POSITION TITLE: Occupational Therapist

QUALIFICATIONS: Valid State of Ohio Teaching License and Occupational Therapy License

REPORTS TO: Disrector of Special Services

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Pay and benefits provided according to the Teacher’s Negotiated Agreement.

JOB GOAL: Provides evaluations and therapeutic interventions to help students identified by an Intervention Assistance Team as having a disability achieve maximum benefit from the educational program. Encourages parental involvement

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Performs evaluations (i.e., screenings and assessments). Evaluates the needs of students based on all available information.

• Works with staff and parents to prepare and implement Individualized Education Plans (IEP) for identified students.

• Develops a therapy schedule. Complies with state model policies and procedures for the education of students identified as having a disability. Works with staff to ensure that services are provided in the least restrictive educational environment.

• Upholds board policies and follows administrative guidelines and procedures.

• Encourages community/school partnerships that enhance the district’s operational effectiveness.

• Requisitions program supplies. Sets up equipment. Promotes the proper use and care of school property.

• Oversees the cleaning, repair, and replacement of therapy equipment. Follows standard sanitation procedures to maintain a clean program environment. Ensures that supplies and equipment are stored properly

• Follows safety precautions when using therapeutic techniques and treatments.

• Provides activities for students to increase strength, dexterity, coordination, and endurance skills. Positions students. Teaches students daily living skills and methods to manage their environment.

• Provides instructions in the use and care of assistive technology and/or augmentative devices.

• Implements effective pupil management procedures. Maintains high standards and upholds the student conduct code.
• Collaborates with staff to implement behavior improvement plans. Counsels students to acknowledge and manage responsible personal conduct. Charts behavior as required.
• Develops and maintains a positive learning environment. Helps staff, families, and students understand therapy goals and how they relate to the educational program.
• Provides guidance, communicates high expectations, and shows an active interest in student progress. Facilitates critical-thinking, problem-solving, and creativity skills.
• Collaborates with teachers. Shares knowledge and resources that enhance student learning.
• Maintains written lesson plans to address student needs.
• Helps students take full advantage of the learning environment or adapts the setting to meet student needs. (e.g., access and proximity to activities, use of adaptive equipment, etc.).
• Documents therapy progress. Submits reports on time.
• Respects personal privacy. Maintains the confidentiality of privileged information.
• Consults with parents as needed (e.g., telephone calls, messages, meeting, etc.).
• Uses support personnel to address student concerns (e.g., excessive absences, at risk behavior, mental/physical health, family/peer relations. etc.).
• Takes precautions to ensure staff/student safety. Does not leave students unsupervised.
• Reports evidence of suspected child abuse and neglect as required by law.
• Supports a full range of educational options. Helps staff resolve problems related to the participation of students with disabilities in appropriate peer group activities.
• Works with community services associated with students’ programs (e.g., court systems, law enforcement, health care facilities, child welfare services, etc.).
• Schedules home visits when appropriate to support therapy goals. Provides families information about proper techniques to assist with therapy exercises at home.
• Follows end of year IEP close out procedures.
• Participates in parent conferences, open houses, and other required events when appropriate.
• Participates in staff meetings and professional growth opportunities.
• Accepts personal responsibility for decisions and conduct.
• Wears appropriate work attire and maintains a professional demeanor.
• Strives to develop rapport and serves as a positive role model for others.

• Performs other specific job-related duties as directed..

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Abide by state statutes, school board policies and regulations.
• Attend meetings and performs duties as assigned by administrators or supervisors.
• Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and correct records as required by law, district policy and administrative regulation.
• Serve on committees as assigned.
• Remain current on instructional practices in education. (e.g. instructional technology)