Requirements
Degree in Occupational Therapy: A recognized bachelor's degree in occupational therapy from an accredited institution. HPCSA Registration: Current and valid registration as an Occupational Therapist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) is mandatory. One Year of Relevant Experience: A minimum of one year of experience or relevant clinical experience as an Occupational Therapist.
Duties
To assess the learner's level of functioning; to identify barriers to learning based on the Occupational Therapy' scope of practice. To conduct screening for the learners; administer formal and informal assessments. Analyse and interpret information to make decisions regarding the need for therapeutic intervention, engage in multi-disciplinary team discussions and make recommendations and/or referrals. Provide direct and indirect Occupational Therapy services based on an Occupational Therapy plan to learners in public special schools and public ordinary schools; determine individualised and group Occupational Therapy Services. Prescribe, issue and maintain assistive devices; maintain records of Occupational Therapy Services. Provide appropriate information regarding programmes offered by therapists to internal and external stakeholders (e.g. School Based Support Team, District Based Support Team, parents. Manage Therapy support materials and equipment. Manage effective administration practices of Occupational Therapy interventions; ensure compliance with the code of Ethics of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). To assist in the placement of learners in the special schools. To conduct outreach services to other Full-Service and Public Ordinary Schools.Engage in therapeutic capacity-building programmes and skills sharing on related therapy issues/matters: Provide direct and indirect Occupational Therapy services based on an Occupational Therapy plan to learners in public special schools and public ordinary schools; Provide appropriate information regarding programmes offered by therapists to internal and external stakeholders (e.g., School Based Support Team, District Based Support Team, parents etc.). Promote awareness of the different therapy disciplines; participate in awareness campaigns of different disabilities; provide direct or indirect outreach services when required; engage in continuous professional developmental activities based on the relevant programmes offered in the school; supervise undergraduate Occupational Therapy students and therapy assistants as required.
Manage Therapy support materials and equipment: Request appropriate and adequate therapy support materials and equipment based on learner needs; safeguard therapy support materials and equipment; maintain records of therapy material, equipment and the issuing of assistive devices and report faults and maintenance needs of the materials and equipment; participate in inter and intra-sectoral networks and collaborations.
Participate in inter- and intra-sectoral networks and collaborations. Collaborate and interact with stakeholders (e.g., Department of Health, Department of Social Development, Non-Profit Organizations, Non- Governmental Organizations, local government, and the broader Community). Advocate for learners who experience barriers to learning; liaising with therapists from other special schools and sharing best practices and experiences; liaison with relevant professional boards and tertiary institutions; participate in extra-mural and co-curricular activities.
Management and Administration: Manage effective administration practices of Occupational Therapy interventions; ensure compliance with the code of Ethics of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA); practice sound interpersonal relations, engage actively in performance appraisals per requirement.