An Occupational Therapist helps patients with injuries, illnesses, and disabilities recover, improve, or develop skills needed for everyday activities. Assists people with mobility impairments to move easily around their homes; develops school and workplace settings that are accessible for individuals with physical or mental disabilities. May specialize in certain types of impairments or certain categories of patients.
Master's degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited college or university, or graduated from an accredited Occupational Therapy program before 2007 with a Bachelor's Degree. Valid Licensed Occupational Therapist by Texas State Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners.
Special Knowledge/Skills:
Ability to use the accepted tests and measurements to assess motor disorders and conditions Knowledge of evaluation, habilitation, and rehabilitation of motor disorders and conditions Ability to instruct and manage student behavior Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
Experience:
One year supervised clinical occupational therapist experience.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Therapy Plan and provide appropriate individual and group therapy to students consistent with therapy goals contained in Individual Education Plans (IEP). Evaluate student progress and determine readiness for termination of therapy services. Assist students with fine motor skills, assist self-help and sensory processing in the school setting. Assessment Conduct individual evaluations to assess students with fine motor disorders and conditions to determine eligibility for services. Develop clinical management strategies or procedures and diagnostic statements by interpreting observations or data according to DAS procedures. Participate in the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee to assist in interpretation of assessment, data, appropriate placement, and goal setting for students with fine motor disorders or conditions according to DAS procedures. Consultation Counsel and involve parents in remedial process. Collaborate with classroom teachers and school staff to plan and implement remedial process improves fine motor skills of students. Provide professional development in assigned schools to help school personnel identify and understand fine motor deficits in students. Communicate effectively with colleagues, students, and parents regarding progress the accomplishment of therapy goals and needs of the student. Student Management Create an environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the maturity level and interests of students. Seek assistance from school personnel to establish and to administer discipline according to the school Student Code of Conduct. Program Management May supervise Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) Develop and coordinate a continuing evaluation of Occupational Therapist services and make changes based on the findings. Assist in the selection of equipment and instructional materials. Administration Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other required documents. Comply with policies established by federal and state laws, State Board of Education rule, and board policy. Comply with all district and campus routines and regulations. Participate in professional development activities to improve skills related to job assignment.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
May direct and monitor work of Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant.•
Working Conditions:
Mental Demands:
Ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written); interpret policy, procedures, and data; maintain emotional control under stress.
Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:
Frequent travel; occasional prolonged and irregular hours. Frequent standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, pushing and pulling. Occasional lifting up to 50 pounds. Prolonged use of computer and repetitive hand motions.
