Occupational Therapist

Reports to: Executive Director of Special Education

Wage/Hour Status: Exempt

Compensation Plan: Professional/Administrators

Pay Grade: 03

Minimum Salary: $64,558

Duty Days: 192 days per year

Primary Purpose:

Serves as a member of the multi-disciplinary evaluation and planning team that determines eligibility for special education services. Plans and provides therapy to students with mental, physical, or emotional disabilities. Assesses students and provides therapeutic intervention to maximize physical or mental functioning, increase independent functioning, and/or adjust to disabilities. Acts as a resource to ensure the district complies with all legal and compliance issues associated with local, state, and federal level.

Qualifications:

Education and Certification

• Master’s degree or higher in occupational therapy or related program
• Valid Texas license as an occupational therapist granted by the Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners

Experience

• One (1) year experience as an occupational therapist OR completion of occupational therapy internship in school setting
• Experience working in an educational setting preferred

Special Knowledge and Skills                                                               

• Working knowledge of federal laws and state guidelines
• Knowledge of rehabilitation procedures, activities, and equipment used in occupational therapy
• Skill in use of tests and measurements for assessing physical functioning
• Ability to instruct students and manage behavior
• Excellent organizational, communication and interpersonal skills

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

• Plans and provides direct and consultative services consistent with occupational therapy goals contained in students’ Individual Education Plans (IEP).
• Evaluates student progress and determines continuation of occupational therapy services.
• Evaluates and report student progress consistent with district expectations (at least each grading period or as documented in the IEP).
• Designs, constructs, alters, and provides students with adaptive equipment and devices to promote maximum independence and benefit from special education.
• Selects, administers and interprets appropriate formal and informal assessments and evaluations.
• Participates on the multi-disciplinary team (IEP Committee) to assist in the completion of an FIE, with the interpretation of evaluation data; determine eligibility and placement; and goal setting for students according to district practice.
• Develops and implements standards based IEP goals and objectives based on data as required.
• Consults with administrators, support personnel, teachers and parents to ensure IEP goals regarding occupational therapy are implemented.
• Provides staff development training in assigned schools to assist school personnel with selection and use of adaptive equipment and understanding of occupational therapy program.
• Assists in the selection of equipment and adaptive material.
• Creates an environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the maturity level, interests, and needs of the student.
• Structures and manages student behavior and the environment to facilitate optimum student learning.
• Develops and coordinates a continuing evaluation of the occupational therapy program and implement changes based on the findings.
• Demonstrates skills necessary for scheduling, time management and organization.
• Demonstrates ethical and professional practices and responsibilities as required by Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners
• Works collaboratively with teachers and other service providers to develop therapy schedule.
• Develops and maintains effective individual and group relationships with students and parents.
• Effectively and accurately utilizes the Special Education data management software system(s).
• Compiles, maintains, and files all physical and computerized reports, records and other documents required.
• Complies with policies established by local policy/procedure/practice, state and federal law.
• Complies with all district and campus routines and regulations.
• Participates in professional development activities to improve skills related to job assignment.
• Attends and participates in district/departmental meetings.
• Follows Denton ISD policies, procedures and practices as well as directives from supervisor and Executive Director.
• Performs SHARS and X-logs duties as required by the department.

Other Related Duties:

• Follows district safety protocols and emergency procedures.
• Compiles, maintains, and files all reports, records, and other documents.
• Participates in professional development, faculty meetings, and special events as assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools and Equipment Used: Special needs 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 nonambulatory students

Environment: Exposure to biological hazards, bacteria, and communicable diseases; districtwide and occasional statewide travel

Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under pressure

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.

Appointment:

The appointment of this position will be recommended to the Board of Trustees by the Superintendent of Schools based on the applicant’s training, experience, and expertise. The Board of Trustees must give final approval.