Occupational Therapist

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

To enable students to participate in the school setting in the least restrictive environment; to promote a positive working relationship, among and between staff, by providing a climate conducive to open communication and productive work. Occupational therapists will provide students with therapeutic developed practices to confidently and efficiently use in all school instructional settings.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Certification:


Bachelor's Degree, required


Certification from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy or from the American Occupational Therapy Certification Board, Inc., required


License from Executive Council of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Examiners, required

Special Knowledge/Skills:


Communicate effectively (verbal and written); utilize interpersonal skills; organize, plan and schedule within limited time constraints; understand educational implications of physical disabilities; utilize problem-solving skills, preferred

Experience:


Experience in pediatric occupational therapy, preferred

Days: 197

Pay Grade: AE-05

Daily Rate pay range:


Minimum: $349.50


Maximum: $487.62

Note: Starting pay for a new hire in a pay range plan will be determined individually based on each person's job-related experience and salaries paid to peer employees in the same position with similar experience.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Keep informed about current legislation, educational developments, literature and research in special education by participating in state and national professional organizations; attend appropriate conferences and staff development sessions; disseminate professional information and materials to the schools.

1. Evaluate and assess referred students.

1. Plan and develop student Individual Education Plans (IEP) based on the assessment.

1. Provide services as recommended by the student's IEP both direct and/or consultation.

1. Collaborate and consult with instructional staff, parents, and other relevant personnel on student needs.

1. Recommend and assist in the acquisition, use and maintenance of adaptive equipment required by students to function in the school setting.

1. Assess facilities and recommend environmental adaptations.

1. Provide appropriate staff development as required.

1. Attend and contribute to professional staff meetings and/or Admission, Review and Dismissal (ARD) meetings.

1. Participate in specialized interdisciplinary team evaluations.

1. Document and prepare required progress reports to parents.

1. Provide written documentation and reports as needed or requested.

1. Keep the immediate supervisor informed regarding the status on all projects/services undertaken and of directives or requests received internally or externally.

1. Follow McAllen ISD customer service standards.

1. Perform other duties assigned by immediate supervisor (primary evaluator).

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

None

EQUIPMENT USED:

Computer, seating and positioning equipment, adaptive technology devices, sensory motor equipment, various gross motor enhancement equipment, adaptive switches

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Mental Demands:


Maintain emotional control under stress; meet deadlines

Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:


Frequent districtwide travel; physical handling of children or equipment for positioning, ranging, carrying, transferring, and lifting; transporting equipment to and from schools; repetitive hand and wrist motions.