2026 Explore Special Services Occupational/Physical Therapist

GENERAL PURPOSE

This position is responsible for providing support to the educational process with specific responsibilities for assessing students' occupational development level; providing appropriate treatment to meet Individualized Education Programs; and providing recommendations for program development and student placement.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Administers procedures and modalities for the purpose of achieving program objectives in accordance with Special Education policies and procedures.
• Assesses students' functional capabilities and home and/or classroom environment for the purpose of determining student's functional level and developing recommendations and/or placement.
• Assesses students' gross motor and development skills (e.g. perceptual-motor, motor coordination, sensory development, muscle strength, etc.) for the purpose of determining their deficits and developing recommendations.
• Collaborates with teachers, parents, administration, community agencies, etc. for the purpose of determining appropriate treatments, etc. to meet the needs of specific students.
• Communicates with students and/or parents with teachers and/or other personnel for the purpose of evaluating situations, solving problems and/or resolving conflicts.
• Consults with teachers, parents, other personnel and/or outside professionals for the purpose of providing requested information, developing plans for services and/or making recommendations.
• Travels between school sites.
• Facilitates meetings, processes, etc. for the purpose of meeting curriculum guidelines and/or ensuring that state mandates are achieved.
• Maintains files and/or records (e.g. progress reports, activity logs, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities and/or ensuring an up-to-date trail for compliance.
• Participates in meetings, workshops and seminars as assigned (e.g. Professional Development, IEPs, multi-disciplinary team meetings, etc.) for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform functions.
• Prepares a wide variety of written materials (e.g. quantity reports, student activities, correspondence, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities, providing written reference, and/or conveying information.
• Researches resources and methods (e.g. intervention and treatment techniques, assessment tools and methods, community resources, etc.) for the purpose of determining the appropriate approach for addressing students' functional goals.
• Screens students for the purpose of determining the need for further individualized assessment.
• Supervises interns, practicum students, assistant therapists, and others for the purpose of monitoring performance, providing for professional growth and achieving overall objectives of school's curriculum.
• Provides guidance and training for other Springfield Public School staff who may be responsible for carrying out or using occupational therapy strategies in programming for students as indicated by the therapist.
• Performs other related duties as required/assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university.
• Minimum of three (3) years of job related experience with increasing levels of responsibility is required.

Certificates, Licenses and Other Special Requirements

• Must have a Missouri Occupational Therapy License/Missouri Physical Therapy License 
• Must pass a Criminal Background Clearance.
• 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 and draw conclusions.
• Knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: appropriate codes, policies, regulations and/or laws; age appropriate activities; lesson plan requirements; stages of child development; and behavioral management strategies.
• 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 satisfactorily perform the functions of the job, including: preparing and maintaining accurate records; adhering to safety practices; and facilitating meetings.
• Ability to read technical information and compose a variety of documents.
• Ability to analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions.
• 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 analyze issues and create action plans.
• 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 heavy work which requires exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• Must possess the physical ability to work primarily with fingers, 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.