PRIMARY PURPOSE:

Provide direct occupational therapy services under the direction of a licensed certified occupational therapist.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Certification:

• Associates degree in physical therapy or related program
• Community College and/or Vocational School degree with study in the area of Occupational Therapy, preferred
• Valid Texas license as an occupational therapy assistant granted by the Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Knowledge of medical information and indications for school based occupational therapy services using an educational model

• Skill in the use of tests and measurements for assisting with the assessment of fine motor/sensory function in the school environment

• Ability to administer manual exercises and occupational therapy treatments for school based occupational therapy services

• Ability to instruct students and manage their behavior

• Ability to implement occupational therapy treatment programs as specified by occupational therapy plan of care
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written)

Experience:

• One year experience in occupational therapy, including contact with school-aged children

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITies AND DUTIES:

Occupational Therapy Services

1. Assist the OTR with the assessment of students with disabilities in determining eligibility for school based occupational therapy services.
2. Plan and provide direct services consistent with the educational model of OT goals contained in the student’s IEP.
3. Assist occupational therapist to revise short-term patient goals; evaluate and document student progress for OT services.
4. Provide progress reports at the end of each grading period.
5. Assist in the implementation of modifications required for special education students in the classroom.
6. Assist with instructing teachers, staff, and parents in use of adaptive equipment, assistive technology programs or devices, and integration of therapy goals into the educational program.
7. Interact with student patient regarding patient’s condition, progress, and/or achievement of goals during each treatment session.
8. Communicate with parents regarding individual students as directed by the occupational therapist.
9. Attend planning meetings and participate in Admission, Review, and Dismissal Committee (ARD) meetings as directed by the occupational therapist.
10. Comply with policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education Rules, and the local school board policy.
11. Manage and maintain occupational therapy prescriptions, when needed/required.
12. Maintain appropriate logs for SHARS reporting.
13. Assist with acquisition and maintenance of therapy equipment and supplies.
14. Other duties as assigned.

Clerical

1. 9. Maintain accurate student records, including patient progress notes.
2. Meet timelines as indicated by state and federal mandates.
3. Complete forms according to department guidelines.
4. Implement policies and procedures as established.
5. Accept completed referrals and discuss current needs of the student prior to evaluation.
6. Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required.

Compliance

1. Comply with policies established by federal and state laws, Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners, State Board

Examiners, State Board of Education rule, and board policy.

1. Comply with all district and campus routines and regulations.
2. Maintain confidentiality.

EQUIPMENT USED:

• Wheelchair lift and ramp. [Note: Other equipment used based upon student needs i.e., adaptive equipment, etc.]

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

• Maintain emotional control under stress
• Frequent standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, pushing and pulling
• Regular lifting of heavy students
• Regular district-wide travel to multiple work locations as assigned.

The above statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to the job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills that may be required. This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. The administration has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.