Occupational Therapist (Candidate Pool) 26-27

Job Title:                  Occupational Therapist (Candidate Pool) 26-27  

Reports to:              Assistant Director of Special Services                             

Dept./School:         Special Education  

Pay Grade:              Professional - PG 5                                        

Wage Status:          Exempt

Days:                       187

Primary Purpose:

The Occupational Therapist assesses identified students for Occupational Therapy services as well as implements and evaluates individualized instructional programs for students.

 Education/Certification:

Valid Texas license as an occupational therapist granted by the state or national board

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Knowledge of pediatric evaluation techniques and research-based interventions
• Knowledge of special education procedures, rules and laws
• Skill in use of tests and measurements for assessing physical function
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Excellent communication (oral or written) skills, as well as interpersonal skills
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, parents, and colleagues

Experience:

One year experience in pediatrics and/or a school setting is preferred

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

• Assesses referred students using standardized evaluation instruments, classroom and clinical observations, and interviews with parents and teachers as necessary
• Is responsible for preparing reports and documents pertinent to Occupational Therapy evaluations in a timely manner in preparation for the student’s ARD meetings
• Coordinates with teachers to help develop the annual Individual Education Plan (IEP) goals for each identified student requiring OT support
• Attends ARD meetings for students identified as in need of or currently receiving OT services
• Plans intervention goals and activities for individual students and/or groups 
• Integrates Occupational Therapy activities into the classroom through collaboration with regular and special education teachers
• Provides direct, in-class, or consultative Occupational Therapy interventions for individuals and/or groups according to students’ IEPs, as specified in the ARD
• Instructs, supervises, and monitors teachers and classroom assistants as needed according to the student’s IEP
• Maintains and documents intervention and progress using forms, records, and reports
• Is responsible for collaborating with teachers to prepare progress notes in a timely manner
• Orders equipment necessary for individual students, in conjunction with other related services personnel as needed
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Lead Occupational Therapist and/or the Director of Special Services

Supervisory Responsibilities:

May require supervision of occupational therapy assistant(s).

Tools/Equipment Used: Therapy equipment; special need 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

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

Environment: Exposure to biological hazards, bacteria, and communicable diseases; may require districtwide travel

Working Conditions:

Physical Demands /Mental Demands/ Environmental Factors:

The working conditions described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and expectations.

Regular district-wide travel to multiple work locations as assigned.  Regularly sit, talk or hear; frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; frequent repetitive hand motions; prolonged use of computer; occasionally lift and/or move up to 10-50 pounds; occasionally required to stand, walk reach with hands and arms; vision abilities include close vision; and color vision, regularly work with frequent interruptions, maintain emotional control under stress; the noise level is usually moderate.  The employee may spend long hours in intense concentration which requires attention to detail.  There are a number of deadlines associated with this position, which may cause significant stress.  The employee must also deal with a wide variety of people on various issues.

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

 CSISD does not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin or disability. The district provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.

Salary : $62,013 - $75,627