The Tuscarora Intermediate Unit invites applicants for either an Occupational Therapist or a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant in Juniata County.  Anticipated start date is July 1, 2024.

Role Relationships

The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant shall be directly responsible to the assigned Supervisor of Special Education for supervision and evaluation.

Fundamental Duties/Essential Functions

    1.    Provide information to assist the occupational therapist in assessing the student's occupational performance areas and occupational performance components that are relevant to the student's functioning in school.

 2.    Participate in educational Multidisciplinary Evaluations (MDE) and Individual Education Plan (IEP) processes for identification of students' strengths, needs, goals, objectives and determination of service delivery requirements necessary for students to benefit from their educational programs.

 3.    Assist the occupational therapist in designing occupational therapy treatment plans that fulfill the student's IEP or the service agreement for students covered by Chapter 15 protections.  

 4.    Implemental occupational therapy treatment plans for students with OT needs,

5.    Contribute to the ongoing management of the occupational therapy program including documentation, communication, record keeping, in-service education, community coordination and maintenance of supplies and equipment within the occupational therapy program.  

 6.    Collaborate with members of the student's educational team to promote carry over of OT techniques to classroom setting.

7.    Function as a liaison between the school and community-based therapy program,

8.    Collaborate with the supervising OTR to schedule direct supervision in accordance with AOTA standards, 

9.     Any employee who completes certification and/or licensure requirements shall fulfill School-Based Access Program (SBAP) functions. 

10.    Perform other tasks as assigned by the designated Supervisor of Special Education.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Individuals must possess these skills, knowledge and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities.  Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.

    1.    Knowledge of Pennsylvania Special Education Regulations and Standards.

    2.    Knowledge of occupational therapy assessment procedures and therapy methods.

    3.    Ability or orally communicate effectively in English with others in all levels of group or individual contacts.

    4.    Ability to communicate effectively in writing, using the English language.

    5.    Ability to provide personal, reliable vehicle for own travel requirements.

    6.    Ability to exert up to 50 pounds of force, occasionally, to lift, carry, push, or otherwise move equipment/supplies including students.

    7.    Willingness to conduct therapy in various physical settings to include homes, schools, community centers, etc.

    8.    Ability to employ interpersonal skills so as to effectively collaborate with school staff, parents and agency personnel.

Qualification Standards

    1.    Education:  Possess an Occupational Therapy Assistant License to practice in Pennsylvania.

    2.    Experience:  Prior experience as an occupational therapy assistant in an educational setting is preferred.

A review of this job description has excluded the marginal functions of the position that are incidental to the performance of fundamental job duties.  All duties and requirements are essential job functions.  This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the em loyee.  Employees will be required to follow any other job related instructions and to perform any other job related duties required by their supervisor.