SPED Occupational Therapist POOL 26-27

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.

Education/Certification: Bachelor'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.

Therapy Plan and provide direct and consultative services consistent with occupational therapy goals contained in students' Individual Education Plans (IEP). Evaluate student progress and determine readiness for termination of occupational therapy services. Design, construct, alter, and provide students with adaptive equipment and devices to promote maximum independence.

Assessment Assess students with disabilities and determine eligibility for services. 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 Consult with educational staff and parents regarding occupational therapy. Provide staff development training in assigned school to assist school personnel with selection and use of adaptive equipment and understanding of occupational therapy program. Consult with parents, teachers, administrators, and other relevant people to enhance their work with students.

Student Management Create an environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the maturity level, interests, and needs of the student. Establish control and administer discipline according to the Student Code of Conduct and student handbook.

Program Management Develop and coordinate a continuing evaluation of the occupational therapy program and implement changes based on the findings. Assist in the selection of equipment and adaptive material. Develop and maintain effective individual and group relationships with students and parents.

Administration Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required. Comply with policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and local board policy. Comply with all district and campus routines and regulations. Effectively communicate with colleagues, students, and parents. Participate in professional development activities to improve skills related to job assignment.

Supervise occupational therapy assistant(s).

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors: 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.