Substitute Occupational Therapist

Education and Experience

• Obtain a Master’s Degree.

• Graduation from a program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy (ACOTE).

• Valid and appropriate license from the Ohio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Trainers (OTPTAT) Board.

• Successful completion of the National Board of Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).

• Valid Ohio Department of Education Occupational Therapy License.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Experience in Occupational Therapy with children, adolescents, and young adults.

• Demonstrates reliability, timeliness and good attendance.

• Familiarity and experience with a variety of instructional techniques, educational media, and assistive technologies.

• Demonstration of and commitment to Washington Local School District’s Core Values: Courage, Dedication, Dignity, Excellence, Gratitude, Honesty, Loyalty, Respect, Responsibility, Service, Teamwork, and Trust.

Essential Functions

1. Assist in the design, implementation, and evaluation of the occupational therapy program so that it is consistent with the total educational philosophy and goals of the district.

2. Prepare, implement, and evaluate educational plans for each assigned student based on individually assessed needs and in accordance with district procedures.

3. Use appropriate assessment instruments pertinent to areas of therapy.

4. Provide specialized occupational therapy techniques through individual or group sessions designed to meet the educational, independence, social, and emotional needs of students.

5. Develop, implement and evaluate therapeutic interventions to facilitate student participation and occupational performance within the educational environment.

6. Adapt and modify educational environments and materials.

7. Consult and train instructional staff members to meet individual student needs and to help students function as independently as possible.

8. Promote maximum student independence by selecting and constructing therapies according to individual student capacities, interests, and needs.

9. Monitor and assess the effectiveness of occupational therapy interventions and supports and assist in determining the need to continue, modify, or discontinue supports and interventions.

10. Consult with parents, school staff members, and outside agency staff members as needed to support students, ensure integrity of interventions and supports, and assess student needs and progress.

11. Perform screening assessments and develop occupationally-based intervention plans to address student needs.

12. Develop and maintain a therapy environment conducive to effective student learning.

13. Practice using reasonable and necessary precautions to protect students, equipment, and property.

14. Manage inventory of therapeutic, assessment, and technology materials.

15. Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with others.

16. Assess student physical abilities in the educational environment by gathering data in student domains such as sensory integration, visual-perception, and visual-motor skill development, as well as in physical development, self-care, fine-motor function, behavior, endurance, and postural care.

17. Maintain appropriate clinical and administrative records on student progress as defined by professional standards, state and federal guidelines, and school board policy.

18. Complete and maintain accurate records and reports as required by law, district policies, and administrative expectations.

19. Collaborate with other school staff members in planning instructional goals, objectives and instructional and therapeutic methods to promote student learning, independence, and social skill development.