Job Description:
DEPARTMENT: Exceptional Student Services
SALARY SCHEDULE: Certified
LOCATION: District-wide
WORK YEAR: 9 months
The Phoenix Union High School District is proud to serve a diverse population of 28,000 students and 4,000 employees in Arizona's capital city. With a portfolio of comprehensive schools, small specialty schools, support schools, micro schools, magnet programs, and extensive Career & Technical Education (CTE) offerings, PXU's schools of opportunity welcome, love, and inspire all students to go places and do things that matter.
SUMMARY:
The Occupational Therapist (OT) is focused on a student's ability to participate in desired daily life activities or "occupations." The District OT organizes and administers the occupational therapy component of the education program for children and youth with disabilities. The OT supports academic and non-academic outcomes including social skills, math, reading, writing, participation in sports, self-help skills, prevocational/vocational participation, and other services as deemed appropriate.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
An Occupational Therapist (OT) works collaboratively with other members of the individual Education Program (IEP) team to assess students and assist in developing a plan for integrating services. Additionally, therapists play a valuable role in assisting school administrators to address issues such as access to programs and facilities, building modifications or new construction, special transportation, curriculum development, safety and injury prevention, and technology.
1. Evaluates students in the areas of daily life activities, including academic and non-academic areas, including social skills, self-help skills, prevocational/vocational participation, participation in physical activity and sports, reading, writing, and math.
2. Develops annual IEPs and complete evaluations as required
3. Develops and implement an occupational therapy services schedule.
4. Supervises Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs)
5. Identifies, procures, or adapts special materials, equipment, and/or assistive technology to enhance a student's benefits from his or her education program.
6. Trains parents and school staff in activities, use of assistive technology, and/or appropriate accommodations to be implemented throughout the school day and across environments.
7. Facilitates access to and participation in general education curriculum with nondisabled peers by reducing physical, instructional, or social barriers.
8. Collaborates with teaching staff to identify and implement alternative instructional strategies, environmental modifications, and changes to routines or schedules.
9. Maintains documentation, including relevant data needed to recommend and monitor student response to therapeutic services, including intervention plans, session notes, and assessment summaries.
10. Supports multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) / and universal design for learning (UDL) through direct and consultative services.
11. Participates in district specialty teams and committees, such as those designed to prevent failure or improve performance and instructional practices.
12. Provides professional development and staff training.
13. Contributes to community outreach, including child find activities, participation in district-sponsored health and wellness clinics, and schoolwide events and functions to support community relations.
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14. Collaborates with people and entities involved in the care of the student, such as communicating with outside medical providers to gain information, developing health maintenance programs, and providing specialized training to staff in the use of adaptive equipment and safe handling.
15. Maintains accurate student records and keeps information secure and confidential.
16. Utilizes district technologies appropriate to the position and assumes responsibility for attending district training needed to successfully perform designated responsibilities as directed by supervisor.
17. Other duties as assigned.
The above essential functions are intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities and not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education, Training, and Experience Guidelines:
· Completed program in occupational therapy, current license to practice occupational therapy in the State of Arizona
· Working knowledge of IEP development.
· Bilingual in Spanish preferred.
License and Certification Requirements:
· Current OT license from the State of Arizona Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners
· First Aid/CPR preferred.
IDEAL CANDIDATES WILL HAVE THE FOLLOWING SKILLS AND ABILITIES
· Knowledge of applicable Federal, state, county, city and district statutes, rules, policies and procedures.
· Ability to learn special methods and procedures specific to working with high-school aged students.
· Understands the importance of Behaviors, roles and responsibility; social skills and emotional development; activities of daily living; preparing students for transition from high school to postsecondary living; use of assistive technology.
· Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relations with co-workers, vendors, students, parents, the public and others having business with the school district.
· Skill in operating a personal computer utilizing a variety of software applications.
· Ability to work independently with limited supervision.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
Work is performed in a standard office and classroom environment
WHY WORK AT PXU
The Phoenix Union High School District is one of the state's largest employers. Our 4,000 education professionals are committed to providing an excellent learning environment for our students while enjoying an inspiring work environment.
· Highly Competitive Pay
· Participation in Arizona State Retirement System
· Vacation and Personal Leave Plans (for eligible positions)
· Comprehensive Employee Benefits
· Education Loan Forgiveness (If eligible)
· Paid Winter and Spring Breaks
$2,000 new hire signing bonus
https://www.pxu.org/o/pxu/page/careers