Occupational Therapist

Position Title : Occupational Therapist

Function/Department : Academic 

Responsibilities

An Occupational Therapist (OT) plays a vital role in supporting students who have physical, developmental, or emotional challenges that affect their ability to participate in daily activities or succeed in the school environment. 

Job description

• Conducting assessments to identify students' needs related to motor skills, sensory processing, coordination, attention, and overall functional abilities. This includes formal evaluations, observations, and collaboration with teachers, parents, and other school staff.
• Creating and implementing Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) or other intervention plans for students with disabilities or learning challenges. The therapist works closely with the educational team to tailor goals and strategies for each students specific needs.
• Providing direct therapy sessions to students, focusing on improving skills such as fine motor skills (writing, cutting, buttoning), gross motor skills (balance, coordination), sensory processing (sensitivity to stimuli), and self-care skills (dressing, feeding).
• Collaborating with teachers to modify classroom activities or the learning environment to better suit students' needs. This may involve providing strategies for managing classroom tasks, offering adaptive equipment, or helping students with organization and time management.
• Working with students to develop coping strategies, improve focus, and manage emotional regulation to enhance participation in classroom activities and social interactions.
• Communicating with parents and teachers to provide updates on students' progress, share strategies for supporting learning at home, and address any concerns related to student development.
• Educating teachers and staff about the role of occupational therapy in the school setting, including offering training on classroom adaptations, sensory accommodation, and other strategies for supporting students with diverse needs.
• Regularly evaluating students' progress towards therapy goals, adjusting interventions as needed, and documenting outcomes. This often includes preparing reports and attending meetings to discuss student progress with parents, teachers, and other professionals.
• Helping students build social skills and emotional regulation to ensure they can engage positively with peers and participate in school activities.
• Ensuring that students with physical or developmental challenges are included in all aspects of school life, from academic tasks to extracurricular activities.

Position Requirements

• A deep understanding of the physical, emotional, and cognitive development of children, as well as common disorders affecting children, such as ADHD, learning disabilities etc.
• Clear written and verbal communication 
• Patience and empathy
• Problem solving abilities
• Attention to detail
• Strong organizational skills

Qualifications

• A degree in Occupational Therapy (Bachelors or Masters).
• Registration with a relevant national or state certification 
• Experience or a certification related to working in paediatrics or education is often preferred.