The Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind at Staunton is seeking an Occupational Therapist to provide quality occupational therapy services to students with deafness, blindness and sensory-impaired multiple disabilities. This position is for Academic Year 2008-2009 beginning 8/11/2008. As with all school positions, funding is contingent upon final approval of the budget by the Governor and General Assembly.
Responsibilities include:
- Provides comprehensive and specialized evaluation, treatments and consultation for students who are deaf, hard of hearing, visually impaired, blind and children who may also have significant physical and cognitive disabilities
- Works as a member of an interdisciplinary team to achieve individualized goals toward developing, improving or restoring independent living and vocational potential
- Collaborates with other professionals to develop Individualized Education Programs (IEP) goals for students
- Coordinatea occupational therapy services at the school with relevant providers (i.e. recreational therapist, Physical Education teachers)
- Provides services to students on an integrated, collaborative and/or consultative basis with classroom teachers
- Participates in staff development and other school functions
- Provides support and information to parents
- Assists with selection of needed assistive technology and adaptive equipment for children
Minimum Qualifications:
- Masters Degree from an accredited college or university in occupational therapy
- Hold or be eligible for a valid Virginia license issued by the Virginia Department of Health Professionals, Board of Medicine as an Occupational Therapist.
- Experience in providing occupational therapy to children with moderate to severe disabilities, preferred.
- Knowledge of federal, state and local laws and policies as they pertain to occupational therapy.
- CPR and First Aid Certification. Candidates without this certification must complete the required training as required by agency directives.
- Knowledge of child growth and development, and special needs of children with developmental, sensory, motor and/or cognitive disabilities.
- Knowledge of the principles, methods and procedures for diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions.
- Knowledge of human behavior; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
- Knowledge of the principles and methods of instruction and curriculum development and progress monitoring.
- Ability to administer occupational therapy treatments and use assistive technology and ADL (activities of daily living) training to facilitate communication and learning.
- Proficiency level of “Advanced” in American Sign Language as measured by the Sign Language Proficiency Scale or agreement to acquire the specified level within three years.
- Ability to plan and organize work.
- Ability to follow school policies and procedures and work using a team approach.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to interact on a physical level with children and to perform repetitive motion to include standing, sitting, reaching, lifting, walking, bending , and climbing
Note: A criminal history check will be required for final candidates.
Applications must be completed on-line at http://jobs.agencies.virginia.gov. For assistance call TDD (540) 332-9069, FAX (540) 332-9042, or visit our website at www.vsdbs.virginia.gov.
EEO/AA