ABOUT OUR DISTRICT

The Syracuse City School District is undergoing a new phase of innovation and transformation with the goal of ensuring that all students graduate high school with the skills needed to be ready for college and career. For Syracuse, all means all. The School Board and Syracuse community have charged the Superintendent with improving student achievement, and she is seeking a dedicated and diverse team of educators to partner with her in moving the district toward its goals.

The Syracuse City School District represents 35 schools and programs, including 6 high schools, 6 middle schools, 6 K-8 schools, 13 elementary schools, and 4 alternative education programs, serving approximately 19,000 students Pre-K–12. Of these students, 82.3% qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, 20.1% are served by the Office of Special Education, and 83% are students of color. 

Location: Rockwest Center West (Special Education Department)

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

This is paraprofessional work involving responsibility for the application of occupational therapy treatment to pupils in a school district. The work is performed under the direct supervision of an Occupational Therapist who evaluates the pupil, develops the treatment plan and designates treatment procedures to be followed. Progress and observations are reported to the Occupational Therapist who modifies the treatment to promote maximum rehabilitative and restorative measures. Supervision is not typically exercised in this position. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Carries out occupational therapy procedures by working with students individually or in groups to provide treatment and training in the activities of daily living.

Confers periodically with an Occupational Therapist regarding all facets of individual student care and related activities.

Provides training in self‑care activities to students and uses varied media to improve their physical or mental functioning.

Prepares and sets up occupational therapy treatment apparatus.

Participates with other personnel in the formulation of the pupils' therapy plan.

Observes, records and reports student progress in occupational therapy treatments and programs.

Prepares and maintains records of treatment.

Provides for and observes safety precautions during all phases of therapy.

Inventories, cleans, stores and maintains supplies and equipment.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Working knowledge of the principles, techniques and terminology of occupational therapy treatment procedures.

Working knowledge of occupational therapy materials and equipment and their appropriate application to a variety of disabilities.

Ability to observe, record and report responses to treatment.

Ability to work effectively with the disabled, or physically handicapped.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Licensed and currently registered by the New York State Education Department as an Occupational Therapy Assistant.

WORKING HOURS:

This position will work 37.5 hours per week, 10 months per year. This position is full-time. This position is exempt; overtime pay is not entitled.

 SALARY/COMPENSATION:

• The current starting salary for this position is $39,705 per the Unit 10 contractual agreement. 

 QUALIFICATIONS:

• The successful candidate will be required to pass a fingerprint-based background check, at the cost of $102.50 to the candidate.

 The Onondaga County Civil Service job description for this position can be viewed by clicking here.