Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (HC) at Community Unit School District No. 308 in Oswego, IL

Job description

COMPENSATION: Hourly wage is based on Level of Qualifications. *Please note that the hourly rate of pay will be inclusive of the mandatory 4.5% retirement contribution to the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF). QUALIFICATIONS: Requires an Associate's degree (or bachelors) from an accredited occupational therapy assistant program, followed by passing the national NBCOT COTA exam Illinois Licensure as an Occupational Therapist Previous experience with individuals with special needs preferred Previous experience with occupational therapy in educational settings desirable Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, families, team members, and others WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to travel district-wide to multiple work locations as assigned; to stand, stoop, bend, reach, and exert force up to 50 lbs. to lift, pull, push or move objects, May be required to lift and transfer students to and from wheelchair or assist with positioning students with physical disabilities. The employee must exhibit dexterity of hands and fingers to operate equipment. GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The Occupational Therapist provides therapy to students eligible for related services, which is designed to maximize their potential for learning in the school environment, to maximize their ability to function in all environments, and educate them in how to maintain functional physical skills. SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Professional Knowledge and Application Demonstrates knowledge of occupational therapy principles, strategies, and evidence-based practices to support students' functional performance and participation in the educational environment. Applies this knowledge when implementing assigned interventions under the supervision of the OTR, adapting activities and using appropriate therapeutic techniques within the established intervention plan. Utilizes clinical observations and knowledge of student needs to support educational access, independence, and participation in school routines. Communicates student progress, response to intervention, and concerns to the supervising OTR and collaborates with educational team members to promote effective, student-centered services within the COTA's scope of practice. Understands current legislation, regulations, policies, litigation, and ethical issues related to the provision of educational therapy services, including least restrictive environment, due process, assessment, discipline, transition, supplemental services and supports, specialized health care and assistive technology, to individuals with all types of disabilities across the age range. Demonstrates through planning and preparation, extensive skill and knowledge in the area of Occupational Therapy. Develops physical/motor focused plans based on student needs and evaluation results. Collaborates with other disciplines to ensure team understanding of student physical/motor performance strengths and needs, through evaluation, educational program planning, and service delivery. Understands characteristics of individuals with disabilities across the age range, including levels of severity and multiple disabilities and their influence on development, behavior and learning; with knowledge about the impact of language disorders, processing deficits, intellectual cognitive abilities, behavioral/emotional/social disorders, and physical (including sensory) disabilities on learning and behavior. Plans and prepares therapy specific to individual student's level, learning style, and cultural background as well as to the characteristics of the task and environment. Provides on-goin