Occupational Therapist

Position: Occupational Therapist

Department: Special Programs

Wage/Hour Status: Non Exempt

Immediate Supervisor(s): Lead Related Services Provider OT/PT and the Coordinator of Evaluation and Related Services

Pay Grade: Per Compensation Manual

Days Employed: Per Compensation Manual

POSITION SUMMARY:

• Plan and provide therapy to students with mental, learning/developmental, physical, or emotional disabilities
• Assess students and provide therapeutic intervention to maximize physical or mental functioning
• Increase independent functioning to address problems or impairments that interfere with students' ability to derive full benefit from the educational program

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Certification:

• Bachelor, Master's, or Doctorate degree in occupational therapy
• Valid Texas license as an occupational therapist granted by the Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Knowledge of medical information, rehabilitation procedures, activities, or related programs and indications for occupational therapy treatment
• Skill in the use of tests and measurements for assessing disabilities
• Ability to apply knowledge of current research and theory to the instructional program
• Ability to administer manual exercises and occupational therapy treatments
• Ability to instruct students and manage their behavior
• Ability to instruct staff regarding student's occupational therapy needs
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Experience:

• Minimum one-year experience as an occupational therapist

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Therapy:

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

Assessment:

• Assess students with disabilities & determine eligibility for services (including OT/ assistive technology (AT), including recommendations for student success
• Participate in the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee meetings to assist with the interpretation of assessment data, appropriate placement, and goal setting for students according to district procedures

Consultation:

• Consult with educational staff and parents regarding occupational therapy
• Consult with district and outside personnel including private therapists and other medical staff regarding the physical and medical needs of students
• Provide staff development training in assigned school to assist school personnel with selection and use of adaptive equipment and understanding of occupational therapy program
• Consult with parents, teachers, administrators, and other relevant people to enhance their work with students

Student Instruction:

• Create an environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the maturity level, interests, and needs of the student
• Assist ARDC in determining appropriate accommodations/modifications, and or assistive technology needs/provide instruction regarding AT education to staff

Program Management:

• Develop and coordinate a continuing evaluation of the occupational therapy program and implement changes based on the findings
• Assist in the selection of equipment and adaptive material and AT equipment management
• Develop and maintain effective individual and group relationships with students and parents
• Follow the A-Z Special Education Operating Guidelines

Administration:

• Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents
• Comply with policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and local board policy
• Comply with all district and campus routines and regulations
• Effectively communicate with colleagues, students, and parents
• Participate in professional development activities to improve skills related to job assignment
• Keep updated paperwork regarding services provided as required by licensing board and required for Medicaid and SHARS billing
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Related Services Team Leader, Coordinator of Evaluation and Related Services and/or the Executive Director of Special Programs

EXPECTATIONS OF MENTAL DEMANDS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including computer and peripherals; standard instructional equipment; other specialized and adaptive equipment used by students
• Communicate: Must be able to communicate with staff, students, and parents; must be able to convey accurate information, maintain composure and communicate effectively under stress
• Posture: Frequent standing; kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting
• Motion: Frequent walking and reaching
• Lifting: Frequent light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); heavy lifting (45 pounds or over) and positioning or students with physical disabilities, controlling behavior through physical restraint, assisting non-ambulatory students, and lifting and moving adaptive and other classroom equipment
• Environment: Work inside and outside (exposure to sun, heat, cold, and inclement weather); exposure to noise; exposure to biological hazards (body fluids, bacteria, communicable diseases); Regular district-wide travel to multiple work locations as assigned
• Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress; Must be able to meet multiple demands from several people
• Physical Demands: Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and depth perception. The employee may be exposed to infection at a greater risk than the average person. The employee is directly responsible for the safety and well-being of students during the time during which he/she works with them. Must be able to observe students
• Professional Dress: Dress must be clean, neat, in a manner appropriate for his or her assignment, and in accordance with any additional standards established by his or her supervisor and approved by the Superintendent. During work hours, visible body piercings (except earrings) will not be allowed.

EVALUATIONS:

• Performance of this position will be evaluated annually