SY 26-27 Occupational Therapist

School District of Philadelphia•Philadelphia, PA

23d•Hybrid

About The Position

Provides occupational therapy services to students to enhance their ability to participate in their educational program. Services are delivered in various settings including schools for the orthopedically impaired, schools with special classes for the physically challenged, licensed private facilities, and the residences of homebound students. The role often involves itinerant services and a multidisciplinary approach, collaborating with parents, staff, personal care providers, and community/medical agencies to create a comprehensive treatment program. The goal is to improve student access to their educational program, aligning with the District's educational philosophy and goals.

Requirements

Possession of a valid license to practice as an Occupational Therapist as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in occupational therapy.
OR Any combination of training which includes the completion of a bachelor's degree program and which meet the requirements of the Pennsylvania State Board of Occupational Therapy.
Demonstrated knowledge of the principles, practices, methods, materials, and techniques used in occupational therapy.
Demonstrated knowledge of possible hazards to patients during treatment and of necessary precautionary and remedial measures and techniques.
Demonstrated knowledge of community organizations and facilities, especially those involved in services for individuals with disabilities.
Demonstrated knowledge of the psychological and educational processes involved in the treatment of the severely and profoundly mentally challenged and the physically and orthopedically challenged.
Demonstrated ability to understand, interpret, and implement the oral and written instructions of a physician.
Demonstrated ability to select, apply, and adapt materials and methods appropriate for the therapeutic treatment of physically challenged children and young adults.
Demonstrated ability to gain the confidence and cooperation of pupils while rendering therapeutic services and instruct them, their parents, teachers, and staff in understanding and dealing with disabilities and health problems.
Demonstrated ability to prepare and maintain thorough and comprehensive records and reports.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Responsibilities

Proactively implements school-based therapy to enhance student access and progress in their educational program, including adaptations to materials and methods for writing, self-care, and leisure activities.
Participates in the 504/Individualized Education Program (IEP) process, determining the need for physical therapy as a related service under IDEA or as a reasonable accommodation under section 504 of the ADA.
Provides direct and indirect services, including consultation and evaluation, for students with perceptual, cognitive, sensory integration, and medical conditions, aimed at improving educational program access.
Provides consultation, assessment, evaluation, and direct/indirect occupational therapy services to students with and without medical conditions to facilitate educational program access.
Treats and instructs students in perceptual and motor activities, manipulative and ambulation skills, proper posturing, and activities of daily living to enhance educational program access.
Utilizes creative and manual arts, recreational, educational, and social activities, along with therapeutic tests, games, and equipment, to inform and effect treatment.
Instructs students in the use of common and specialized materials for daily activities, including eating utensils, dressing aids, and educational tools.
Plans, adapts, and designs special equipment for classroom use, such as weighted cuffs, clipboards, and adjustable furniture.
Demonstrates special dressing, feeding, and bathing skills, equipment, and techniques for home use.
Evaluates, tests, and treats students with orthopedic conditions and multiple physical challenges referred by various sources.
Plans appropriate treatment programs and coordinates therapeutic services with classroom and home activities.
Trains and retrains students through standard therapeutic procedures, observing and recording their mental and physical responses.
Adjusts the length, frequency, and intensity of treatments based on individual pupil needs.
Ensures that students receiving services or evaluations have the necessary evaluation records in their school records (paper and electronic).
Completes progress reports, including developing therapeutic goals and tracking student progress.
Consults with teachers, parents, paraprofessionals, community agencies, and others as appropriate.
Alerts school staff to necessary procedures, special precautions, and safety measures for individual pupils and the student population.
Encourages parents to have pupils utilize skills acquired in therapy.
Demonstrates exercises, positioning, and other procedures for home use as an itinerant therapist; visits homebound or facility-residing students for therapy.
Develops and conducts in-service programs to inform staff about the occupational therapy program's goals, objectives, and methods.
Compiles and maintains reports on individual pupil status, therapy administered, and results obtained, including documentation of goals and progress.
Timely completes and submits all required ACCESS billing reimbursement information.
Performs related work as required.