OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

Occupational Therapist

Join the Arkansas Department of Education where each student is recognized as an individual. Through a cultivation of world-class educators, partnering with communities, and an influx of social supports, Arkansas Department of Education provides multi-level supports that help ensure students will receive a personalized education and develop a life-long love of learning.

Job Series: Licensed Medical Professionals

Classification: Occupational Therapist - Competitive

Class Code: MLM03C

Pay Grade: MED07

Salary Range: $94,387 - $139,693

Job Summary

The Occupational Therapist is responsible for evaluating, developing, and implementing treatment plans for patients who experience physical, mental, or developmental impairments that affect their ability to perform daily tasks and activities. The role involves working with individuals to enhance their ability to live independently by improving motor skills, cognitive function, and activities of daily living (ADLs).

Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of patients' physical, mental, and emotional abilities to determine the extent of impairments and limitations in daily activities.
• Develop individualized treatment plans based on evaluation results to address specific patient needs, goals, and functional limitations.
• Provide therapeutic interventions aimed at improving patients' ability to perform ADLs such as dressing, bathing, eating, and grooming.
• Develop and implement interventions for patients with cognitive impairments (e.g., memory, attention, problem-solving) to support independence and improve overall quality of life.
• Recommend and train patients on the use of adaptive equipment and assistive devices (e.g., walkers, wheelchairs, prosthetics, splints) to improve functionality and independence.
• Monitor and document patient progress towards therapy goals, adjusting treatment plans based on patient responses and feedback.

Knowledge and Skills

Strong ability to conduct detailed patient assessments, using both standardized tools and personalized observation to identify functional limitations.

Proficient in creating and implementing individualized treatment plans tailored to the specific needs and goals of patients.

Ability to assess and recommend appropriate adaptive equipment and provide training on their proper use.

Minimum Qualifications

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

Licensure/Certifications Must hold a valid Occupational Therapist license issued by the Arkansas State Board of Occupational Therapy, in accordance with state regulations. Certification from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) is preferred but not required.

Other job related education and/or experience may be substituted for all or part of these basic requirements, except for certification or licensure requirements, upon approval of the qualifications review committee.

The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.