Job Title: Occupational Therapist                     

Wage/Hour Status: Exempt

Reports to: Director of Special Services              

Pay Grade: Admin/Prof - 4

Dept./School: Special Services / Assigned Campus(es)                          

Work Calendar: 187 Days

Qualified applicants also eligible for a $1,500/year Licensed Hard-to-Fill Position stipend.

PRIMARY PURPOSE 

Plan and provide therapy to students with mental, physical, or emotional disabilities.  Provide therapeutic intervention to maximize physical or mental function, increase independent functioning, and/or adjust to disabilities in an academic environment.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Certification: 

• Bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy or related program
• Valid Texas license as an occupational therapist granted by the Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners

Special Knowledge/Skills: 

• Knowledge of rehabilitation procedures, activities, and equipment used in occupational therapy
• Ability to instruct students and manage their behavior
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Experience

• One year of experience as an occupational therapist

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:

Therapy

1. Plan and provide direct and consultative services consistent with occupational therapy goals contained in students’ Individual Education Plans (IEPs).
2. Evaluate student progress and determine readiness for termination of occupational therapy services.
3. Design, construct, alter, and provide students with adaptive equipment and devices to promote maximum independence.

Assessment

1. Assess students with disabilities and determine eligibility for services in the school environment.
2. Participate 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.

Consultation

1. Consult with educational staff and parents regarding occupational therapy.
2. Provide staff development training in assigned school to assist personnel with selection and use of adaptive equipment, understanding of occupational therapy program, and use of adaptive techniques.
3. Consult with parents, teachers, administrators, and other relevant people to enhance their work with students.

Student Management

1. Create an environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the maturity level, interests, and needs of the students.
2. Establish control and administer discipline according to the Student Code of Conduct and student handbook.

Program Management

1. Develop and coordinate a continuing evaluation of the occupational therapy program, and implement changes based on the finding.
2. Assist in the selection of equipment and adaptive material.
3. Develop and maintain effective individual and group relationships with students, parents, and school staff.

Administration

1. Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required.
2. Comply with policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rules, and local board policy.
3. Comply with all district and campus routines and regulations.
4. Effectively communicate with colleagues, students, and parents.
5. Participate in professional development activities to improve skills related to job assignment.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

May direct and monitor the work of a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

MENTAL DEMANDS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

Equipment used: Standard office equipment including computers, copy machines, printers, telephones, scanners, and software for word processing and databases.

Lifting: Moderate lifting; may be required to lift and transfer students to and from wheelchairs or assist with positioning students with physical disabilities
Environment: Regular district-wide travel to multiple work locations as assigned
Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress

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.