Occupational Therapist

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT Length of position: 189 days per contract year Hours: 8:00 A.M- 5:00 P.M. SUMMARY The Occupational Therapy provider reports to the Supervisor of Related Services. The position of an occupational therapist (OTR), in a school setting, is responsible for the screening, evaluation, and treatment of students needing occupational therapy services in order to promote independent functioning and facilitate learning. The Occupational Therapy provider applies various occupational therapy theories, techniques, and methodologies covering topics such as physiological, neurological, sensory, and behavioral interventions. Services are provided according to the Individual Education Plan (IEP). ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES Provide direct and/or indirect occupational therapy (OT) services through the use of purposeful activity, exercises, and other treatment procedures involving sensory processing, positioning, and handling per student's IEP. Evaluate and screen students using appropriate tests, clinical observations, and other assessment tools. Determine the strengths and needs of individual students in the areas of visual-motor, visual-perceptual , sensory processing skills, and/or activities of daily living skills to allow the student to function in the least restrictive environment. Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings to develop Individual Education Plans (IEP) and/or ARDs with parents and committee members. Adapt school and classroom environment, tools, and learning materials for the purpose of improving student function and facilitating student access to the curriculum. Consult with teachers, parents, and other care providers to make referrals and discuss such topics, as the use of exercises and equipment, the needs of exceptional students, and appropriate environments. Maintain clinical and administrative records in accordance with State guidelines and school policy to record such data as attendance at sessions, test results, evaluations, IEPs, and yearly progress summaries. Assist parents and teachers in acquiring the equipment necessary for the student to maximize the student's functioning in the school. Troubleshoot problems with assistive devices for the purpose of ensuring equipment is in proper working order. Maintain professional development by attending conferences, workshops, professional meetings, etc. Record Medicaid billing information in SHARS for services rendered. Other duties as assigned. This document in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying the position. Minimum Qualifications Graduation from an accredited college with a Bachelor's degree or Master's degree in Occupational Therapy Successfully passed the national certification examination administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) to receive required credentials to practice as a licensed Occupational Therapist Must hold a current license in good standing through the Texas Board of Occupational Therapist Examiners (TBOTE) Two years of full-time paid experience as a registered Occupational Therapist Maintain Professional Liability Insurance Ability to apply various occupational therapy theories, techniques, and methodologies covering topics such as physiological, neurological, sensory, and behavioral interventions. Ability to select and administer appropriate assessment instruments Ability to analyze problems and provide creative alternatives, especially in the design and development of equipment. Knowledge of normal child development patterns and experience working with pediatric populations. Knowledge of State, local, and Federal laws and regulations affecting the delivery of OT services. Ability to identify abnormal child development or growth and assess differences in functioning. Willingness and ability to comply with all applicable safety rules, regulations and standards. Sign Language: The ultimate required proficiency level for the position using the levels designated in the Signed Language Proficiency Interview (SLPI) is ADVANCED. Desirable Qualifications Knowledge of a school setting and providing occupational therapy services pertinent to that setting. Experience with Neuro-Development Treatment and Sensory Integration Therapy techniques. Knowledge of Applied Behavior Analysis techniques. Knowledge of Ready Body/Ready Mind techniques KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES/ATTRIBUTES Problem solving-the individual identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner and gathers and analyzes information Effective Communication-the individual must be able to appropriately communicate with colleagues, students, parents, families, administrators, supervisors, and the public. Planning/organizing-the individual prioritizes and plans work activities, uses time efficiently, and develops realistic action Quality control-the individual demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness and monitors own work to ensure Dependability-the individual is consistently at work and on time, follows instructions, responds to management direction and solicits feedback to improve Safety and security-the individual actively promotes and personally observes safety and security procedures, and uses equipment and materials Interpersonal Skills-the individual maintains confidentiality, remains open to others' ideas and exhibits willingness to try new things. SUPERVISOR Director of Student Support Services MILITARY OCCUPATION SPECIALTY (MOS) CODE None