JOB DESCRIPTION

 

Job Title

Therapist, Certified Occupational

 

Evaluation Type

Professional

 

Department

Special Programs & Services

 

Pay Grade

A3

 

FLSA

Exempt

 

Date Revised

April 2025

 

Supervisor

Director of Special Programs & Services

 

BASIC FUNCTION & RESPONSIBILITY: Plan and provide therapy to students with mental, physical, or emotional disabilities. Assess students and provide therapeutic intervention to maximize physical or mental functioning, increase independent functioning, and/or adjust to disabilities.

                                                                                                      

QUALIFICATIONS:

 

Education/Certification:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university Texas Occupational Therapy license Must have and maintain a current Texas driver’s license with reliable transportation

 

Special Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

Knowledge of acceptable occupational therapy standards and practices Knowledge of related district rules and regulations Knowledge of normal child development patterns Knowledge of State, local and Federal laws and regulations affecting the delivery of OT services Skill in applying acceptable occupational therapy theories, techniques, and methodologies covering topics such as physiological, neurological, sensory, and behavioral interventions Skill in selecting and administering appropriate assessment instruments, as well as the ability to analyze problems and provide creative alternatives, especially in the design and development of equipment Ability to identify abnormal child development or growth and assess differences in functioning Ability to organize and prioritize work responsibilities

 

Experience:

One (1) year of related work experience

 

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: The essential functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the characteristic duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skills, and abilities noted herein; however, this is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions found in this job description.

 

Instructional Management:

Support the implementation, monitoring and/or evaluation of assigned programs for elementary and secondary education, curriculum, and/or instructional support, and ensure that assigned programs are efficiently and effectively. Support and participate in meeting the objectives of the campus/department improvement.

 

Student Management:

Provide direct occupational therapy (OT) services through the use of purposeful activity, exercises, and other treatment procedures involving sensory processing, positioning, and handling; provide consultative services in relation to student’s participation in regular classroom activities. 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 fine motor, visual-motor, visual-perceptual, and sensory-motor and self-help skills as they relate to educational goals. Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings to develop Individual Education Plans (IEP) and/or ARDs with parents and committee members. Consult with teachers, parents, and other staff to provide training and education in the use of appropriate equipment, positioning and handling techniques, and activities needs of exceptional students, and appropriate environments. Assist parents and teachers in acquiring the equipment necessary for the student to maximize the student’s functioning in the school. Assist campuses in resolving parent/student issues and concerns in a timely manner. Assist in managing student behavior in accordance with Student Code of Conduct and student handbook.

 

Management of Administrative, Fiscal and/or Facilities Functions:

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 progress summaries. Perform some administrative activities, such as budgeting, recruiting and training staff, ordering equipment, and scheduling sessions. Coordinate departmental activities with other District offices and administrators and provide assistance to requesting departments. Follow District and department policies and procedures.

 

Human Resource Management:

Oversee entry-level therapists or OT assistants. Provide direction and guidance to assigned staff. Provide input on performance of assigned staff. Recognize exemplary performance of assigned staff.

 

Organization Improvement:

Analyze critical needs in assigned areas and work collaboratively to implement and improve programs.

 

Professional Growth and Development:

Participate in professional development that increases effectiveness and improves District functions.

 

Texas Academic Performance Indicators and Campus Performance Objectives:

Support the administration of state-mandated testing at campuses in compliance with state and federal guidelines. Monitor and review campus test data and use findings to assist with planning corrective action for the affected group of students and/or campuses.

 

School/Community Relations:

Interface with governmental agencies, business and civic organizations, and the community to provide needed information and to promote the District’s mission and vision.

 

Organization Morale:

Foster positive morale by participating in team building activities and the decision-making process. Communicate and collaborate with campus/department staff to enhance service delivery, program development, and customer satisfaction.

 

Other Responsibilities:

Comply with policies established by federal and state law, including but not limited to State Board of Education and local Board policy. Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

 

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: Provide clinical supervision to intern or trainee, as needed.

 

MENTAL DEMANDS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS:

Tools/Equipment Used: Special needs adaptive equipment; standard office equipment including computer and peripherals Posture: Frequent standing, sitting, kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing pulling, and twisting Motion: Frequent walking, grasping/squeezing, wrist flexion/extension Lifting: Lift, push, pull, and/or carry up to 50 pounds frequently; regular heavy lifting (45 pounds or more) and position of students with physical disabilities; controlling behavior through physical restraint, assisting nonambulatory students Environment: Travel districtwide frequently; work extended and irregular hours; may involve biological exposure to blood pathogens, bodily fluids and waste, and other communicable diseases; work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment; work may involve aggressive, physical contact initiated by students; work environment may involve exposure to potentially dangerous materials, situations that require following extensive safety precautions, and may include the use of protective equipment Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress; work with frequent interruptions.