Job Title: Occupational Therapist Wage/Hour Status: Exempt

Reports to: Director of Special Services Pay Grade:

Dept./School: Assigned Campus Date Revised: 1/3/2017

Primary Purpose:

Plan, provide, and ensure quality and delivery of occupational therapy services for eligible students.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

Bachelor’s Degree from a four year accredited college or university 

Valid Licensure as Licensed Occupational Therapist by the Executive Council on Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Examiners 

Candidate must have satisfactory outcome of fingerprinting background check. Non-refundable fee (approximately $50.00) paid by the employee

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Leadership style compatible with position

Knowledge of Occupational Therapist state and federal mandates

Ability to determine eligibility and need for occupational therapist services

Ability to analyze data and provide recommendations

Ability to problem solve, think critically and manage conflicts

Strong organizational, communication, presentation and interpersonal skills

Demonstrated oral and written communication skills

Ability to maintain accurate records and meet deadlines

Experience:

Six months experience in an educational setting

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

(The following statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned and should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions that may be assigned or skills that may be required.)

Occupational Therapist Leadership

Develop, implement and evaluate occupational therapist program or specialized services based on student needs.

Assess, recommend and provide appropriate occupational therapist services for eligible students in instructional setting as outlined by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), Council on Standards and Practices, and the Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners.

Recommend, order and maintain appropriate occupational therapist equipment for eligible students in instructional setting.

Organizational Management

Follow and maintain established referral process and records for occupational therapist services.

Provide assistance with the organizational needs of the Special Education Department.

Attend Special Education Department and District meetings and training sessions as assigned.

Occupational Therapist’s Role in Student Achievement

Collaborate with other instructional and department personnel to support common vision for occupational therapist program improvement and student success.

Participate on ARD/IEP committees and recommend appropriate occupational therapy goals and objectives to meet student needs.

Identify, analyze and apply research and data findings to promote program improvement.

Supervise occupational therapy assistant personnel as required by licensure.

Professional Learning

Provide district-wide and student-specific training to district staff, school staff and individual care givers.

Demonstrate and maintain current knowledge, understanding and skill appropriate to job assignment.

Qualities of Effective Occupational Therapists

Demonstrates a high level of personal integrity, a collaborative leadership style and high ethical standards.

Keep informed of and comply with state, district, and federal policies, including daily attendance, punctuality and confidentiality.

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

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

None

Equipment: 

Computer, computer software programs and peripherals, teacher resource materials and equipment, copier, fax, video monitoring equipment and other equipment applicable to position.

Working Conditions:

Mental and Physical Demands:

Maintain emotional control under stress; work with frequent interruptions/deadlines and prolonged or irregular hours; Frequent walking, standing, stooping, bending, pulling and pushing; Occasional: Lifting and carrying 10-25 pounds frequently, 25-40 pounds occasionally, more than 45 pounds infrequently with assistance; Pushing/pulling 10-35 pounds sporadically; May be required under specific circumstances to provide physical restraint of students in danger of causing harm to themselves or others; Frequent district-wide and occasional statewide travel.

Environmental Factors:

Frequent exposure to:  temperature extremes (hot and cold), humidity extremes, noise; Occasional exposure to:  biological hazards (communicable diseases, bacteria, insects, mold, fungi, etc.).

Note: This is not necessarily an exhaustive or all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, functions or working conditions associated with the job. This job description is not a contract of employment or a promise or guarantee of any specific terms or conditions of employment. The school district may add to, modify or delete any aspect of this job (or the position itself) at any time it deems advisable