It should be noted that this is a Kenyan Local hire position.
Purpose of the Position:
Lead the process in development, implementation, and coordination of the occupational therapy Services at the EARC (Educational Assessment and Resource Centre), Screening/Assessment, evaluation, referrals, educational program and transition planning, therapeutic intervention, and exit planning for Learners identified with or suspected of having disabilities that interfere with their ability to perform daily life activities or participate in necessary or desired occupations.
The incumbent will report directly to Senior Education Officer or his/her designate.
Major Duties and Responsibilities:
Identification, evaluation and planning:
To develop individualized Education programming (IEP) through professional judgement and clinical knowledge based on occupational performance deficits in the areas of personal care, Learners role, interaction skills, process skills, play, community integration/work, and communication.
Collaborates with other disciplines to ensure team understanding of learner’s occupational performance strengths and needs, through evaluation, educational program planning, and service delivery.
Evaluates the learner’s ability and formulates the learners occupational profile through a variety of functional, behavioural, and standardized assessments, skilled observation, checklists, histories, and interviews.
Synthesizes evaluation results into a comprehensive written report which reflects strengths and barriers to learner’s participation in the educational environment; directs program development; and guides evidence-based intervention.
Develops occupationally based intervention plans based on learners needs and evaluation results.
Participates in multidisciplinary meetings to review evaluation results, integrate findings with other disciplines, offer recommendations, and develop individual education plans and intervention plans to achieve IEP goals.
Coordinates with the IEP team for the purpose of determining appropriate treatments, etc. to meet the needs of specific learners and attends IEP Team Meetings.
Service delivery:
Conducts Assessment, referrals, school placements for Children with disabilities
Provides targeted, evidence-based therapeutic intervention to facilitate student participation and occupational performance within the school environment.
Consults with the school-based team to achieve learner’s outcomes.
Adapts and modifies the environment including assistive technology and training instructional staff to meet individual needs and to help learners function as independently as possible.
Educates learners, educational personnel, and family to facilitate skills in areas of occupation as well as health maintenance and safety.
Monitors and reassess the effects of occupational therapy intervention and the need to continue, modify, or discontinue intervention
Documents occupational therapy services to ensure accountability of service provision
Program Administration and Management
Prioritizes and schedules work tasks independently.
Manages inventory of therapeutic equipment and assessments, and project needs for budget planning.
Maintains clinical and administrative records in accordance with professional standards, guidelines, and school system policy.
Provides supervision of Community staffs and other Therapy Support Personnel working under EARC department
Adheres to Government regulation, Kenya Occupational Therapy Association and Occupational Therapy Council of Kenya regulation and policies that relates to occupational therapy practice.
Reviews occupational therapy services for quality improvement and makes changes as needed to ensure quality of services.
Monitoring, Evaluation reporting and Learning
Monitors, and collaborates with educational personnel, community structures, parents, and learners to increase understanding of the student’s occupational performance.
Provides continuing education and in-services for educational personnel, parents, and community based service providers.
Provides fieldwork Education and supervision for Community staffs
Works collaboratively in a professional learning in addressing the needs of learners, developing effective practices and implementing best practices.
Plan, budget, implement, and evaluate Occupational therapy services at EARC centres
Performs other duties as assigned.
Professional Qualification:
Diploma in Occupational therapy from accredited institution and recognized by Kenya Occupational Therapy Association (KOTA)
Registered and licensed by the Kenya Occupational Therapy Association (KOTA)
Skills/hand on experience in Sensory integration or Hand therapy will be an added advantage.
Skills and competencies:
Computer literacy a must: excellent working knowledge with MS WORD, POWER POINT, ACCESS and EXCEL.
Good knowledge of human rights (UN-convention on rights of Pwds)
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Relevant Experience:
2 years Minimal Practical Experience. Experience gained working with an International Humanitarian NGO will be an added advantage.
Previous work experience in hardship, marginalized areas or emergency setting
Experience conducting assessments and coordinating placement at EARC centres, SNE units is a plus advantage.
Working experience in rehabilitation/inclusion of children with disabilities is an added-advantage.
Proficiency in English and Kiswahili language both written and spoken.
Personal Attributes:
High level of motivation, integrity, commitment and professional responsibility.
Ability to tolerate cultural, educational and religious diversity in the work place
Excellent communication, time management, organization and presentation skills.
A good team player with high degree of initiative, flexibility and tolerance
Female candidates are encouraged to apply.
“LWF/DWS is an equal opportunity employer, irrespective of gender, race or religious affiliation. LWF/DWS is a signatory to the Code of Conduct for humanitarian agencies. Our recruitment and selection procedures reflect the organization’s commitment to the prevention of abuse and exploitation of beneficiaries.”
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted
