Job Title: Occupational Therapist 

Department: Special Services

Pay Grade: P101

FLSA Status: Exempt

Reports to: Assistant Director III – Special Services

GENERAL PURPOSE

This position is responsible for providing support to the educational process with specific responsibilities of completing evaluations, designing occupational therapy treatment plans, schedules, performs treatment sessions and maintains appropriate documentation.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Administers occupational therapy interventions achieving program objectives in accordance with Special Education policies and procedures and 504 Accommodation Plans.
• Assesses students' fine motor and developmental skills determining student's functional level and developing recommendations for treatment and appropriate assistive devices.
• Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders communicating information, problem solving concerns, and providing services in compliance with established guidelines.
• Communicates with students and/or other internal and external stakeholders providing information, developing plans for services and/or making recommendations.
• Develops treatment plans, tiered interventions, and/or provides skilled therapy remediating students’ motor skill deficits and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Interprets medical reports providing information and/or ensuring that treatment/intervention plans are appropriate.
• Maintains files and/or records documenting activities and/or ensuring timely, accurate compliance.
• Participates in professional learning activities acquiring research-based knowledge of current practices, compliance standards, regulations and procedures.
• Participates in required meetings such as evaluation meetings, IEP’s, site special services staff meetings, and therapy department meetings.
• Researches resources and methods determining the appropriate approach for addressing students' functional goals.
• Responds to inquiries providing information and tiered supports, as appropriate.
• Supervises interns, practicum students, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants, and others monitoring performance, providing for professional growth and achieving overall objectives of school's curriculum.
• Transports supplies and equipment to a variety of sites ensuring the availability of items as needed.
• Performs other related duties as required/assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Therapy, required.
• Job related experience within a specialized field is required.

Certificates, Licenses and Other Special Requirements

• Missouri Board of Healing Arts licensure in Occupational Therapy, required.
• National Board for Certified Occupational Therapy, preferred.
• Must pass a Criminal Background Clearance the results of which must be satisfactory to the District, required.
• Possession of a valid Driver’s License, with evidence of insurability.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of algebra and/or geometry; review and interpret highly technical information, write technical materials, and/or speak persuasively to implement desired actions; and analyze situations to define issues, draw conclusions and create action plans.
• Knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include principles of occupational therapy, health standards and hazards, safety practices and procedures, developmentally appropriate activities, current OT treatment interventions, and pertinent policies, regulations and/or laws.
• Skill to perform multiple, technical tasks with a need to routinely upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions.
• Skill based competencies required to perform the functions of the job include applying assessment instruments, operating equipment used in occupational therapy strategies, adhering to safety practices, facilitating meetings, preparing and maintaining accurate records.
• Ability to read technical information and compose a variety of documents.
• Ability to work with others under a wide variety of circumstances; working with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using defined methods.
• Ability to work with a significant diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with data of widely varied types and/or purposes; and utilize job-related equipment.
• Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to apply critical thinking/problem solving to improve work processes.
• Ability to adhere to safety practices; meet deadlines and schedules; work under time constraints; and communicate with diverse groups. 

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Work environment is primarily inside, where the noise and temperature levels are moderate.
• The work is medium work that requires exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• Must possess the physical ability to perceive the nature of sounds, make rational decisions through sound logic and deductive processes, express or exchange ideas by the spoken word, substantial movements (motions) with the hands, wrists, and/or fingers, and discern letters or numbers at a given distance.
• Additionally, the following physical abilities are required: balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching, feeling, grasping, handling, hearing, kneeling, manual dexterity, mental acuity, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, standing, stooping, talking, visual acuity and walking.