Occupational Therapist

Job Overview
The Occupational Therapist will conduct thorough evaluations that determine an educational need for specialized Occupational Therapy services through special education and appropriate recommendations that translate to positive learning outcomes for the student. The incumbent will provide targeted, evidence-based therapeutic interventions to facilitate access, participation and occupational performance in the educational setting in compliance with ARD/IEP document. The incumbent will manage and maintain accurate individual special education records relevant to Occupational Therapy services in the educational setting.

Position Description

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Service Delivery

• Plan and provide services that are appropriate and consistent with occupational therapy goals contained in the individual education plan (IEP)
• Implement IEP goals/objectives using current research based best practice therapy techniques
• Recommend, maintain, adapt and/or construct equipment to use with students

Compliance

• Comply with and meet federal and state mandates and local board policy
• Coordinate and conduct evaluations for Occupational Therapy as part of a student’s Full Individual Evaluation based upon current assessment best practices that are consistent with laws, rules, and regulations according to federal, state, and local policies/procedures
• Compile and interpret students' evaluation results using functional/standardized assessments, skilled observations, checklists, histories, interviews, along with information from teachers and parents, to determine the educational need for Occupational Therapy services, adaptive equipment, and/or assistive technology devices
• Collaborate with educators to develop Individual Educational Plans (IEPs) based on student need, evaluation data and present levels of academic achievement and functional performance

Administrative/ Campus Support

• Support student services provided by the Occupational Therapist
• Train staff on the appropriate use of all adaptive equipment
• Manage and maintain accurate individual special education records (e.g., therapy record folders with evaluation, consultations, eligibility, attendance records (if needed), progress reports, therapy logs, IEPs and Physician’s approval (as needed to treat student)
• Participate in ARD/IEP meetings and staffing as a collaborative team member
• Complete documentation for Medicaid reimbursement/SHARS on a regular basis and maintain supporting therapy logs

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None

 Qualifications

 Qualification Requirements
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each of the above essential duties satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities, required unless otherwise stated as preferred. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essentials functions.

• Master's degree
• Licensure by Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners If out of state license, must be eligible to obtain Texas State Licensure
• Experience working with school aged children preferred
• Ability to effectively communicate information and ideas verbally, in sign language, and in writing
• Proficient in using Windows Operating System as well as Microsoft Office applications (Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions

The work environment characteristics and physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work is performed in classrooms, offices, work stations and meeting rooms.

The position requires occasional walking, standing, sitting, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and lifting/carrying work related items weighing less than 40 pounds, such as books, papers and presentation materials. The employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus. Attendance at conferences and professional development is required. Work involves everyday risks and discomforts which require normal safety precautions when operating equipment or performing job duties. May work prolonged or irregular hours and must be able to maintain emotional control under stress.