Job Title: Occupational Therapist

Wage/Hour Status: Temporary

Reports to: Team Leader, ECI or Coordinator of ECI (as assigned)

Service Area: Head Start & Early Childhood Development

Component: Early Childhood Intervention

Location: Various, remote and in person services

Date Revised: August 30, 2023

Primary Purpose:

To Evaluate and provide comprehensive direct occupational therapy and consultative services for the children of the Early Childhood Intervention program. To coach parents/caregivers within the context of daily routines and activities to promote improvement of child outcomes across all developmental domains.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

• Licensed Occupational Therapist with current Texas license is required
• Master’s degree from an accredited occupational program required

Special Knowledge/Skills/Experience:

• Experience in pediatric occupational therapy with an understanding of global child development preferred
• Experience working with young or severely/profoundly delayed children preferred
• Knowledge of child development and infant/early toddler assessment preferred
• Training or experience in record keeping and parent training preferred.
• Knowledge of assistive technology designed to improve children’s functional abilities.
• Ability to work cooperatively with the ECI team, families, community agencies, medical personnel, and local education agencies
• Ability to take initiative in completing job tasks required
• Knowledge and experience using Microsoft Office programs and ability to learn new technology systems required

Working Conditions:

• Tools/Equipment Used: Therapy equipment; special needs adaptive equipment; standard office equipment including computer and peripherals
• Posture: Must be physically able to tolerate frequent standing, kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting
• Motion: Must be physically able to tolerate frequent walking, climbing stairs, grasping/squeezing, wrist flexion/extension, and overhead reaching; frequent driving
• Lifting: Must be physically able to tolerate regular heavy lifting (45 pounds or more) and position of students with physical disabilities; controlling behavior through physical restraint, assisting non ambulatory students
• Environment: Must be physically able to tolerate exposure to biological hazards, bacteria, and communicable diseases; regular travel to family homes
• Mental Demands: Must be able to work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress
• Regular Attendance is an essential function

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

1. Participates in the screening, evaluation, and assessment processes for children to determine eligibility and need for services.
2. Serves as a Licensed Professional of the Healing Arts providing necessary clinical knowledge for the IFSP team to plan and implement individualized, goal-oriented services within an interdisciplinary approach.
3. Participates in the development, review, and evaluation of the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) which is based upon the child’s developmental history, parent’s input, and the results of all evaluations and assessments.
4. As LPHA, provides ongoing monitoring and assessment of the IFSP, at least once every six months as part of the periodic review, to provide professional opinion as to the effectiveness of services.
5. Collaborates on an ongoing basis with the ECI staff and parents to establish and review needs.
6. Identifies goals for child and family that are routines based, functional, timely, and measurable.
7. Provides direct occupational therapy and consultative services for children and families and that is initiated within twenty-eight (28) days of enrollment.
8. Delivers services using in person and virtual methods of service delivery to include teletherapy utilizing the coaching method with parents within daily routines.
9. Provides oversight and supervision to Occupational Therapy Assistant to children that have been determined eligible to receive OT services.
10. Maintains and submits all required written documentation and forms through use of electronic records system according to established timelines. Completes documentation according to the program, ESC, HHSC and TAC rule, and Medicaid requirements.
11. Participates as a Skilled Professional Medical Personnel (SPMP) in the required “Random Moment in Time Studies” which helps the program secure additional federal funds in order to serve clients within mandated timelines.
12. Makes referrals to outside agencies and other professionals for further diagnosis of the children’s needs when indicated.
13. Upholds the ethical standards applicable to licensure boards maintains all licensure requirements per state/federal rules.
14. Engages in continuing efforts to improve professional and personal competency through individual study, training programs, workshops, and seminars and enter into ESC Professional Development Record.
15. Participates in public awareness and child find activities that promote quality referrals from appropriate referral sources.
16. Maintains in-service training requirements for professional growth and development and other program records such as inventory of equipment and materials. Is responsible for distribution of borrowed equipment and technology.
17. Checks and responds to emails and voice mails within 48 hours during regular workdays.
18. Maintains a functioning cell phone and is accessible through this phone as deemed appropriate by the director. A functioning cell phone means that it is charged, activated, messages checked, and mailbox emptied regularly.
19. Reports for work ready to perform responsibilities.
20. Performs duties that directly and/or indirectly impact student performance in Region 16.
21. Maintains a professional level of confidentiality regarding all ESC matters.
22. Supports the mission, goals, and objectives of the ESC strategic plan.
23. Upholds and adheres to safety rules and policies of the ESC safety program.
24. Performs professional responsibilities as required by ESC policies, processes, and procedures.
25. Manages time, calendar, and job responsibilities to meet deadlines.
26. Meets proficiency levels of required technology skills as outlined by supervisor.
27. Incorporates appropriate technology in daily work and exhibits continual growth in technologies as outlined by supervisor.
28. Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills that may be required.

Evaluation of the performance of this job will be based on a combination of self-evaluation and the supervisor’s evaluation according to the procedures developed for all Education Service Center personnel. Employment in this position is contingent on performance, need, and funding.

I have read and received a copy of my job description. I understand this overrides anything I have been given or told in the past. I further understand that I am expected to follow my job as outlined above and if I have any questions concerning what is expected of me, I will speak with my immediate supervisor.