Specialist - 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:

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:

Effective communication and interpersonal skills

Knowledge of occupational therapy procedures, education of special students, human development and learning theories

Ability to instruct students and manage their behavior

Experience: Minimum of 3 years experience as an occupational therapist

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Conduct evaluations of students whose gross and fine-motor skills, developmental skills, visual-perceptual skills, and sensory-motor integration skills impair learning and daily living functional capacities.

Plan and provide direct and consultative services consistent with occupational therapy goals contained in student's IEP.

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

Provide direct services to students following evaluation.

Provide consultation to teachers, parents, and others.

Stay up-to-date professionally through the selection of quality staff development opportunities for personal growth.

Research district policy, precedent, and current practices prior to taking action.

Participate as an effective team member who contributes to district, department, and content goals.

Demonstrate integrity and ethics.

Display proficient levels of technology applications.

Utilize time wisely for effective management of job responsibilities.

Maintain punctuality in daily work times, appointments, and meetings.

Meet task completion deadlines established by supervisor.

Maintain friendly customer-service-driven interactions with all stakeholders, students, teachers, administrators, and co-workers.

Work cooperatively with co-workers and supervisors to ensure that the goals of the school/department are met.

Maintain a positive and professional tone in all communication (i.e. email, written, and verbal).

Manage and utilize data effectively for systemic process and program analysis.

Account for the accuracy and verification of all student program data and reports.

Implement data-driven decision making for improvement efforts based on best practices.

Manage and utilize policy effectively for maintaining systemic processes and practices.

Account for the verification of the correct policy regarding all decisions and correspondence.

Implement effective policy-driven decision making.

Perform other duties and accept other responsibilities as assigned.

Compile, maintain, and submit reports, records, and other documents, as required, including but not limited to documentation of delivered IEP services.

Working Conditions:

Mental Demands: Effective verbal and written communication; concentration while performing duties; ability to maintain emotional control under stress; ability to proficiently manage multiple tasks simultaneously; ability to consistently interact with administration, students, and staff in positive manner.

Physical Demands/Environmental Factors: Varied working environment; frequent district-wide travel in personal vehicle; moderate standing, walking, stooping, bending, lifting of 30 lbs., carrying, pulling, and pushing; performing restraint techniques with students when necessary.