TITLE: Occupational Therapist

REPORTS TO: Director of Exceptional Student Services

FLSA: Exempt

GRADE: Occupational Therapist Salary Schedule

WORK CALENDAR: 197

FTE: 1.0

REVISED DATE:

SUMMARY: Develops, plans and implements appropriate therapeutic programs for identified students in the district.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Participates in the Early Intervention team process as appropriate. Assists teachers in observing and describing concerns regarding impairments.
2. Conducts screening and assessments, interprets results to teacher and parents, and writes appropriate recommendation reports. Validates outside diagnostic evaluations and program recommendations.
3. Develops, implements, and monitors IEPs for all students eligible for occupational therapy services.
4. Provides direct services to student as indicated on specific IEP's.
5. Recommends and assists with procurement of therapeutic equipment and materials, based on student needs and designs specialized equipment as needed.
6. Plans, conducts and/or participates in in-service activities in the area of occupational therapy.
7. Consults with school staff, parents and agencies regarding student needs, progress, and instructional modifications.
8. Directs activities of teachers, assigned COTA or aide, and classroom aide, as possible.
9. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with school, central office based staff and parents.
10. Communicates effectively, both orally and in written form.
11. Participates in professional growth activities.
12. Establishes and maintains good rapport with students, employees, community members and vendors.
13. Maintains a high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality.
14. Performs other job related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

To perform the job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The qualifications for this job description are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education:

• Current Arizona Occupational Therapist License
• Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card.
• Bachelor of Science in a major field of occupational therapy. Masters preferred.
• Completion of six months of supervised clinical affiliations.
• Two years pediatric clinical experience or elementary school experience preferred.
• Sensory Integration Certification preferred; good knowledge of medical/surgical/pediatric information and indications for occupational therapy treatment.

Computer Skills:

• Demonstrated competency in computer applications such as Word, Excel, Outlook, and typing.

Communication Skills:

• Ability to read and interpret general documents such as employee handbooks and safety/training manuals.
• Ability to write general correspondence and speak effectively with others.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills in dealing with students, staff and community.

Math Ability:

• Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals.

Reasoning Ability:

• Ability to interpret assortment of instructions furnished in variable forms.
• Ability to apply reason to research and solve moderately complex issues with little or no assistance.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representatives of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, employee is frequently required to sit, talk, and hear. The employee will stand and walk, bend, raise arms and lift up to 50 pounds. The employee will need to demonstrate movement patterns. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms. Employee will frequently interact with the public and other staff members. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is moderate.

The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed by this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.

The Dysart Unified School District is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Civil Rights Act Title VII of 1972, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. Dysart Unified School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability or age in employment or in any of its educational programs or in the provisions of benefits and services to students.