Beaumont Independent School District

Job Description

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

The School District Occupational Therapist will plan and provide therapy to students with mental, physical, or emotional disabilities. Assess students and provide therapeutic intervention to maximize physical or mental functioning in the educational setting, increasing independent functioning and/or adjusting to disabilities. Maintain compliance with state and federal guidelines about Occupational Therapy as a related service.  Ensure implementation of the IEP and State Timeline compliance. Under the supervision of the Senior Director for Special Education, is responsible for coordinating and managing all students meeting eligibility for services.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Certification:

• Master’s degree in occupational therapy or related program
• Valid Texas license as an occupational therapist granted by the Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners
• Experience managing a caseload of students in an educational setting, preferred

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Knowledge of rehabilitation procedures, activities, and equipment used in occupational therapy
• Ability to instruct students and manage their behavior
• Effective/efficient oral and written communication skills
• Efficient mobility within the work-site
• Ability to constructively interact with a variety of professionals, ages, cultures, families and
• socioeconomic groups
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to lift, transfer, and transport students and therapy testing materials safely
• Ability to meet time-lines
• Ability to work with school staff and parents in a professional manner

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

1. Plan and provide direct and consultative services consistent with occupational therapy goals contained in students’ Individual Education Plans (IEP).
2. Evaluate student progress and determine readiness for termination of occupational therapy services.
3. Design, construct, alter, and provide students with adaptive equipment and devices to promote independence and educational benefit.
4. Create an environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the maturity level, interests, and needs of the student.
5. Conduct evaluations in the areas of fine motor, developmental skills, visual-perceptual skills, and sensory-motor integration skills and provide recommendations for eligibility of services.
6. Participate in the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee to assist with interpreting assessment data, appropriate placement, and goal setting for students according to district procedures.
7. Consult with educational staff regarding specialized equipment, accommodations, and materials.
8. Consult with district and outside personnel, including private therapists and other medical staff regarding students' physical and medical needs as appropriate.
9. Consult with parents, teachers, administrators, and other relevant people to enhance their work with students.
10. Provide training to assist school personnel with selecting and using adaptive equipment and understanding occupational therapy.
11. Develop and coordinate a continuing evaluation of the occupational therapy program and make changes based on the findings.
12. Assist in the selection of equipment and adaptive material.
13. Participate as an effective team member who contributes to district, department, and content goals.
14. Participate in professional development activities to improve skills related to job assignment. .
15. Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required
16. Utilize time wisely for effective management of job responsibilities.
17. Maintain punctuality in daily work times, appointments, and meetings.
18. Maintain a positive and professional tone in all communications (i.e. email, written, and verbal).
19. Comply with all policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and local board policy.
20. Comply with all district and assigned campus routines and regulations.
21. Perform other duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Mental Demands

• Maintain emotional control under stress; varied stressful and interpersonal situations and crisis
• Work with frequent interruptions
• Occasional prolonged or irregular hours of work

Physical Demands

• Ability to see, hear, talk, stand, sit, walk, stoop, push, and pull
• Moderate lifting and carrying, reaching above shoulder, use of fingers; prolonged use of computer
• Regular district-wide travel to multiple work locations as assigned;
• Moderate lifting, bending, and walking.
• May be required to lift and transfer students to and from wheelchairs or assist with positioning students with physical disabilities.

Environmental Demands

• Normal office environment

**The State Board for Educator Certification will require all first time applicants for an initial credential to be fingerprinted as part of a national criminal background check. A cost of up to $49. 00 will be charged for fingerprinting.

The above statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to the job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills that may be required.  This job description is not an employment agreement or contract.  The administration has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.