Job Title:  Occupational Therapist

Student Load: Pre-K through High School

BASIC FUNCTION

Provide assessments and therapy to students who have a variety of disabilities that may require specially designed instruction; determine eligibility for services and therapy; support the transition of students through the educational system.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Accept and process referrals; administer and interpret diagnostic tests; evaluate results and determine primary disability; communicate related information to the individualized education plan (IEP) team.

Consult with parents, teachers, and administrators regarding the needs of students; serve as a member of the IEP team and other special groups as appropriate.

Prepare appropriate plans for students who meet criteria for services; prepare diagnostic reports; facilitate referrals to other agencies, clinics or resources when necessary.  Promote independence in activities of daily living (including dressing and feeding)

Collaborate and prepare modifications and recommendations for students who have not qualified for services; monitor, facilitate and re-evaluate student progress.

Implement effective remediation strategies and behavioral management techniques to individuals enrolled in therapy; collaborate with general and special education teachers to provide classroom intervention.

Drive a vehicle to provide services in the home or private schools, etc.

Provide training to classroom teachers and instructional assistants to expand therapy in the classroom setting.

Assist in the evaluation of overall service effectiveness; communicate service needs to immediate supervisor and district administrators as appropriate.

Develop, organize and maintain records as required by law.

Establish and maintain positive relationships with district and county personnel, parents, students and community members.

OTHER DUTIES:

Attend and participate in professional group meetings; attend workshops, conferences and classes to increase professional knowledge; update knowledge of current trends and developments in the area of assignments.

Perform related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

KNOWLEDGE OF:

Remediation strategies and behavior management techniques.

Instructional terminology, program philosophies, concepts, materials, methods and procedures.

Proper administration, evaluation and interpretation of diagnostic test and measurements.

Principals of child development.

Community agencies and referral sources.

Laws, rules and regulations related to assigned activities.

Record keeping and report writing techniques.

Organizational operations, policies and objectives.

Technical aspects of field of specialty.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Any combination equivalent to: Degree in Occupational Therapy.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Valid Arizona Teaching Credential for Occupational Therapy.

Valid State driver’s license and Fingerprint/IVP Card.

WORKING CONDITIONS

ENVIRONMENT:

Indoor and outdoor work environment.

Driving a vehicle to conduct work.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard.

Seeing to monitor children read a variety of materials.

Hearing and speaking to exchange information.

Bending at the waist, kneeling or crouching to assist children.

Sitting or standing for extended periods of time.

EVALUATION

Job performance will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board's policy on Evaluation of Professional Staff Personnel.