Job Description
The Occupational Therapist is responsible for the administration of school-based occupational therapy to select students across grades K-8 at both of Wissahickon Charter School's campuses, Fernhill and Awbury.. They will be responsible for administering OT assessments to determine students' level of functioning relative to their age and educational placement in such areas as fine/gross motor skill development, sensory-motor integration, self-care, and the activities of daily living. The Occupational Therapist will also work collaboratively in a professional learning community with the Directors of learning support, learning specialists and other personnel to support student growth. This is a 10-month position.
Key Responsibilities
- Provides occupational therapy services, as identified through the IEP/504 plan, to students enrolled in the educational program
- Administers occupational therapy assessments to determine a student's level of functioning relative to their age and educational placement in such areas as fine/gross motor skill development, sensory motor integration, self-care, and the activities of daily living.
- Writes assessment reports identifying the student's needs and proposed treatment strategies; writes individual student goals and objectives as part of the IEP; maintains progress records; participates in IEP meetings as needed.
- Develops occupational treatment plans and goals for rehabilitative care to improve students functional abilities and enhance their ability to learn.
- Provides students with individual treatment and group therapy sessions to address specific areas of sensory-motor integrative dysfunction.
- Develops occupational therapy treatment plans based on the educational goals for eligible students to improve the student's functional abilities within the school, in collaboration with the IEP team.
- Monitors therapy programs and consults with educational staff regarding inclusion of appropriate occupational therapy treatment strategies into the educational program; evaluates the efficacy of the established program and makes modifications within the framework of the IEP process as necessary.
- Maintains an in-depth knowledge of the laws and policies governing Special Education in Pennsylvania particularly as they pertain to the delivery of occupational therapy services.
- Consults with other members of the educational team regarding the mandated and best practice roles of occupational therapists.
- Exemplify WCS' CARES values in all interactions with students, families and colleagues
- Assume other duties as assigned
Qualifications
- Pennsylvania License and Master's in Occupational Therapy required
- At least three years of related work experience
- Ability to accurately assess the developmental status and educational needs of school age children
- Ability to work well with a diverse group of students, staff, and other professionals; skilled at collaborating
- Ability to maintain the highest level of confidentiality
- Excellent time management skills
- Ability to effectively navigate various computer platforms and student information systems; e.g. PowerSchool, etc.
- Experience working in Title 1 schools preferred
- Flexible and able to adjust priorities and strategies in order to meet changing needs
- High level of personal organization, planning, and follow-through and comfort with autonomy
- Strong oral and written communication skills and the ability to effectively communicate with students, families, supervisors and colleagues
- Receptiveness to feedback, positive attitude, and a desire to continuously improve
- Belief in Wissahickon Charter Schools' mission and the belief that all children can learn and succeed
About Wissahickon Charter School
Wissahickon Charter School's first campus, Fernhill, opened in 2002 and serves 480 K-8 students from across Philadelphia. Our second K-8 campus, Awbury, opened in the fall of 2014. The mission of Wissahickon Charter School (WCS) is to provide a community of learning that stimulates and builds the child's intellectual, social, and character development. Wissahickon Charter Schools are planned around three essential elements: an environmental focus that allows students to experience the curriculum, recognition of service learning projects as key in students' success, and an emphasis on parents as partners in the learning experiences of their children.
How to Apply
To be considered, visit our website at http://wissahickoncharter.org/join-our-team and click on the Apply Now button.
Wissahickon Charter School is committed to hiring a diverse staff and encourages those from traditionally under-represented backgrounds to apply. Wissahickon Charter School does not discriminate in hiring or employment, or in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, or other programs.
