Occupational Therapist

Tuscarora Intermediate Unit 11; McVeytown (PA); On-site; USD 62,500 - 74,564; Full time

Job summary

Tuscarora Intermediate Unit 11 is seeking an Occupational Therapist to support physically handicapped students during a 190-day school year. Starting salary ranges from $62,499 to $74,564 depending on experience and education.

The OT will assess students, plan therapy programs, and coordinate with the IEP team under the supervision of the Supervisor of Special Education. Valid PA OT license and school-based clearances are required.

Qualifications

• Must possess an Occupational Therapy License to practice in Pennsylvania.
• Experience working as an occupational therapist in educational settings is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform and interpret tests and procedures to evaluate the needs of physically handicapped students.
• Assist the multidisciplinary team in the comprehensive assessment for appropriate educational programs.
• Plan and implement therapy programs based on evaluations and physician approval.
• Link therapy with IEP goals and objectives in sensory motor and gross motor areas.
• Provide assessment data and recommendations on intervention strategies.
• Communicate evaluation results to parents and suggest home interventions when appropriate.
• Serve as liaison between school and community-based therapy programs.
• If certified, fulfill School-Based Access Program (SBAP) functions.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Supervisor of Special Education.

Skills

English communication

Written English

Interpersonal skills

Travel readiness

Physical strength

Collaboration

Education

PA Occupational Therapy License

Experience in educational settings

Job description

The Tuscarora Intermediate Unit has an opening for an Occupational Therapist. This is a 190-day position. Starting salary is $62,499-$74,564 based on experience and education.

Applicants must apply via Applitrack and complete the online application. To be considered for an open position, applicants must upload the following required clearances:

• Act 24 Arrest and Conviction Report
• Act 34 Pennsylvania Criminal History Clearance
• Act 151 Pennsylvania Child Abuse Clearance
• Act 114 Federal Criminal History Clearance

Links to these clearances can be found here: https://www.tiu11.org/human-resources/

The Occupational Therapist shall be directly responsible to the assigned Supervisor of Special Education for supervision and evaluation.

Fundamental Duties/Essential Functions

• Perform and interpret appropriate tests and procedures which aid in the evaluation of the needs of physically handicapped students.
• Assist the multidisciplinary team in the comprehensive assessment of a student so that appropriate and adequate educational programs and services are considered as part of the team decision making process.
• Plan and implement therapy programs on the basis of evaluations, following referral and approval of the program by the physician.
• Consult with the teacher to effectively link therapy with IEP goals and objectives in the sensory motor and gross motor areas.
• Provide assessment data and recommendations about intervention strategies and expert knowledge in specific areas of a child's development through periodic progress reports.
• Consult with parents regarding evaluation results, as well as making recommendations to the parent about any interventions that can be done at home.
• Function as a liaison between the school and community-based therapy program.
• Any employee who completes certification and/or licensure requirements shall fulfill School- Based Access Program (SBAP) functions.
• Perform other tasks as assigned by the designated Supervisor of Special Education.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Individuals must possess these skills, knowledge and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.

• Knowledge of the Pennsylvania Special Education Regulations and Standards.
• Knowledge of occupational therapy assessment procedures and therapy methods.
• Ability to orally communicate effectively in English with others in all levels of group and individual contacts.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing, using the English language.
• Ability to provide personal, reliable vehicle for own travel requirements.
• Ability to exert up to 50 pounds of force, occasionally, to lift, carry, push, or otherwise move equipment/supplies including students.
• Willingness to conduct therapy in various physical settings to include homes, schools, community centers, etc.
• Ability to employ interpersonal skills so as to effectively collaborate with school staff, parents and agency personnel.

Qualification Standards

• Education: Possess an Occupational Therapy License to practice in Pennsylvania.
• Experience: Prior experience as an occupational therapist in educational settings is preferred.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee. Employees will be required to follow any other job related instructions and to perform any other job related duties required by their supervisor.