Occupational Therapist

Ministry of Education Dubai

Department Definition:

Developing and updating the frameworks of educational and training curricula and programs to ensure that they are aligned with the needs of students of determination and learning difficulties in an inclusive learning environment. It also supervises the preparation and implementation of individual educational plans, evaluation frameworks, and tests according to the approved tracks and graduation requirements. It works on preparing manuals, tools, and quality standards for the implementation of programs, and building the capacities of educational cadres in coordination with the concerned authorities. In addition, it provides technical support, monitors the quality of implementation, and promotes partnerships and enrichment programs to ensure continuous improvement

An occupational therapist is the specialist responsible for assessing individuals' functional, motor, and sensory abilities, and designing and implementing individualized intervention programs aimed at developing independence skills and improving daily functioning, in order to support their active participation in the educational and social environment. It also contributes to the preparation and review of relevant studies, data analysis, ensuring the application of best professional practices, and providing evidence-based recommendations to improve the quality of services provided to target groups, especially people of determination.

Main Job Duties & Responsibilities:

• Coordinating with the competent authorities inside and outside the Ministry to prepare reports related to policies related to the entity's activities.
• Coordinating with the concerned departments to present the results of research and studies and discuss their outputs.
• Follow up the implementation of research in the field and ensure its adherence to the approved plans and methodologies.
• Participate in the implementation of approved plans and policies related to the preparation and implementation of studies and research.
• Identify the sources of data and information necessary to prepare studies related to the Ministry's policies, strategies, plans, programs, and projects.
• Documenting the results of research and studies and preparing technical and analytical reports thereof.
• Providing technical support in the preparation of studies and reports to ensure the quality and accuracy of the outputs.
• Identifying the needs of students of determination in terms of supporting devices, technologies, and supportive services, in addition to identifying the training needs of teachers.
• Follow up on the results of the evaluation (preliminary, continuous, and final) of the students, and prepare appropriate treatment programs and plans.
• Providing technical and educational support to the immediate supervisor.
• and carry out any other relevant tasks assigned. Conducting field studies or educational or scientific research enriches the field and contributes to the development of performance.
• Spreading the culture of inclusive education and practices that support the independence and active participation of students in the school environment.
• Perform any other tasks assigned by the line manager.

Skills

• 5+ years of experience in the field of occupational therapy, A minimum of (2-4) years of experience in the field of occupational therapy, preferably in educational settings or with people of determination
• A bachelor s degree in occupational therapy or master s degree in occupational therapy or Rehabilitation.
• A valid professional license to practice the profession of occupational therapy (according to the country's regulations).
• Experience working in multidisciplinary teams (educational/medical/qualifying)
• Experience in training educational staff and providing technical support to the field
• Familiarity with the concepts of occupational therapy and its applications in the educational environment.
• The ability to assess the sensory, motor and functional abilities of students of determination.
• Contributing to the design and adaptation of curricula to suit the needs of students.
• Support the preparation and implementation of individual educational plans from a functional perspective.
• Use and employ assistive technologies and tools that support learning.
• Familiarity with sensory integration strategies and behavior modification within the classroom environment.
• Develop career intervention programs that support independence and learning skills.
• Cooperating with multidisciplinary teams to provide technical support to specialists in the field.
• Effective communication and coordination skills with work teams and relevant authorities.
• Teamwork and build supportive professional relationships.
• Time management skills and manage priorities and tasks efficiently.
• Ability to prepare educational and technical reports accurately and professionally.
• Problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Strong English & Arabic reading writing.
• Strong English & Arabic speaking.