Occupational Therapist

Dickinson Independent School District•Dickinson, TX

55d

About The Position

POSITION SUMMARY : Plan and provide therapy to students with mental, learning/developmental, physical, or emotional disabilities Assess students and provide therapeutic intervention to maximize physical or mental functioning Increase independent functioning to address problems or impairments that interfere with students’ ability to derive full benefit from the educational program

Requirements

Education/Certification: Bachelor, Master's, or Doctorate degree in occupational therapy
Valid Texas license as an occupational therapist granted by the Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners
Special Knowledge/Skills: Knowledge of medical information, rehabilitation procedures, activities, or related programs and indications for occupational therapy treatment
Skill in the use of tests and measurements for assessing disabilities
Ability to apply knowledge of current research and theory to the instructional program
Ability to administer manual exercises and occupational therapy treatments
Ability to instruct students and manage their behavior
Ability to instruct staff regarding student’s occupational therapy needs
Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
Experience: Minimum one-year experience as an occupational therapist

Responsibilities

Therapy: Plan and provide direct and consultative services consistent with occupational therapy goals contained in students’ Individual Education Plans (IEP)
Evaluate student progress and determine readiness for termination of occupational therapy services
Design, construct, alter, and provide students with adaptive equipment and devices to promote maximum independence
Assessment: Assess students with disabilities & determine eligibility for services (including OT/ assistive technology (AT), including recommendations for student success
Participate in the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee meetings to assist with the interpretation of assessment data, appropriate placement, and goal setting for students according to district procedures
Consultation: Consult with educational staff and parents regarding occupational therapy
Consult with district and outside personnel including private therapists and other medical staff regarding the physical and medical needs of students
Provide staff development training in assigned school to assist school personnel with selection and use of adaptive equipment and understanding of occupational therapy program
Consult with parents, teachers, administrators, and other relevant people to enhance their work with students
Student Instruction: Create an environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the maturity level, interests, and needs of the student
Assist ARDC in determining appropriate accommodations/modifications, and or assistive technology needs/provide instruction regarding AT education to staff
Program Management: Develop and coordinate a continuing evaluation of the occupational therapy program and implement changes based on the findings
Assist in the selection of equipment and adaptive material and AT equipment management
Develop and maintain effective individual and group relationships with students and parents
Follow the A-Z Special Education Operating Guidelines
Administration: Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents
Comply with policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and local board policy
Comply with all district and campus routines and regulations
Effectively communicate with colleagues, students, and parents
Participate in professional development activities to improve skills related to job assignment
Keep updated paperwork regarding services provided as required by licensing board and required for Medicaid and SHARS billing
Perform other duties as assigned by the Related Services Team Leader, Coordinator of Evaluation and Related Services and/or the Executive Director of Special Programs