PRIMARY PURPOSE:

The Occupational Therapist provides educationally relevant Occupational Therapy services for student with disabilities; and develops and implements appropriate therapeutic programming and provides consultative services to school staff and parents.  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Certification Requirements

• Graduate Degree from an accredited school of Occupational Therapy
• Current license by the Texas Advisory Board of Occupational Therapy (TABOT)
• Valid Texas Driver’s License
• Candidate must have satisfactory outcome of fingerprinting background check. Non-refundable fee (approximately $50.00) paid by the employee.

Special Knowledge and Skills

• Able to apply knowledge of current research and theory to instructional programs
• Knowledge of rehabilitation procedures, activities, and equipment in occupational therapy
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with multiple variables in situations where only limited standardization exists and arriving to solution to other challenging scenarios
• Competent and effective communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills
• Knowledge of Local, State and Federal laws pertaining to schools and development of Individualized Educational Plans (IEPs)

Experience:

• At least 1 year experience after licensure preferred
• Experience with Admission, Review, Dismissal Committee procedures

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

(The following statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned and should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions that may be assigned or skills that may be required.)

• Provide formal evaluation of students with disabilities and determines eligibility for occupational therapy services to assist with development and monitoring of educational plans
• Develop and provide direct and consultative services consistent with occupational therapy goals contained in the IEP
• Participate with the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee regarding test interpretation, appropriate services, and goal setting in accordance with district procedures
• Construct, design, and/or alter environment and/or equipment to provide students with appropriate adaptive equipment and environmental support
• Monitor students’ progress and determine readiness for termination of occupational therapy services
• Provide consultative and/or direct service delivery methods to implement specially designed goals and objectives in the student’s Individualized Educational Plan (IEP)
• Consult with parents, teachers, administrators, and other relevant individuals to enhance their work with students
• Provide staff development training, as appropriate, to assist staff in understanding occupational therapy services
• Assess and respond to needs related to job responsibilities
• Seek opportunities to develop and/or strengthen professional skills appropriate to job responsibilities
• Demonstrate awareness of school/community needs and initiates activities to meet those identified needs
• Responsible for properly maintaining district records, adhering to policies set forth by district policy and expectations for records maintenance to include progress monitoring and/or billing practices, when appropriate
• Present as a positive role model for students that supports the vision of the school district and the mission of the special education department and campus
• Evaluate vocational skills (as related to motor skills or sensory processing) and recommends strategies to improve transition into the community
• Facilitate in the development of an appropriate educational program for students eligible for services
• Provide strategies to prevent further impairment or loss of function affecting performance within the educational setting
• Maintain appropriate documentation to enable the District to meet Federal, State, and local funding requirements, and submits documentation when requested by the District
• Utilize computer applications to write reports, document student progress, collect data, and maintain accurate records of student performance
• Submit monthly School Health and Related Services (SHARS) claims for evaluation/therapy services, including copies of appropriate documentation
• Provide required supervision of the Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) to include maintaining documentation of supervision
• Demonstrate behavior that is professional, ethical, and responsible at all times
• Participate in professional development activities to maintain current knowledge of personnel rules, regulations, and practices
• Maintain a consistent professional demeanor and appearance
• Daily attendance and punctuality at work are essential functions of the job

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Assigned by the Superintendent of Judson Independent School District.

Equipment Used:

• Office equipment – personal computer, printer, calculator, multi-line telephone, software programs and peripherals, copier, fax, and other equipment applicable to position.
• Communication equipment – radio communication equipment, cellular telephone
• Video monitoring equipment

Working Conditions:

Mental Demands:

• Maintain emotional control under stress and time constraints
• Daily attendance and punctuality at work are essential functions of the job
• Move stacks of materials, media equipment, desks, and other classroom equipment

Physical Demands:

• Frequent: Sitting, standing, walking, climbing stairs and/or ramps, balancing, stooping, kneeling, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive hand motions, hearing, speaking clearly, visual acuity, distinguishing colors, driving, traveling.
• Occasional: Lifting, moderate, 15-44 pounds; carrying, moderate, 15-44 pounds.

Environmental Factors:

• Frequent exposure to: temperature extremes (hot and cold), humidity extremes, noise, low or intense illumination, vibration
• Occasional exposure to: biological hazards (communicable diseases, bacteria, insects, mold, fungi, etc.), work outside, work around moving objects or vehicles, work on uneven surfaces, work alone, work prolonged or irregular hours.

Nondiscrimination Statement:

The Judson School District considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, marital or veteran status, the presence of a medical condition, disability, or any other legally protected status.