About the job

SCHOOL BASED OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

Work involves evaluating students to determine need for occupational therapy; developing appropriate therapy programs, including routines for classroom and home adaptation; and providing therapy to students. Services include direct service and/or consultation with school staff, families, medical personnel, community agencies, and others as needed. Employee is responsible for documenting planning and treatment activities, preparing reports of students’ progress, and consulting with parents and classroom teachers. Employee is also responsible for modifications of equipment and/or environment and in-service training

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assesses students using appropriate evaluation tools including standardized tests, clinical observations, and review of medical and educational reports to determine need for therapy intervention plan.
• Develops and implements individualized therapy programs for qualifying students.
• Documents screenings, evaluations, Individual Education Plans, progress reports, classroom/home programs and other data, as required.
• Provides consultation with classroom teacher and other school staff regarding students optional function in the school environment.
• Provides classroom programs, instruction in management techniques, adapted equipment, and environmental modifications including the identification of architectural barriers.
• Consults with parents and/or guardians regarding students’ therapy programs.
• Adapts, fabricates and maintains specialized equipment required for therapy services or student needs.
• Investigates and recommends types of equipment available to meet student needs, funding sources, and vendor options, including insurance forms and letters of justification.
• Provides in-service training to teachers and other school personnel, as needed, assists with education, orientation and preparation of receiving school staffs and students regarding issues, concerns and information about “inclusion” of exceptional children in regular school and classroom programs.
• Supervises occupational therapist assistants.
• Provides clinical education for therapy student interns from colleges and universities.
• Plans, orders and maintains departmental supplies and equipment; maintains records as required.
• Maintains clinical and administrative records in accordance with Government Guidelines and school policies.
• Performs other related work as required.

Qualifications

Degree or diploma in occupational therapy and two years of experience in physical therapy; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Licensed as an occupational therapist by the Government of Tanzania.