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Occupational Therapist Aspen Academy Public Charter School Savage, MN 55378 If you are interested in this position, please email melanie.jiskra@aspenacademymn.org<mailto:melanie.jiskra@aspenacademymn.org> with a resume and cover letter. SUMMARY The School Occupational Therapist (OT) plays a crucial role in providing specialized services to children with exceptional educational needs. By collaborating with educational staff and caregivers, the OT enhances students' abilities to adapt and perform successfully within their educational environment. This position involves working to improve, develop, restore, or maintain a child&#8217;s active participation in educational settings, aligning with state and federal regulations. ESSENTIAL DUTIES The duties of the Occupational Therapist may vary based upon specific assignments. Duties may also change at any time based upon administration or teacher reexamination of student or program needs. * Conducts screening, assessment, program development, and therapy for special education students * Reviews referrals to determine the appropriateness and need for occupational therapy evaluation * Actively participates in student evaluation and Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings * Contributes to the formulation of goals and objectives based on evaluation results, communicating progress towards achievement * Organizes and implements activities to enhance skill development * Lifts, transfers, and positions children and equipment as necessary * Educates and trains caregivers and educational staff on equipment use, transfers, positioning, and safe body mechanics to prevent injuries * Effectively communicates with students, parents, caregivers, school staff, and external agencies while maintaining strict adherence to data privacy practices. * Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of federal and state criteria for providing occupational therapy * Complies with state due process procedures and timelines, maintaining appropriate documentation for student special education files * Maintains records in accordance with state guidelines and school policies * Participates in Third-Party Billing processes required by Minnesota State Law * Ensures the care, welfare, safety, and security of all students * Conducts formal and informal in-services for students, staff, and caregivers * Attends workshops, in-services, or seminars to foster career growth * Evaluates and recommends the purchase of adaptive equipment * Manages the ordering, maintenance, and adaptation of student equipment and materials * Supports in direct embedded service within center-based program(s) KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES * Comprehensive knowledge of special education laws, rules, regulations, and procedures * Ability to demonstrate confidentiality and function under stress * Ability to deal with and resolve difficult problems independently * Ability to communicate effectively and professionally both orally and in writing * Ability to present to small groups and large groups * Ability to use modern office equipment, technology, and related software * Comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practices of an Occupational Therapist POSITION QUALIFICATIONS * MN state licensure as an Occupational Therapist SUPERVISION * Work is performed under general direction of the Director of Special Education and Executive Director WORKING CONDITIONS (Physical/ sensory requirements and environmental conditions) * Flexible calendar with majority of hours performed during the school year and on site, some hours during ESY * Proficient use of fingers and hands, with the ability to stand, walk, reach, climb, kneel, crawl, push, lift, and sit * Ability to regularly lift and/or move 50-100 pounds * Functional vision and hearing * Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions