Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) - TWO Openings

Job Posting Internal/External The Eastern Upper Peninsula Intermediate School District (EUPISD) is one of 56 intermediate school districts (ISD) in Michigan.  Every one of the state's 500+ local school districts is part of an ISD.  The EUPISD is a regional education service agency with the primary function to provide or assist our local districts to provide special programs and services.  Within our ISD, there are 19 districts covering 4,000 square miles in three counties and part of another in the eastern end of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.  The total number of PK-12 students is 6,500.    The EUPISD is funded with a combination of local, state, and federal funds.  The voters of EUPISD have approved a 1.75 mill levy for special education, a .2 mill levy for general operations, and 1.0 mill levy for vocational education.  State aid received is based on annual authorizations from the state legislature.  Our current budget is $35 million.  The EUPISD currently has 210 employees/contractors providing services to our local districts and students.    The EUPISD serves local districts by providing educational services and support in special education, curriculum, early childhood, career and technical education, professional development, business services and technology.  The EUPISD also pursues business, community, and interagency collaboration.  The EUPISD has a long history of collaboration with our local districts that has resulted in the creation of a strong infrastructure in support of all aspects of teaching, learning, compliance, and fiscal management.  Purpose of Position: The role of the OTA is to provide quality individualized occupational therapy to assigned students under the direction of the licensed occupational therapist (OT). The OTA and OT will work cooperatively and effectively with teachers, parents, students, IEP Team members and other school personnel to assist in implementing the student's individualized education program.  Period of Employment: 190 days per year, school-year contract Minimum Qualifications: Possess valid certification from an accredited program as an occupational therapy assistant Previous school experience with special needs students preferred Adheres to FERPA and District confidentiality policies Possess and maintain Michigan LARA licensure for OTA Strong organizational and time management skills, written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, diligent work habits, and the ability to apply common sense to routine decision-making Ability to maintain self-control and complete tasks with frequent interruptions Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment Must have regular and reliable attendance Ability to carry and move heavy objects and lift 50lbs, frequent walking, standing, sitting, going up/downstairs Possess a valid driver's license  Duties and Responsibilities: Function as a member of the Multi-disciplinary Evaluation Team (MET) in assessing the specific needs of students referred and participate in IEP meetings as requested Provide direct occupational therapy as requested by the OT Assist in the development of therapy schedules and treatment plans along with the OT Implement appropriate assistive technology plans as requested Complete all reports in a timely manner Provide input regarding student needs and strengths to the IEP Team Assist with development of student goals and objectives based upon relevant data Maintain adequate records and assessment data for each student served. Demonstrate current knowledge of interventions and supports Work closely with, and be a resource for, students, parents, teachers and administrators to facilitate student growth and achievement Attend meetings as assigned; daily travel Understand and embrace the inclusion of disabled students in general education Able to work independently and as part of a team Able to develop and maintain successful working relationships with students and school staff Able to explain and demonstrate appropriate intervention techniques to reach all learners Occasional home visits to provide services and/or obtain information to assist with evaluations Be student centered and advocate for students Maintain thorough and accurate documentation Consult and collaborate with classroom staff and IEP Teams to enhance student achievement Remain free of substance abuse and/or illegal drug use at all times Other duties as assigned by the Director of Special Education.  Wages and Fringes: $33.61-$36.00/hr dependent on education, experience, and certification Benefits for Full Time employees include: Up to full family medical insurance with an employer contribution up to $21,660, or $370 per month cash in lieu of medical insurance No cost to you: life, LTD, dental, and vision insurance State retirement system through State of Michigan Office of Retirement Services - Defined Benefit or Defined Contribution Options Advanced degree and tuition reimbursement program Longevity pay based on years of district service Accrued sick and personal time, with additional time off during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Spring Break. INTERNAL APPLICANTS: Please submit a letter of interest and resume to Rachel Fuerer. EXTERNAL APPLICANTS: Please ensure the application is fully completed and upload any transcripts, certificates or other educational documents.  Official transcripts will be required upon hire.