Occupational Therapist

Job Title: Occupational Therapist 

Reports to: Executive Director, Special Populations Services 

Dept.: Special Populations Services 

Exemption Status: Exempt/Professional

Pay Grade: AP2

Calendar: 187

Primary Purpose:  

Plan and provide therapy to students with disabilities as eligible for IDEA services. Provide therapeutic intervention to maximize physical or mental functioning, increase independent functioning, and/or adjust to disabilities. 

Qualifications:  

Education/Certification:  

· Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy or related program 

· Valid Texas license as an Occupational Therapist granted by the Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners 

Special Knowledge/Skills:  

· Knowledge of rehabilitation procedures, activities, and equipment used in occupational therapy

· Ability to instruct students and manage their behavior 

· Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills 

· One year of experience as an Occupational Therapist preferred

· One year of school-based experience preferred

Major Responsibilities and Duties: 

Therapy: 

1. Plan and provide direct and consultative services consistent with occupational therapy goals contained in student’s Individual Education Plans (IEP). 
2. Evaluate student progress and determine readiness for termination of occupational therapy services. 
3. Provide parents with a copy of updated IEP’s at intervals commensurate with report cards. 
4. Design, construct, alter, and provide students with adaptive equipment and/or assistive technology to promote maximum independence. 

Assessment: 

1. Evaluate students with disabilities and determine eligibility for services. 
2. Participate in the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee to assist with interpretation of appraisal data, appropriate placement, and goal setting for students according to district procedures. 

Consultation: 

1. Consult with educational staff and parents regarding occupational therapy needs and services. 
2. Provide staff development training in assigned schools to assist school personnel with the selection and use of adaptive equipment, assistive technology, and understanding of occupational therapy programs. 
3. Consult with parents, teachers, administrators, and other relevant people to enhance their work with students. 

Student Management: 

1. Create an environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the maturity level, interests, and needs of the student. 
2. Establish control and administer discipline according to the Student Code of Conduct and student handbook. 

Program Management: 

1. Develop and coordinate a continuing evaluation of the occupational therapy program and make changes based on the findings. 
2. Assist in the selection of equipment, adaptive materials, and assistive technology. 
3. Develop and maintain effective individual and group relationships with students and parents. Administration: 
4. Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other required documents. 
5. Comply with policies established by federal and state laws, State Board of Education rule, and local board policy. 
6. Comply with all district and assigned campus routines and regulations.

1. Effectively communicate with colleagues, students, and parents.
2. Participate in professional development activities to improve skills related to job assignments. 
3. Develop and maintain a therapy handbook, in conjunction with physical therapy.
4. Document services provided including Medicaid for SHARS, including obtaining and retaining physician’s prescriptions.
5. Performs other duties as assigned. This job description 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.

Environmental Factors 

• Frequent district and area travel
• Irregular hours
• Work must be done on-site.

Physical Demands

• May require lifting, positioning, providing physical behavior supports and interventions with students including certified holds

Tools/Equipment: 

• Standard office equipment including personal computer and peripherals (printer, copier, scanner, fax, shredder, etc.) 

Posture: 

• Prolonged sitting and standing; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, twisting 

Motion: 

• Repetitive hand motions, frequent keyboarding, and use of a mouse; transitioning between environments

Lifting: 

• Occasional light lifting and carrying (under 15 pounds) 
• Moderate lifting (over 15 pounds)
• May be required to lift and transfer students to and from wheelchairs or assist with positioning students with physical disabilities.

Mental Demands:

• Reading, ability to perform basic arithmetic; work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress 

Supervisory Responsibilities:  

• As directed by the Executive Director, Special Populations Services 

This job description 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.

Little Elm ISD does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, military status, genetic information, or on any other basis prohibited by law. Additionally, the District does not discriminate against an employee or applicant who acts to oppose such discrimination or participates in the investigation of a complaint related to a discriminatory employment practice. Employment decisions will be made on the basis of each applicant’s job qualifications, experience, and abilities.

El Distrito Escolar Independiente de Little Elm no discrimina a ningún empleado o candidato a empleo por razón de raza, color, religión, sexo, nacionalidad, edad, incapacidad, estatus militar, información genética o de cualquier otra razón prohibida por ley. Además,  el  distrito  escolar  no  discrimina  a  ningún  empleado  o  candidato  a  empleo  que  actúe  oponiéndose  a  ese  tipo  de discriminaciones o que participe en la investigación de una queja relacionada co n alguna práctica discriminatoria en la contratación. La toma de decisiones respecto a una contratación se hará en función de las calificaciones, experiencia y habilidades del candidato.