OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

Miami-Dade County Public Schools • Miami, FL

240d • $53,053

About The Position

Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS), an A-rated district, is the nation's third largest school system with nearly 500 schools and a diverse enrollment of more than 335,500 students from over 160 countries. Our ongoing tradition of groundbreaking achievement has earned top recognition at the national and international levels and makes M-DCPS your best choice. The school-centered Occupational Therapist is responsible for providing occupational therapy services to exceptional students. The therapist will treat individual student(s) or groups of students at one or more schools, carry out evaluations, write goals and objectives, and complete treatment plans on students. In addition, the Occupational Therapist will provide supervision to certified Occupational Therapist Assistants, and will carry out duties set forth by the supervisor of the occupational and physical therapy program.

Requirements

• Successful completion of both academic and clinical requirements for graduation from an approved curriculum in occupational therapy.
• Current licensure as a Registered Occupational Therapist by the Florida State Department of Professional Regulation.
• Experience in a pediatric setting is preferred.
• A personal vehicle is required as travel to more than one work location per day may be necessary to provide occupational therapy service to students.

Responsibilities

• Conducts formal initial evaluation of the student following referral by a physician.
• Coordinates the maintenance of the student's daily attendance, and ensures that all physicians' referrals and related medical data are current.
• Observes professional and medical ethics.
• Conforms to DCPS policies and procedures.
• Maintains the therapy area and equipment daily including sanitizing and cleaning mats.
• Coordinates and/or assists in the preparation of materials for student use.
• Coordinates all treatment sessions for identified students.
• Establishes realistic short-term and long-term treatment goals for the IEP, based on results of occupational therapy evaluations and considering all aspects of student's disability.
• Plans and implements appropriate treatment programs designed to meet the student's needs, including specific procedures and activities to be used; determines through the use of the State of Florida P.T. and O.T. reporting system the extent, frequency, and expected duration of treatment; and provides yearly IEP re-evaluations of students in the occupational therapy program.
• Develops plans, as needed, or makes appropriate recommendations for adaptive equipment, splints and/or modification of the classroom or school environment to accommodate the student.
• Shares student-status information regularly with physical therapists so that they may work as a unified team in providing comprehensive care for the student.
• Provides instruction in appropriate treatment procedures; handles techniques and supportive activities for students, teachers, teacher's aides and family members; supplies information by written descriptive instructions, when appropriate.
• Provides families with information, encouragement, and support to help motivate them in their performance of treatment activities.
• Prepares and keeps current all necessary record, including evaluations, progress notes, and records of communication.
• Keeps personal occupational therapy knowledge and skills current through reading and active participation in educational programs.
• Oversees the performance of assigned Certified Occupational Therapist Assistants, providing guidance, encouragement, and suggestions for student program implementation; ensures that records (evaluations, IEP's doctor's referrals) are current, treatment program is effective, and addresses any questions and/or concerns of the COTA regarding the student(s); and assumes responsibility for the co-signing of notes written by the COTA.
• Provides information that would enhance treatment and serves as an adjunct to therapy.
• Participates in DCPS inservice program.
• Assists in orientation and training of personnel new to the department.
• Confers periodically via telephone, written report, or personal appointment with the managing physician regarding student's status, progress, response to treatment and possible variations.
• Performs related work as required or as assigned by supervising administrator or his/her designee.

Benefits

• Starting Salary: $53,053.00 (includes 6% Referendum Retirement Accruing Supplement of $3,003)
• New hires may be eligible to receive credit for verified years of experience, which can enhance their starting salary.

What This Job Offers

• Industry: Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree