Per Diem Occupational Therapist/COTA

CAPS Collaborative•Westminster, MA

About The Position

CAPS Collaborative is seeking a per diem/substitute occupational therapist or certified occupational therapy assistant to provide occupational therapy services to students. Services include assessment, intervention, program planning and implementation, discharge planning, and communication. Services may be direct or consultative and are provided in accordance with each student's Individualized Education Plan (IEP). The role works collaboratively with students, families, school staff, and other disciplines to support students' participation in the educational environment and transition to the least restrictive environment in their home school district. The occupational therapist or COTA develops and monitors evidence-based interventions, evaluates student needs, documents services, and supports classroom access through adaptations, training, and collaboration.

Requirements

Licensed by the Massachusetts Board of Allied Health Professionals.
Function according to the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.
Understand the special education process and the occupational therapist's role in the educational environment.
Ability to work independently and seek appropriate resources and support.
Strong management, written communication, and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to lift up to 35 pounds multiple times during the workday.
Ability to frequently carry items weighing up to 15 pounds.
Ability to stand and walk for long periods of time.
Ability to squat, bend, kneel, reach, jump, and run as needed during the workday.

Responsibilities

Plan, implement, and monitor interventions in accordance with each student's IEP, addressing areas such as academic performance, fine and gross motor functioning, positioning, daily living skills, play and leisure skills, and vocational skills.
Collaborate with other disciplines to build team understanding of student performance, strengths, and needs through evaluation, educational program planning, and service delivery.
Perform screenings and evaluations using functional, behavioral, and standardized assessments, checklists, skilled observation, record review, and interviews.
Synthesize evaluation findings into comprehensive written reports describing strengths and barriers to participation in the educational environment, and use findings to guide program development and evidence-based intervention.
Participate in multidisciplinary meetings to review evaluation results, integrate findings, offer recommendations, and develop IEPs.
Develop evidence-based intervention plans to achieve IEP goals.
Assess and make environmental or other adaptations that allow students to access and benefit from the educational environment.
Coordinate and participate in equipment and orthotic clinics and provide documentation to third-party payers as needed.
Train special education teachers, paraprofessional staff, and others as appropriate to promote carryover of activities, positioning, and adaptations.
Monitor and reassess intervention effects and determine whether occupational therapy should continue, be modified, or be discontinued.
Document occupational therapy services for accountability and, as appropriate, reimbursement standards.
Maintain clinical and administrative records in accordance with professional standards, state guidelines, and agency requirements.
Provide supervision of certified occupational therapy assistants in accordance with state guidelines.
Follow federal and state legislation, regulations, and policies that affect occupational therapy practice.
Provide fieldwork education and supervision for occupational therapy and occupational therapy assistant students.
Use professional literature, evidence-based research, and continuing education to inform practice decisions.
Use the AOTA Code of Ethics to guide ethical decision-making.
Prioritize and schedule work tasks independently.
Maintain professional boundaries and student and staff confidentiality within the educational team.
Stay informed about current literature and resources and participate in staff meetings and professional development opportunities.