2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR - OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST - NORWALK EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER
Position Summary: The occupational therapist, as a member of the educational team, supports the education of students suspected of and/or diagnosed with a disability in their least restrictive environment. The occupational therapist develops, implements and coordinates a physical therapy program within the district; providing screening, evaluation and intervention services.
Essential Functions
* Ensures safety of students
* Maintain student service, administrative and other departmental records in accordance with the district, state and federal policies
* Adhere to professional, ethical and legal standards of practice
* Implement and coordinate the occupational therapy program within the district
* Evaluate students using appropriate tests, skilled professional observation and supplementary information from other agencies and records
* Interpret assessment findings and appropriately convey information to parents and school teams
* Participate with the school team to develop Individualized Education Programs and Section 504 Plans
* Develop and implement intervention strategies
* Develop occupational therapy management plan for daily classroom routines and train staff in its safe implementation
* Plan for transition from school to community, preparing student to function independent from occupational service when targeted outcomes are achieved
* Evaluate and report on student progress
* Communicate, collaborate, and consult with school staff, parents, administrators, physicians, community and other professionals
* Serve as a resource to parent, school team, staff and administration on disabling conditions and their effects on education
* Collaborate with community-based therapists and other healthcare providers for effective coordination of service
* Provide consultation regarding emergency evaluation of students with disability
* Participate with improving school accessibility and planning environmental modification
* Procure, maintain and inventory equipment, materials and supplies
* Seek regular opportunities for professional growth
* Provide clinical educational opportunities for students of occupational therapy
* Provide guidance to students to promote their educational development
* Assist the administration in implementing all procedures and rules governing students with disabilities
* Observe ethics of the teaching profession; exhibit professional behavior, emotional stability and sound judgment
* Maintain respect for confidential information, e.g. student educational/medical records and assessments including psychological evaluations
* Attend meetings and in-services as required by the Building Principal or Director of Pupil Services
Other Duties and Responsibilities
* Interact in a positive manner with staff, students and parents
* Make contacts with the public with tact and diplomacy
* Promote good public relations by personal appearance, attitude and conversation
* Demonstrate regular and punctual attendance and positive work ethic
* Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Pupil Services or designee
Qualifications
* Criteria as set by State Certification Authorities: Connecticut Occupational Therapist License
* Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Superintendent and/or Board of Education may find appropriate
EEO Statement
NORWALK IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. It is the policy of the Norwalk Board of Education to ensure equal educational opportunity for all students and to prohibit unlawful discrimination because of race, color, religion, creed, age, marital status, national origin, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, transgender status or physical and mental disability in the school district's educational program and activities; and to prohibit unlawful discrimination in employment because of race, color, religion, creed, age, marital status, national origin, gender pregnancy, veteran status, gender identity or expression, transgender status, sexual orientation or physical and mental disability.
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