Sp Ed, Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapist

Plan and provide therapy to students with mental, physical, or emotional disabilities. Assess students and provide therapeutic intervention to maximize physical or mental functioning, increase independent functioning, and/or adjust to disabilities.

Qualifications

Master's degree in occupational therapy or related program Valid Texas license as an occupational therapist granted by the Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners

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

Experience

One year experience as an occupational therapist preferred, will consider new graduate with appropriate references

Major Responsibilities and Duties

Therapy 1. Plan and provide direct and indirect 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.

Assessment 4. Assess students with disabilities and determine educational need for skilled occupational therapy services.

5. 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.

Consultation 6. Consult with educational staff and parents regarding occupational therapy.

7. Provide staff development training in assigned school(s) to assist school personnel with the selection and use of adaptive equipment and understanding of the occupational therapy program.

8. Consult with parents, teachers, administrators, and other relevant people to enhance their work with students.

Student Management 9. Create an environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the maturity level, interests, and needs of the student.

10. Establish control and administer discipline according to the Student Code of Conduct and the student handbook.

Program Management 11. Develop and coordinate a continuing evaluation of the occupational therapy program and implement changes based on the findings.

12. Assist in the selection of equipment and adaptive material.

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

Administration 14. Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required.

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

16. Comply with all district and campus routines and regulations.

17. Effectively communicate with colleagues, students, and parents.

18. Participate in professional development activities to improve skills related to job assignments.

19. Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Supervise occupational therapy assistant(s).

Working Conditions

Maintain emotional control under stress. Regular districtwide travel to multiple work locations as assigned; moderate lifting. May be required to lift and transfer students to and from wheelchairs or assist with positioning students with physical disabilities as well as assist in the delivery of adaptive equipment to assigned campuses.

Hybrid Work Arrangement

The employee in this position must reside in Texas and must be able to work onsite when called upon, with an hour's notice. The employee will work with the supervisor to develop a system to ensure accountability, reporting of time, and completion of assigned tasks/projects. Approval for a Hybrid Work Arrangement can be changed if performance concerns related to remote work arise and are unresolved after being addressed by the employee's direct supervisor or if the job role changes and no longer qualifies for the Hybrid Work Arrangement. At its sole discretion, the District may discontinue Hybrid Work Agreements at any time.