilities

• Performs occupational therapy procedures from physician prescription or referral.
• Evaluates student function and disability.
• Maintains records: evaluations, reevaluations, progress notes and treatment summaries.
• Participates in development of individualized education plans (IEPs).
• Develops district OT policies and procedures.
• Creates prescriptions for therapy as part of the IEP.
• Assists students to gain independence using adaptive devices and self-help techniques.
• Participates in team staffings and parent/teacher conferences.

Skills

Occupational therapy

Evaluation & planning

Collaboration with school staff

Job description

Job Description:

LOCATION: Schenectady City School District

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST (SCHOOL DISTRICT)

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

This position exists in a school district and involves responsibility for evaluating, planning and providing occupational therapy treatment to students in accordance with written prescription or referral from a physician who provides medical direction. Administrative direction is received from the school principal and/or director of individualized pupil services relative to scheduling and recordkeeping. General supervision may be exercised over a variety of technically trained personnel. The incumbent does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

• Performs occupational therapy procedures upon the written prescription or referral from a physician, utilizing a creative activity which may be manual, industrial, recreational or educational designed and/or adapted to correct or remedy any disability;
• Evaluates the degree of function and disability of students unless contraindicated by professional judgment or a physician's order;
• Records on students' records evaluations, reevaluations, progress notes, consultations and treatment summaries;
• Participates with other school personnel in the formulation of students' individual education plans.
• Develops or assists in the development of district occupational therapy policies and procedures;
• Develops a written prescription to be incorporated into the individualized educational plan for each student to receive therapy services;
• Develops and applies adaptive assistance devices and/or self-help techniques to aide students achieve maximum independence;
• Participates in Comprehensive Support Service Team staffings;
• Participates in parent and teacher conferences relative to occupational therapy procedures;
• Establishes and maintains communications with physicians and community agencies working with the students.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES & PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Good knowledge of the principles, techniques and practices of occupational therapy; good knowledge of the operation and minor maintenance of apparatus and equipment used in occupational therapy; working knowledge of community resources available to support or supplement the occupational therapy program; ability to evaluate, plan and execute treatments for students; ability to get along well with others.

About Schenectady City Schools

With a population of nearly 10,000 students, the Schenectady City School District is one of the largest in the Capital Region. With an incredibly diverse population we are committed to ensuring that all children feel valued, are safe and will learn. We place the highest priority on a culture of equity, ensuring that race, economics, and disability are never predictors of student achievement. Every child in our district counts and will be supported each step of the way, along the path to graduation.

The Schenectady City School District is committed to hiring members of protected classes and residents of the City of Schenectady. For more information on the District’s recruitment and hiring plan, please contact the Human Resources Office at 881-2000 ext. 40133. The Schenectady City School District does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, creed, disability, marital status, veteran status, national origin, race or gender. This policy is in compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Regulations and By-Laws of the Board of Education of the Schenectady City School District.

Minimum Qualifications

• MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Candidates must be licensed and registered by the New York State Education Department as an Occupational Therapist.
• NOTE: The essential functions of this job are determined by the department/jurisdiction where the job is located.
• This position is a provisional civil service appointment and applicant must meet civil service requirements including residency in New York State. Successful candidates are required to take civil service exam when offered.