Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapist Position

The licensed occupational therapist practicing in the educational setting provides school-based occupational therapy to support student participation, functional skills, access, and independence in the educational environment. The therapist collaborates with families and school staff to assess needs, develop goals and supports, and deliver services in accordance with state and federal guidelines under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Schedule 804; Range 122; nine and one-fourth (9.25) month contract (190 days), with benefits.

FLSA: Exempt

Salary placement within the range is determined by the district based on education and experience.

Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctoral degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program.

Current Arkansas Occupational Therapist licensure by the Arkansas State Medical Board.

Experience working for a school system or comparable setting working with children or youth is desirable.

Evidence of strong interpersonal and communication skills in dealing with students, staff, administrators, and parents is necessary.

The therapist will be responsible for securing and maintaining active licensure, including completing all necessary continuing education.

Such alternatives and additions to the above qualifications may be deemed appropriate by the Superintendent. Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may require.

Evaluation and Assessment

• Assess functional skills through screenings, evaluations, observations, interviews, standardized assessments, and related data collection methods to identify educationally relevant occupational therapy needs.
• Prepare written evaluation reports, interpret results, and present findings to educational teams in accordance with state and federal guidelines.

Educational Planning, Intervention, and Goals

• Participate in educational team meetings as a collaborative team member to share relevant information, discuss student needs, and support educational planning.
• Contribute to the development of educationally relevant goals, supports, or services aligned with student needs.
• Implement direct occupational therapy services and/or consultative supports as outlined in the student's educational plan.
• Provide interventions that support fine motor skills, sensory processing, self-care, access to classroom tasks, and participation in school routines.
• Complete required documentation and written input for educational planning processes.
• Collaborate with teams regarding accommodations, modifications, and supports that promote student access and participation.

Consultation and Collaboration

• Collaborate with families and school staff to address student needs related to functional skills, access, and participation in school activities.
• Provide consultation, assistance, and training related to positioning, environmental modifications, and the use of adaptive equipment or assistive tools.
• Participate in district-sponsored meetings and required professional development activities.

Documentation and Reporting

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of all occupational therapy services, evaluations, progress, and required records in accordance with district procedures and state and federal requirements.
• Complete and upload all required service notes, reports, and documentation to district-approved systems within established timelines.
• Ensure documentation supports IEP, 504, and other educational requirements.

Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbent will possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Working Conditions, Mental Functions, Physical Requirements & Additional Responsibilities

• Maintain reliable and punctual attendance, be physically present at assigned work locations for the full duration of the contracted workday, and limit unexcused absences to an infrequent basis.
• Travel between school sites as assigned (may include students' homes for homebound services).
• Meet the physical demands of school environments, including walking, navigating stairs, and supporting student needs.
• Must be able to lift 35 lbs independently and up to 50 lbs with assistance.
• This position requires accurate perceiving of sound, near and far vision, depth perception, handling and working with educational materials and/or objects, and providing oral information.
• Supervise a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) as assigned.
• Participate in required professional development.
• Maintain all professional licensure requirements throughout employment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Additional technical skills, knowledge, and abilities may be assigned by the supervisor and approved by Human Resources.