Instructional Support Teacher, Occupational/Physical

Summary

Assists school-based personnel in improving the quality of teaching and student learning for students with fine gross motor activities of daily living and sensory disorders; Assumes responsibility for the knowledge and application of the appropriate strategies and the instructional methods for students with motor and sensory disorders in compliance with all State and Federal laws, State Department of Education, and Fulton County Board of Education policies, rules, and regulations, including the Common Core Georgia Performance Standards

Essential Duties

Instruction:

• Models for and supports occupation and physical therapists and occupational /physical therapy assistants in providing evidence-based interventions for students with identified motor and sensory disorders
• Plans and delivers professional learning activities to staff, parents, and others to increase achievement for students with motor and sensory disorders
• Participates in professional learning activities to increase achievement for students with motor and sensory disorders or to improve skills related to compliance and IEP case management
• Collaborates with parents and local school staff regarding instructional decision-making for students with disabilities
• Routinely analyzes student data to assist school staff in utilizing effective teaching strategies and methodologies for students with motor and sensory disorders
• Provides coaching and follow-up to support District initiatives, including but not limited to effective literacy and math instruction, personalized learning and individualized instruction for students with disabilities
• Assists teachers in improving classroom management and climate through the implementation of effective instructional methods and behavioral supports

Compliance/Due Process:

• Maintains regular communication with special education staff, local school personnel, and parents regarding the referral, evaluation, identification, and effective programming for students with disabilities
• Trains school-based instructional staff regarding Medicaid documentation, Rti evaluations, eligibility, Individual Education Program (IEP) development, and evidence-based practice for students with motor and sensory disorders
• Collaborates with appropriate school-based personnel to assure timely data input/submission for students with disabilities
• Ensures timely and accurate educational evaluations of students referred for special education eligibility
• Monitors evaluation timelines to ensure adherence to State regulations
• Monitors, assists and supports special education teaching staff with the accurate documentation of data to reflect student progress for students with disabilities
• Collaborates with appropriate school-based personnel to assure accurate FTE reporting for students with disabilities
• Routinely provides training and feedback on how to write appropriate data-driven IEPs, monitors the process of IEP data collection and analysis and ensures consistent practice and compliance for these activities
• Attends District IST meetings, as assigned, and shares information with appropriate personnel
• Orders and maintains inventory of departmental purchases
• Performs other duties as assigned by the appropriate administrator

Required Education

Master’s Degree

Certification/Licensure

Must hold or be eligible to hold Georgia licensure in Occupational or Physical Therapy Leadership Certification strongly preferred

Experience Qualifications

Minimum of 3 years of experience as a school-based Occupational or Physical Therapist required, including conducting evaluations, determining eligibility and writing effective IEPS

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Ability to apply critical thinking skills in rendering solutions to various issues
• Ability to plan and implement short and long-range goals and objectives
• Ability to work with collaborative teams
• Ability to use Microsoft Office and other system software programs
• Excellent interpersonal skills needed to work effectively with students, parents, administrators, school psychologists, and teaching & related services staff
• Excellent organizational skills
• Excellent communication skills both orally and in writing
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local rules and regulations pertaining to special education

Working Conditions

• Normal office environment
• Requires travel to multiple schools within the District

Physical Demands

• Routine physical activity associated with normal office environment
• Ability to lift and carry 30-50 pounds with assistance
• Ability to push or pull a maximum of 50 pounds
• Ability to restrain students with disabilities, if necessary, using proper restraint techniques