Job Title:                         Occupational Therapist
Reports to:                      Director of Special Programs
Dept./School                   District Wide
Wage/Hour Status:         Exempt
Pay Grade:                       AS3 – 207 days
Date Revised:                  08/01/2023

 

Primary Purpose:

Plan and provide therapy to students with mental, physical, or emotional disabilities. Assess students and provide therapeutic intervention to maximize physical or mental functioning, increase independent functioning, and/or adjust to disabilities. To provide occupational therapy to District students in fine motor skills, sensory/perceptual motor skills, and self-care skills to insure that the students are able to benefit from the special education program. Provide support and direction for the Assistive Technology needs of the district.

Qualifications:
Education/Certification:

• Bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy or related program
• Valid Texas license in occupational therapist granted by the State Board of Occupational Therapy examiners
Special Knowledge/Skills:
• Knowledge of occupational therapy treatment procedures, activities, and equipment
• Skill in use of tests and measurements for assessing occupational therapy needs
• Ability to administer therapy plans and treatments
• Ability to instruct students and manage their behavior
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Experience:

• Experience in school environment preferred.

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

General

1. Demonstrates thoroughness, reliability and a high degree of accuracy in performing work assignments.
2. Works cooperatively with others and maintains a positive attitude in the work environment.
3. Demonstrates initiative and good judgment in problem solving and decision-making.
4. Reports promptly and maintains good attendance.
5. Uses time productively on the job.
6. Follows district policies, rules and regulations.
7. Accepts supervisory direction.
8. Must be able to perform the essential functions of walking and interacting with students and/or district employees in the specific work site assigned (classroom or office setting).
9. Demonstrates tact, courtesy and helpfulness in dealing with staff, students, parents, and visitors in the district.

Therapy

10. Plans and provides direct and consultative services consistent with occupational therapy goals contained in students’ Individual Education Plans (IEP).
11. Evaluates student progress and determine readiness for termination of occupational therapy services.
12. Designs, constructs, alters, and provides students with adaptive equipment and devices to promote maximum independence.

Assessment

13. Assesses students with disabilities and determine eligibility for services.
14. Participates in the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee to assist with the interpretation of assessment data, appropriate placement, and goal setting for students according to district procedures.
15. Adapts or recommends adaptation of the school environment.

Consultation

16. Consults with educational staff and parents regarding occupational therapy.
17. Provides staff development training in assigned school to assist school personnel with selection and use of adaptive equipment and understanding of occupational therapy program.
18. Consults with parents, teachers, administrators, and other relevant people to enhance their work with students.
19. May provide supervision to assistant, intern or trainee.**

Student Management

20. Creates an environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the maturity level, interests, and needs of the student.

Program Management

21. Develops and coordinates a continuing evaluation of the occupational therapy program and implement changes based on the findings.
22. Assists in the selection of equipment and adaptive material.
23. Develops and maintain effective individual and group relationships with students and parents.

General

24. Be a positive role model for students; support mission of school district.
25. Maintains a professional relationship with supervisors, colleagues, students, parents, and community members.
26. Uses effective communication skills to present information accurately and clearly.
27. Participates in staff development activities to improve job-related skills including assigned areas aligned to student needs, disabilities, IDEA, state special education and district guidelines.
28. Keeps informed of and comply with federal, state, district, and school regulations and policies for special education teachers.
29. Compiles, maintains, and files all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required.
30. Maintains confidentiality.
31. Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

May provide supervision to assistant, intern or trainee.**

Working Conditions:
Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:
Maintain emotional control under stress. Frequent standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, pushing, and pulling. Move small stacks of textbooks, media equipment, desks, and other classroom or adaptive equipment. May be required to lift and position students with physical disabilities; control behavior through physical restraint; and assist non-ambulatory students. Exposure to biological hazards. May be required to work more than 40 hours during the work week.
The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.