Occupational Therapist Or CODA

Zuni Public Schools; Zuni Pueblo (NM); On-site; USD 65,928 - 83,796; Full time

Job summary

Zuni Public Schools is looking for an Occupational Therapist to provide essential services to students with disabilities. The position reports to the Director of Special Education and covers a contract length of 10 months. Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy, be licensed in New Mexico, and have experience working with children and special needs. Salary ranges from $65,928 to $83,796. The role requires collaboration with staff and families to maximize student independence and health.

Qualifications

• Possess current CPR certification.
• Experience and/or training with people with disabilities.
• Ability to conduct in‑services.

Responsibilities

• Provide occupational therapy services to students with disabilities.
• Evaluate, treat and consult individually or in groups.
• Develop and implement appropriate occupational therapy services.

Skills

Ability to communicate clearly in English

Ability to maintain confidentiality

Ability to work effectively with special needs students

Experience working with children

Knowledge of Medicaid reporting requirements

Signing abilities for hearing impaired

Skills in establishing team relationships

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Therapy

Licensed by the New Mexico Public Education Department

Certification from NM Occupational Therapy Licensing Board

Tools

Microsoft Office

Occupational Therapy equipment

Job description

Position: Occupational Therapist

Reports to: Director of Special Education

Site: District-Wide

Contract Length: 10 Month / 198 days

Salary: $65,928.00 to $83,796.00

Purpose

To provide occupational therapy services to students with disabilities as outlined in the Individual Education Plan (IEP), and/or as referred for assessment.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Therapy
• Licensed by the New Mexico Public Education Department
• Possess certification from the NM Occupational Therapy Licensing Board
• OR possess certification from the American Occupational Therapy Certification Board
• Knowledge of Medicaid reporting requirements
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing in English (Zuni preferred)
• Ability to perform duties in accordance with district requirements and Board of Education policies
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedures manuals
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence
• Ability to speak effectively before parents and staff
• Possession of or ability to obtain current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR); knowledge of universal precautions
• Possession of a valid driver’s license
• Experience in working with children
• Experience and/or training working with people with disabilities
• Experience working with a school district preferred
• Ability to work effectively with special needs students
• Ability to deal with behavior and crisis situations
• Signing abilities for hearing impaired preferred
• Ability to maintain logs, documentation and records
• Knowledge and experience with computers, preferably Microsoft Office and database system(s)
• Skills in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with others
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to recognize and report hazards and apply safe work methods
• Ability to conduct in‑services
• Able to perform the physical requirements of the position

Essential Duties

• Meet the Occupational Therapist competencies determined by the New Mexico Public Education Department
• Provide purposeful activity with individuals who are limited by physical injury or illness, psychosocial dysfunction, developmental or learning disabilities, poverty and cultural differences to maximize independence, prevent further disability and maintain health
• Evaluate, treat and consult individually or in groups
• Teach daily living skills
• Develop perceptual motor skills and sensory integration functions in students
• Develop play skills and pre‑vocational and leisure capacities in students
• Aid in selection and application of selected orthotic and prosthetic devices or other adaptive equipment
• Use specifically designed crafts and exercises to enhance functional performance
• Administer and interpret Occupational Therapy tests and evaluations
• Prepare evaluation reports and Individual Education Plans reports in a timely manner
• Adapt environments for the student with a disability as deemed necessary
• Maintain required records and comply with dates for state and federal reports
• Submit billing for Medicaid in a timely manner
• Conduct assessments of students with disabilities to determine the eligibility for occupational therapy services
• Review, analyze and interpret occupational therapy assessment reports presented to the IEP team for consideration of services
• Provide recommendations to the IEP team regarding the frequency and delivery of occupational therapy services
• Plan, schedule, implement and evaluate appropriate occupational therapy services and referral procedures
• Monitor student progress and develop an appropriate treatment plan to meet student individual needs
• Collaborate on the development of present levels of performance, goals and benchmarks in IEP meetings
• Evaluate the need for and provide training to staff and parents/guardians, as appropriate, for the use of adaptive equipment to meet student occupational therapy needs
• Develop an environment that promotes positive learning conditions
• Attend IEP meetings as appropriate
• Maintain accurate records and provide annual progress reports as needed
• Work professionally with administrators, staff, parents/guardians and community
• Record required student performance data
• Strive to improve and maintain job skills through in‑service training programs and other professional development opportunities
• Maintain high standards of ethical behavior and confidentiality
• Assist students with physical needs and/or the use of devices
• Supervise Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant if applicable
• Perform CPR, when necessary
• Perform assigned duties on a timely basis

Physical Functions

• Sit, stand, walk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, talk & hear, reach and lift up to 20 lbs frequently, up to 40 lbs occasionally
• Hand and eye coordination in operating student equipment and devices
• Usually work on even surfaces, may walk on uneven surfaces outdoors
• Exposed to various degrees of noise (talking, children at play, bells, etc.)
• Work in close proximity of other individuals
• General vision, corrected to 20/20, reads a multitude of records, correspondence and data
• Repetitive fine motor activities
• May be exposed to bodily fluids (diapers, saliva, etc.)

Mental Functions

• Work with deadlines, interruptions and frustrations
• Must be able to deal with employees, students and parents in a way that maintains goodwill
• Must be able to respond appropriately to supervision and accept recommendations
• Must be able to communicate both orally and in writing
• Make decisions about reports, communication information and data

Essential Equipment

• Classroom equipment: smart board, phone, fax, computer, calculator, printer, scanner, etc.
• Occupational Therapy equipment
• Student equipment: various devices, wheelchairs, etc.

Position Type: Support Staff

Date Posted: 6/21/2022

Location: Zuni Public School District

Closing Date: 07/15/2022