Occupational Therapist

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

Plan and provide quality school-based occupational therapy services to students with mental, physical, or emotional
disabilities. This includes but is not limited to assessment/evaluation, intervention/treatment, IEP planning and
implementation, related documentation and communication between teachers, paraprofessionals, related service
providers and families. Assess students and provide therapeutic intervention to maximize physical or mental functioning,
increase independent functioning, and/or adjust to disabilities.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Education/Certification:
? Bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy or a related program
? Valid Texas license as an occupational therapist granted by the State of Texas

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
? Demonstrate an advanced understanding of strategies for students with autism, developmental
delay, specific learning disabilities, and behavior disorders.
? Be a strong classroom support.
? Demonstrate strong skills in partnering with families.
? Demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to communicate
effectively with a diverse group of colleagues, parents, families, and community members.
? Be committed to meeting the needs of a diverse student population.
? Have a track record of being a team player and community-minded.
? Be committed to their own learning.
? Have excellent time-management skills, attention to detail, and ability to work independent

Experience:
? One year of experience as an occupational therapist preferred

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
Instructional Management
1. Plan and provide direct and consultative services consistent with occupational therapy goals contained in students’ Individual Education Plans (IEP).
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.
4. Knowledge of occupational therapy theories, models of practice, principles, and evidence-based practice ? Preferred
knowledge of Sensory Integration theory and practices
5. Skill in gathering screening and evaluation data, completing checklists, histories, and interviews
6. Ability to select, adapt, and sequence relevant occupations and purposeful activities that support
7. intervention goals
8. Skill in effective oral and written communication
9. Ability to maintain safe environments, equipment, and materials
10. Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records and progress notes
11. Willingness to be educated and trained for specific program implementation
12. Initiative, strong work ethic, and the ability to positively interact and collaborate in a team
environment
13. Complete thorough evaluation, including muscle tone, range of motion/mobility, orthopedic
needs, movement analysis, perceptive/fine motor skills, sensory sensory-motor processing and functional
activities of daily living.
14. Educate and demonstrate (verbally or written) therapy techniques to parents that can be
incorporated into the home
15. Develop and implement IEPs to meet the child’s individual needs.
16. Attend staff meetings, in-service training, and continuing education courses as appropriate or
required.
17. Assess and make recommendations regarding the use of adaptive equipment as needed and
provide written justification.
18. Responsible for timely documentation of evaluation results, progress reports, discharge reports,
daily notes, service tracker notes.

School/Organizational Climate
19. Promote a positive caring climate for learning.
20. Deal consistently and equitably with all personnel.
21. Assess students with disabilities and determine eligibility for services.
22. 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.

School/Organizational Improvement
23. Consult with educational staff and parents regarding occupational therapy.
24. Provide staff development training in assigned school to assist school personnel with selection and use of adaptive
equipment and understanding of occupational therapy program.
25. Consult with parents, teachers, administrators, and other relevant people to enhance their work with students.

Personnel Management
26. Demonstrate skill in ‘coaching’ staff/peers, provide technical assistance to the instructional staff concerning the
teaching/learning process as it relates to therapy.
27. Secure consultants, specialists, materials and other community resources to assist in meeting program goals.
Administration and Fiscal/Facilities Management
28. Develop and coordinate a continuing evaluation of the occupational therapy program and implement changes based on
the findings.
29. Assist in the selection of equipment and adaptive material.
30. Develop and maintain effective individual and group relationships with students and parents.
31. Aid in maintaining and updating policies and/or procedures involving occupational therapy services within the district.
32. Maintain communication with appropriate medical personnel.
33. Maintain inventories of equipment, materials, and supplies.

Student Management
34. Create an environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the maturity level, interests, and needs of the
student.
35. Establish control and administer discipline according to the Student Code of Conduct and student handbook.
36. Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records and other documents required.
37. Comply with policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and local board policy.
38. Comply with all district and campus routines and regulations.

School/Community Relations
39. Effectively communicate with colleagues, students, parents and physicians.
40. Articulate the schools’ missions to the community.
41. Emphasize and nurture two-way communication between the school and community.
Professional Growth and Development
42. Participate in professional development activities to improve skills related to job assignment.
43. Perform any other duties assigned by the Director of Special Education.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
Mental Demands
? Maintain emotional control under stress
? Work with frequent interruptions
Physical Demands
? Light lifting and carrying, reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, repetitive hand motions; frequent bending and
stooping
? May be required to lift and transfer students to and from wheelchairs or assist with positioning students with physical
disabilities.
Environmental Demands
? Normal office environment
? May work prolonged or irregular hours
? Regular district wide travel to multiple work locations as assigned; moderate lifting.

The above statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to the job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills that
may be required. This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. The administration has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any
time without notice.