School-Based Occupational Therapist: Empower Student Growth

Sylvania; Lovington (NM); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Lovington Municipal Schools is seeking an Occupational Therapist to deliver school-based OT services, evaluating students, planning interventions, and coordinating with the IEP team to meet educational goals.

You will work within the school environment, collaborating with educators and families, ensuring compliant practice and ongoing development of motor skills and adaptive equipment as needed.

Qualifications

• Must be licensed by the New Mexico Occupational Therapist Regulation and Licensing Board and the State Department of Education.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university program in physical therapy is required for licensing.
• Must obtain a minimum of 2.0 CEU/s (20 Hours) per year for licensure requirement.
• O.T. Licensure must be renewed every by the N.M. Regulation and Licensing Dept. Occupational Therapy Board.
• Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Superintendent may find appropriate and acceptable.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate knowledge of handicapping conditions and their effects on sensory, motor, psychosocial and cognitive development of students with disabilities.
• Demonstrate knowledge of local, federal and state regulations and procedures pertaining to the provision of occupational therapy services in the school setting.
• Demonstrate knowledge of major theories, treatment procedures and research relevant to providing occupational therapy services for children with disabilities.
• Select, administer and interpret appropriate assessment instruments and procedures taking into consideration the student’s age, developmental level, disability and educational needs.
• Assess the functional performance of students with disabilities within the school environment.
• Engage in consensus decision making as a member of the IEP team.
• Plan and implement intervention strategies using direct therapy, monitoring and consultation.
• Communicate effectively (orally and in writing) with education personnel, administrators, parents and community members.
• Explain the role of occupational therapy within the educational setting to education personnel, administrators, parents and community members.
• Document assessment and intervention results in the proper manner for a school setting and to relate this information to the educational goals of the student.
• Develop, implement, evaluate and modify according to a physical therapy program within a school setting.
• Provide services to special education students determined eligible through the evaluation/placement/review process.
• Direct therapeutic services aimed at the prevention of increased disability where possible.
• Develop compensatory motor skills.
• Identification, adaptation and adjustment of equipment (if needed).
• Provide instructional recommendations to be carried out in the classroom.
• Assess students’ progress toward master of goals/objectives established in the IEP.
• Provide supervision to any COTA (Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant) or OT Aide providing services in the schools.
• Conduct assessment of students referred through the evaluation process.
• Participate in the program plan for individual students.
• Provide intervention for student’s identified as needing service by the IEP team.
• Demonstrate management skills.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in physical therapy

OT Licensure required by NM Board and Dept of Education

Job description

Lovington Municipal Schools is seeking an Occupational Therapist to deliver school-based OT services, evaluating students, planning interventions, and coordinating with the IEP team to meet educational goals.

You will work within the school environment, collaborating with educators and families, ensuring compliant practice and ongoing development of motor skills and adaptive equipment as needed.