We are seeking a part-time Occupational Therapist for the 2025-26 school year.  Employment is for one (1) day per week, and candidates must hold proper certification from the NJ Department of Education.

NATURE AND SCOPE OF JOB:

Provides a full range of occupational therapy services, following established protocols and the student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP).  Assists in the identification and diagnosis of students who have a disease, disorder, impairment, activity limitation, or participation restriction which interferes with their ability to function independently in daily life roles.  Provides a treatment plan to promote wellness, physical and mental development, with as emphasis on fine and gross motor development, visual and perceptual skills, reasoning and cognitive skills, and functional self-care skills.

QUALIFICATIONS:

The Occupational Therapist shall:

1. Hold a valid New Jersey educational services certificate in accordance with the requirements of N.J.S.A. 18A:27.1 et seq., and N.J.A.C. Title 6A Chapter 9 with a school occupational therapist endorsement (N.J.A.C. 6A:9-13.11) and other appropriate endorsement(s) in accordance with the requirements of N.J.A.C. 6:11-10.1 et seq..
2. Hold a certification by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBOTC).
3. Hold a current CPR certification and a current Basic First Aid certification.
4. Show evidence of successful occupational therapy experience and experience working with children and adolescents, preferably in a school setting.
5. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of child growth and development, wellness education, community health and social service resources, and current health issues.
6. Have excellent integrity and demonstrate good moral character and initiative.

JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Occupational Therapist shall:

1. Work in concert with the school administration, School Medical Examiner, and other medical personnel who are appointed by the Board, completing appropriate records and carrying out medical orders that may be issued.
2. Plan and conduct screening and initial evaluations of students by means of observation and professionally accepted assessments to determine the level of ability and disability relative to the need for occupational therapy. Inform parents and appropriate staff of the need for corrective care.  Participate when requested on the Child Study Team and the Intervention and Referral Team (IRT) in the identification and placement of students in need of specialized services.

3. Plan and conduct screening and initial evaluations of students by means of observation and professionally accepted assessments to determine the level of ability and disability relative to the need for occupational therapy. Inform parents and appropriate staff of the need for corrective care.  Participate when requested on the Child Study Team and the Intervention and Referral Team (IRT) in the identification and placement of students in need of specialized services.
4. Plan and implement habilitative/rehabilitative programs of therapy following established occupational therapy protocols in accordance with the student’s IEP that will develop improve, sustain, or restore skills in academic, daily living, school, and leisure activities.
5. Conduct individual and group therapy in the areas of fine and gross motor development, visual and sensory perception, reasoning, cognitive, and functional self-care skills.
6. Recommend and train students in the use of assistive technology or orthotic devices, including the use of prosthetic devices.
7. Observe students in the school setting and advise the Child Study Team and instructional personnel when the need to make adjustments in the instructional program is needed.
8. Keep the professional staff, health care providers, and parents informed with treatment objectives and student progress. Provide instruction so that parents and others reinforce and assist with the treatment.
9. Maintain and ensure an accurate student therapy record system. Protect confidentiality of records and information gained as part of exercising professional duties and use discretion in sharing such information within legal confines.
10. Complete and submit in a timely fashion all medical forms and reports as required by statute, regulation, policy, or as requested.
11. Understand and follow established procedures for sanitation and hygiene in the handling of body fluids.