2024-25 School Year

182 days/year

7.5 hours/day

Purpose Statement

The job of Occupational Therapist was established for the purpose/s of providing support to the educational process with specific responsibilities for assessing students' functional development level; planning and implementing appropriate treatment to meet individual student objectives; identifying architectural barriers; providing recommendations for accessibility, program development, and student placement; and providing direction to Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants.

This job reports to the Principal and/or Program Coordinator.  

Essential Functions

• Adapts equipment (e.g. seating, tables, desk, etc.) for the purpose of providing optimal positioning and increase independence for special education students.

• Administers occupational therapy procedures and modalities for the purpose of achieving program objectives.

• Assesses and evaluates student's fine and gross motor skills and functional abilities (e.g. perceptual-motor, hand functions, motor coordination, sensory development, muscle strength, etc.) for the purpose of determining program eligibility and developing recommendations for treatment, appropriate assistive devices and/or school placement.

• Collaborates with a variety of groups and/or individuals (e.g. parents, teachers, physicians, administration, maintenance personnel, team members, other professionals, etc.) for the purpose of communicating information, resolving issues, and providing services in compliance with established guidelines.

• Consults with teachers, parents, other personnel and/or outside professionals for the purpose of providing requested information, developing plans for services, making recommendations and/or coordinating occupational therapy services with those of other disciplines.

• Develops treatment plans, interventions, and/or educational materials for the purpose of enhancing students' participation in the educational context and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

• Identifies structural issues for the purpose of removing barriers for students with physical limitations and/or identifying appropriate assistive technology.

• Instructs students and staff for the purpose of providing information on medical/behavioral attributes, use of assistive devices and/or implementing plans for remediation of functional limitations.

• Interprets medical reports for the purpose of providing information and/or ensuring that treatment/intervention plans are appropriate.

• Maintains files and/or records (e.g. progress reports, activity logs, billing information, treatment plans, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring the availability of information as required for reference and/or compliance.

• Participates in meetings, workshops, and seminars (e.g. professional learning community, training, IEPs, team meetings, etc.) for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information.

• Performs site visits at multiple worksites including home visits for the purpose of providing direct therapy interventions and assistance as required.

• Prepares a wide variety of written materials (e.g. IEPs, activity logs, correspondence, memos, treatment plans, Medicaid billings, reports, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities, providing written reference and/or conveying information.

• Procures and/or fabricates adaptive assistive technology for the purpose of meeting student needs.

• Provides direct occupational therapy service for the purpose of developing students daily living skills in compliance with established goals and objectives.

• Researches resources and methods (e.g. intervention and treatment techniques, assessment tools and methods, community resources, etc.) for the purpose of determining the appropriate approach for addressing students' functional goals.

• Responds to inquiries (e.g. parents, teachers, staff, students, etc.) for the purpose of providing information and/or referral as appropriate.

• Schedules student's therapy services for the purpose of making necessary arrangements and ensuring IEP goals are met.

• Supervises the work of assigned COTAs for the purpose of providing guidance and ensuring that program objectives are achieved.

• Transports supplies and equipment to a variety of sites for the purpose of ensuring the availability of items as needed.

Other Functions

• Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications

SKILLS are required to perform multiple, highly complex, technical tasks with a need to periodically upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: applying assessment instruments; operating equipment used in occupational therapy strategies; operating standard office equipment including pertinent computer software and preparing and maintaining accurate records.

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform algebra and/or geometry; review and interpret highly technical information, write technical materials, and/or speak persuasively to implement desired actions; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions. Specific knowledge-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: age-appropriate activities; concepts of grammar and punctuation; health standards and hazards; safety practices and procedures; stages of child development; abnormal development and medical diagnoses related to special Education funding categories; current OT treatment interventions; and pertinent codes, policies, regulations and/or laws.

ABILITY is required to schedule activities, meetings, and/or events; gather, collate, and/or classify data; and consider a number of factors when using the equipment. Flexibility is required to independently work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined but different processes, and operate equipment using a variety of standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a significant diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with data of widely varied types and/or purposes, and utilize a variety of job-related equipment. Independent problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans. Problem-solving with data requires independent interpretation of guidelines, and problem-solving with equipment is significant. Specific ability-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adapting to changing work priorities; communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; meeting deadlines and schedules; working as part of a team; working with detailed information/data; maintaining effective working relationships, and translating therapy data into meaningful educational activities.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision using standardized practices and/or methods; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; and operating within a defined budget. The utilization of some resources from other work units is often required to perform the job's functions. There is a continual opportunity to impact the organization's services.

Working Environment

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: significant lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; significant stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally, the job requires 60% sitting, 20% walking, and 20% standing. The job is performed under some temperature extremes and in a generally hazard-free environment.

Experience Job-related experience within a specialized field is required.

Education Masters degree in job-related area.

Equivalency None Specified

Required Testing

None Specified

Continuing Educ. / Training 20 Units of Continuing Education every 2 years for State license

FLSA Status

Hourly for Summer School
Certificates & Licenses

Missouri State Occupational Therapy License

Valid Driver's License & Evidence of Insurability

Clearances

Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background