Occupational Therapist (24.25 School Year)

Primary Purpose:

Evaluate referred students with disabilities; develop and implement therapy programs; and to provide consultative services to school personnel and families.

Education / Certification:

• Graduate from an accredited school of Occupational Therapy.

• Occupational Therapists are licensed by the Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners (TBOTE)

Special Knowledge / Skills:

• Knowledge of rehabilitation procedures, activities, and equipment in occupational therapy.

• Ability to apply knowledge of current research and theory to instructional programs.

• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.

• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

• Assess students with physical disabilities and determine eligibility for services.

• Plan and provide direct and consultative services consistent with occupational therapy goals contained in Individual Education Plans (IEP).

• Participate in the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee regarding interpretation of assessment data, appropriate placement, and goal setting for students with physical disabilities according to district procedures.

• Evaluate student's progress and determine readiness for termination of occupational therapy services.

• Design, construct, alter equipment, and provide students with adaptive equipment and devices.

• Consult with educational staff and parents regarding occupational therapy.

• Provide staff development training in assigned school to assist school personnel in understating occupational therapy program.

• Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records and other documents required.

• Comply with policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and the local board policy.

• Present a positive role model for students that supports the mission of the school district.

• Comply with all district and local campus routines and regulations.

• Effectively communicate with colleagues, students, and parents.

• Assess and respond to needs related to job responsibilities.

• Develop and coordinate a continuing evaluation of occupational therapy program and implement changes based on the findings.

• Assist in the selection of materials, equipment, and other adaptive materials.

• Develop and maintain effective individual and group relationships with students and parents.

• Consult with parents, teachers, administrators, and other relevant individuals to enhance their work with students.

• Develop needed professional skills appropriate to job assignment.

• Demonstrate behavior that is professional, ethical, and responsible.

• Demonstrate awareness of school-community needs and initiate activities to meet those identified needs.

• Demonstrate awareness of school-community needs and initiate activities to meet those identified needs.

• Demonstrate the use of appropriate and effective techniques for community and parent involvement

• Perform related duties as required.

• Responsible for properly maintaining district records, adhering to all policies set forth by the district for records maintenance and learning the records retention schedule for department records.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Supervises students and Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant as required.