Occupational Therapist

Position: Occupational TherapistDepartment: Special ProgramsWage/Hour Status: Non ExemptImmediate Supervisor(s): Lead Related Services Provider OT/PT and the Coordinator of Evaluation and Related ServicesPay Grade: Per Compensation ManualDays Employed: Per Compensation ManualPOSITION SUMMARY:Plan and provide therapy to students with mental, learning/developmental, physical, or emotional disabilitiesAssess students and provide therapeutic intervention to maximize physical or mental functioningIncrease independent functioning to address problems or impairments that interfere with students' ability to derive full benefit from the educational programQUALIFICATIONS: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 ExaminersSpecial Knowledge/Skills:Knowledge of medical information, rehabilitation procedures, activities, or related programs and indications for occupational therapy treatmentSkill in the use of tests and measurements for assessing disabilitiesAbility to apply knowledge of current research and theory to the instructional programAbility to administer manual exercises and occupational therapy treatmentsAbility to instruct students and manage their behaviorAbility to instruct staff regarding student's occupational therapy needsExcellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skillsExperience:* Minimum one-year experience as an occupational therapistMAJOR 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 servicesDesign, construct, alter, and provide students with adaptive equipment and devices to promote maximum independenceAssessment:* 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 proceduresConsultation:Consult with educational staff and parents regarding occupational therapyConsult with district and outside personnel including private therapists and other medical staff regarding the physical and medical needs of studentsProvide staff development training in assigned school to assist school personnel with selection and use of adaptive equipment and understanding of occupational therapy programConsult with parents, teachers, administrators, and other relevant people to enhance their work with studentsStudent 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 staffProgram Management:Develop and coordinate a continuing evaluation of the occupational therapy program and implement changes based on the findingsAssist in the selection of equipment and adaptive material and AT equipment managementDevelop and maintain effective individual and group relationships with students and parentsFollow the A-Z Special Education Operating GuidelinesAdministration:Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documentsComply with policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and local board policyComply with all district and campus routines and regulationsEffectively communicate with colleagues, students, and parentsParticipate in professional development activities to improve skills related to job assignmentKeep updated paperwork regarding services provided as required by licensing board and required for Medicaid and SHARS billingPerform other duties as assigned by the Related Services Team Leader, Coordinator of Evaluation and Related Services and/or the Executive Director of Special ProgramsEXPECTATIONS 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 studentsCommunicate: Must be able to communicate with staff, students, and parents; must be able to convey accurate information, maintain composure and communicate effectively under stressPosture: Frequent standing; kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twistingMotion: Frequent walking and reachingLifting: 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 equipmentEnvironment: 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 assignedMental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress; Must be able to meet multiple demands from several peoplePhysical 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 studentsProfessional 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