Occupational Therapist

SUMMARY:


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


The essential functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the characteristic duties and responsibilities noted herein, however, this list represents examples only, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions found in this job description.

• Model KISD core organizational beliefs and values; perform duties effectively and efficiently for the purpose of supporting and contributing to high student achievement.

• Provide program support and service delivery; communicate effectively within and across teams and participate in cross-functional work groups.

• Maintain a commitment to the District mission; model District expectations through personal leadership and actively support the efforts of others to achieve District goals.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

Therapy

• Plan and provide direct and consultative services consistent with occupational therapy goals contained in students' Individual Education Plans (IEP). Evaluate student progress and make recommendations regarding occupational therapy services.

• Design, construct, alter, and provide students with adaptive equipment and devices to promote maximum independence.

• Assess students with disabilities and determine eligibility for services.

Consultation

• Conduct one-on-one consultation with teachers, parents, and others to assist with selection and use of adaptive equipment and material that will enhance student learning.

Student Management

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

• Plan and provide direct and consultative services consistent with occupational therapy goals contained in students' Individual Education Plans (IEP).

• Design, construct, alter, and provide students with adaptive equipment and devices to promote maximum independence.

• Evaluate student progress and determine readiness for termination of occupational therapy services.

• Consult parents, teachers, and administrators concerning the educational needs of students and occupational therapy progress.

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

Program Management

• 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.

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

• Provide staff development training in assigned school(s) to assist school personnel with selection and use of occupational therapy activities and understanding of occupational therapy program.

Policy, Reports, and Law

• Maintain confidentiality.

• Develop and maintain systems for retrieval of information in support of all programs; compile, maintain, file, and secure all physical and computerized reports, records, and other required documents.

• Pursue Professional Development activities for self and assigned staff; ensure that Professional Development activities are aligned with District goals and initiatives and current professional research.

• Comply with all policies, operating procedures, legal requirements, and verbal and written directives.

• Comply with the Professional Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators.

• Follow District safety protocols and emergency procedures.

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Certification:

• 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 (TBOTE)

Experience:

• One (1) year experience as an Occupational Therapist

SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

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

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supervise the work of the occupational therapy assistant(s), if assigned.

MENTAL/PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS:

Tools/Equipment Used:

• Special needs adaptive equipment; standard office equipment including computer and peripherals

Posture:

• Frequent standing, sitting, kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing pulling, and twisting

Motion:

• Frequent walking, grasping/squeezing, wrist flexion/extension reaching

Lifting:

• Regular heavy lifting (45 pounds or more) and position of students with physical disabilities; controlling behavior through physical restraint, assisting non-ambulatory students

Environment:

• Evaluations must be completed on-site from assigned school or building; regular exposure to noise and computer monitors

• Remote work available when not required on-site and approved by department supervisor

• Exposure to biological hazards, bacteria, and communicable diseases

• Frequent districtwide travel

Mental Demands:

• Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress work; prolonged or irregular hours

INTENT AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:


This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit, or any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct and control the work of employees under supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind or level of difficulty.